What type of fungus causes athlete’s foot?

　　Athlete’s foot, commonly known as “rotten feet,” is a fungal skin infection with a relatively high clinical incidence. Many individuals develop athlete’s foot unknowingly, which can adversely affect their daily life and work. To treat athlete’s foot effectively, it is essential to understand its underlying causes. So, what type of fungus causes athlete’s foot?

　　What Fungus Causes Athlete’s Foot?

　　Athlete’s foot—also termed tinea pedis—is a superficial fungal infection of the skin, primarily caused by dermatophytes invading the skin of the feet. This includes infections affecting the toes, heels, lateral margins of the feet, and the soles. The most common causative fungi are *Trichophyton rubrum*, *Trichophyton mentagrophytes*, and *Microsporum gypseum*. Transmission typically occurs via direct contact, scratching affected areas with bare hands, or sharing footwear, towels, or foot basins with infected individuals.

　　Following infection, symptoms such as vesicles (small blisters) and scaling (peeling skin) may appear; in severe cases, maceration and erosion may develop. As athlete’s foot is contagious, thorough handwashing after foot hygiene is mandatory. Avoid sharing personal items—including towels, footwear, or foot basins—to prevent transmission to others. Wearing cotton socks is recommended. Individuals who are overweight are more susceptible due to prolonged moisture and sweat accumulation between the toes. Additionally, any trauma or breach in the skin barrier compromises the foot’s natural defense mechanisms and thus increases the risk of infection.

　　Patients are advised to change socks frequently, wear well-ventilated footwear, and minimize foot washing to maintain skin dryness. We hope this information proves helpful.