Athlete's foot

ARTICLE SECTIONS

Definition
Symptoms
Causes
Risk factors
Complications

Preparing for your appointment
Tests and diagnosis
Treatments and drugs
Lifestyle and home remedies
Prevention

Definition

Athlete's foot is a fungal infection that develops in the moist areas between your toes and sometimes on other parts of your foot. Athlete's foot usually causes itching, stinging and burning.

Also called tinea pedis, athlete's foot is closely related to other fungal infections with similar names, which include:

Ringworm of the body (tinea corporis). This form causes a red, scaly ring or circle of rash on the top layer of your skin.
Jock itch (tinea cruris). This form affects your genitals, inner upper thighs and buttocks.
Ringworm of the scalp (tinea capitis). This form is most common in children and involves red, itchy patches on the scalp, leaving bald patches.

Symptoms