What Is Athlete’s Foot And Why Do I Have It?
Bacteria and fungi are present on the skin of the foot; most of which are harmless.
This is the case for everyone, yet in some conditions, these organisms can multiply causing a fungal infection, such as Athlete’s Foot.
Where does the name come from?
One of the most common misperceptions of Athlete’s Foot is that only athletes can contract it. This is not necessarily true.
But why is it known as Athlete’s Foot? Well, the fungus that causes the infection can be found in areas where athletes often reside; swimming pools, public showers, and locker rooms. People walk barefoot on these surfaces transferring the fungus onto their feet.
Fungi
Fungi are organisms that survive by feeding off broken-down tissue, including that of humans.
In the case of Athlete’s Foot, it is caused by a particular group of fungi called dermatophytes. Your feet provide the ideal living conditions for these fungi to live and grow; warm, dark and humid – thus being found in areas such as swimming pools and locker rooms.
Dermatophytes cause infections in areas such as the nails, outer layers of the skin, scalp and hair. The main groups of fungi that cause fungal infections such as athlete’s foot are:
Can Athlete’s Foot be avoided?
First of all, avoid those with it. When I say avoid, I don’t mean block their calls and change the locks – Athlete’s Foot is a contagious fungal infection, it can be spread through direct and indirect contact. For example:
Direct Contact
Skin-to-skin contact; someone may develop the infection if they touch your affected skin and do not wash their hands afterwards. Or a game of flirtatious footsy could do it.
Indirect Contact
The fungi could be passed via contaminated towels, bed sheets and clothing.
About the Author: Maria Bantellis is a health writer on fungal conditions answering common questions such as ‘What is Athlete’s Foot?
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