DermaTechRx Research Center

Ringworm Athlete’s Foot Tinea Pedis

Athlete’s foot is a rash that occurs on the soles of the feet and the skin between the toes. It is the most common fungal infection in the United States and is estimated to affect up to 70% of the world’s population at some time in their life. Ringworm athlete’s foot, tinea pedis in medical terms, is common worldwide in adults of both sexes and all races.  In a study done comparing professional and college soccer players to non-athletes did show that athlete’s foot was notably more common in the soccer players. This infection is not only found in athletes. It is also common in military personnel, boarding school students, and farm workers.

There are three main types of athlete’s foot.  Each type has a different appearance and symptoms, though any two or even all three types may occur together.  Interdigital athlete’s foot is an infection of the web spaces between the toes.  It is most often seen between the 4th and 5th toes. The skin appears moist and waterlogged and is often itchy.  This is the most common kind of athlete’s foot.  It has been found that some people seem to be much more susceptible to athlete’s foot than others.  Even in those who have an otherwise normal immune system. There is a type of immunity known as the innate immune system.  It could be that slight variances in this system may make some people more resistant to athlete’s foot than others. Studies have shown that a protein with antimicrobial properties, known as beta-defensin-2, is elevated in skin from people with athlete’s foot, suggesting that this protein may play a role in host defense against fungus.

Ringworm, athlete’s foot, tinea pedis are all names for this contagious skin infection.  It may be contracted by using locker rooms and communal showers that are teeming with the causative fungi. It is more common in areas of high heat and humidity and in people who wear shoes. It is a fact that in cultures where people go barefoot, athlete’s foot is quite rare.  The fungi that cause athlete’s foot require moisture in order to grow. Feet that spend hours a day confined in shoes provide the damp dark environment needed.  To prevent athlete’s foot be aware of these risk factors, living in a warm humid climate, wearing air-tight shoes, using locker rooms and public showers, having another fungal infection such as jock itch, fungal toenails, or fungal infection of the hand, Immunosuppression and diabetes mellitus.