Athlete’s foot is a common skin infection usually occurring between the toes or on the soles of the feet. The foot provides the best environment for this fungus because it is usually in a dark, damp area without much ventilation. Encyclopedia.com defines athlete’s foot or tinea pedis as; “superficial eruption of the skin caused by a fungus, chiefly Microsporum, Trichophyton, or Epidermophyton. Any area of the skin may be affected, including the scalp and nails, but the common site is the feet. That disorder is often called athlete’s foot in the belief that the infection is contracted during the use of communal shower facilities. Actually, fungi are present on the bodies of most persons, but some individuals are more resistant to fungi invasion than others. Moreover, a prolonged moist airless condition caused by excessive perspiration may subject a formerly resistant person to fungus invasion.

Ringworm infection causes dry, scaly patches or blisterlike elevations, usually with burning or itching. Griseofulvin, a modified form of penicillin, is effective against scalp infection, but ineffective against foot fungi. In mild cases of athlete’s foot, often the only treatment is to keep the feet scrupulously dry. In more consistent cases local antifungal ointments and soaks are recommended.” Fungi or bacteria are present on most people’s bodies throughout.

In order for bacteria to survive, grow and spread there are certain conditions that must be present. The area must be damp, dark, warm, and they must have something to feed on. Because of these conditions areas such as the feet and underarms are perfect sites for bacteria and fungus to grow. Sweat acts as the food which fungi eat and survive off of. The feet provide an easy target for athlete’s foot. Athlete’s foot may last for short or long periods of time and can be reoccurring in many cases.