Athletes Foot (Tinea)

Athlete’s foot is a skin disease caused by fungus.  It is a form of tinea that is characterised by dry, itchy, scaly skin either on the soles of the feet or between the toes (particularly the smallest toes).

Feet provide the perfect environment for fungal growth, that being warmth, humidity and darkness.  Moist environments around pools and in showers and locker rooms facilitate fungal transfer between people.

Athlete’s Foot can lead to fungal infection in other body regions, either by scratching and direct transfer to other body parts, or through contaminated bed sheets.