Athlete's foot, or tinea pedis, is a fungal infection of the foot affecting more than 26 million Americans, or one out of 10 people, every year. As much as 75 percent of the U.S. population will experience its irritating symptoms at some point in their lives. Athlete's foot affects people differently. In some, the skin between the third, fourth and fifth toes becomes white, moist and can be easily rubbed off. Sometimes there is a red, dry, flaky quality to the skin.
Most people complain of intense itching, blisters and cracking.
A large percentage of sufferers are men between the ages of 25-54. Athlete's foot can spread from one person to the next. A common way to contract athlete's foot is walking barefoot on contaminated surfaces, such as in public or home bathrooms, swimming pools or locker rooms. Also, sharing bath mats and showers with someone who is infected should be avoided. Poor hygiene, friction from shoes that fit too tightly, prolonged moist skin in hot weather and minor skin injuries also increase susceptibility.