Athlete’s foot is caused by fungi that grow on the skin, especially when feet stay warm and damp. The fungi can spread through direct contact with an infected person or through contaminated floors, towels, socks, and shoes. Sweaty feet, tight or closed footwear, staying in wet socks, and small breaks in the skin make infection more likely. Anyone can get it, not only athletes.
What actually causes athlete's foot?
Athlete’s foot, medically known as tinea pedis, is a fungal infection of the skin on the feet. It is caused by fungi called dermatophytes, which can also cause ringworm on other parts of the body and jock itch in the groin. These fungi grow in warm, moist environments, making the skin around the toes a common place for infection to develop.
According to the Mayo Clinic, the fungi responsible for athlete’s foot can grow in damp places such as sweaty socks, shoes, and wet towels. The infection develops when these fungi grow on the skin. Heat and moisture create favorable conditions for fungal growth, while contact with the fungi provides an opportunity for infection.
How does athlete's foot spread?
The fungi that cause athlete’s foot can pass from one person to another or spread through contaminated objects and surfaces. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the same group of fungi that causes ringworm can cause athlete’s foot, and these fungi can spread through contact with infected skin, shared towels, and contaminated surfaces.
Common ways the fungi may reach the feet include:
- Walking barefoot in shared wet areas: Shower floors, swimming pool areas, and communal changing rooms may carry fungi left by an infected person.
- Sharing personal items: Towels, socks, and shoes can transfer fungi between people.
- Direct skin contact: Touching infected skin can expose another person to the fungi.
- Contact with contaminated surfaces: Fungi can remain on objects and surfaces, providing another route of exposure.
Exposure does not guarantee that an infection will develop. However, the chance of infection may increase when the fungi reach skin that stays damp or has small areas of damage.
Why do warm, sweaty feet increase the risk?
Moisture plays an important role in athlete’s foot because the fungi thrive in warm, damp conditions. Shoes that trap heat and sweat can keep the feet moist for long periods, particularly when worn throughout the day or during exercise. Socks that remain wet after sweating can add to this problem, especially when the feet do not have enough time to dry.
The Cleveland Clinic explains that athlete’s foot commonly spreads through contact with infected skin or contaminated objects and that the warm, moist environment inside socks and shoes supports fungal growth. Wearing enclosed footwear does not automatically cause an infection, but it can create conditions that make fungal growth easier after exposure.
What other factors make athlete's foot more likely?
Several everyday circumstances can increase the likelihood of developing athlete’s foot. MedlinePlus, a service of the US National Library of Medicine, identifies prolonged dampness, heavy sweating, closed footwear, and minor skin or nail injuries as factors that can raise the risk.
- Frequent sweating: Sweat can keep the skin inside socks and shoes damp, particularly during physical activity or in hot weather.
- Wearing closed shoes for long periods: Footwear that limits ventilation can retain heat and moisture.
- Keeping wet socks on: Socks that remain damp after exercise, work, or exposure to water may prolong moisture around the skin.
- Small cuts or damaged skin: Minor breaks in the skin or nail area can make fungal infection more likely.
- Using shared facilities barefoot: Communal showers, changing rooms, and pool areas can expose the feet to fungi.
- Sharing towels, socks, or footwear: These items may carry fungi from someone who has an infection.
These factors do not mean that an infection will necessarily occur. Rather, they increase opportunities for exposure or create conditions that favor fungal growth. A person may develop athlete’s foot even when they wash regularly and take care of their feet.
Can you get athlete's foot if you are not an athlete?
Yes. Despite its name, athlete’s foot is not limited to people who play sports. Athletes may encounter risk factors such as sweaty footwear, shared changing rooms, and communal showers, but similar exposures occur in everyday life. Anyone who comes into contact with the fungi may develop an infection, especially when the feet remain warm and damp.
According to the UK National Health Service (NHS), athlete’s foot can spread through contact with infected skin or by walking barefoot in places such as changing rooms and showers. Wet or sweaty feet and damaged skin can further increase the likelihood of infection.
Can athlete's foot spread to other parts of the body?
Yes. The fungi may spread from the feet to other areas of the body. For example, transferring fungi from the feet to the groin or other skin areas through contaminated hands or towels can lead to infection in those locations. The fungi can also affect the toenails. Using a separate towel for the feet, washing shared items appropriately, and avoiding unnecessary contact with affected skin can help reduce the chance of spreading the infection.
When should you seek medical advice?
Skin changes on the feet can have causes other than fungal infection, so appearance alone may not establish the cause. A healthcare professional can assess the skin and, when needed, examine a skin sample to check for fungi. Seek professional advice if symptoms persist, worsen, or do not improve with appropriate care. Assessment is particularly important for people with diabetes or a weakened immune system. A hot, painful, swollen foot, pus, or fever warrants prompt medical evaluation because these may indicate a more serious infection.