Definition of Athlete's foot
Athlete's foot: A skin infection caused by a fungus
called
Trichophyton which can thrive and infect the upper layer of the skin
when the feet (or
other areas of the body) remain moist, warm, and irritated. The
fungus can be found on
floors and in socks and clothing and can be spread from person to
person by contact with
these objects. However, without proper growing conditions (a warm,
moist environment), the
fungus will not infect the skin. For more information, see: Athlete's Foot.
Last Editorial Review: 7/8/2004
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