Overview
Tinea pedis is the medical term for athlete's foot, a very common fungal infection of the skin of the foot. Tinea infections, in general, are often called ringworm, though there is no worm involved in the infection; the name comes from the fungus that infects the skin, causing ring-shaped lesions to grow. Athlete's foot is harmless but very bothersome; it is usually quite itchy, and the affected skin may also burn and peel. The space between the toes is commonly affected and becomes red and often peels and itches; when the bottom of the foot is affected it may be less itchy but may form a tough, leathery skin.
Athlete's foot is named because it is acquired from contact with dark, moist places common to athletes, such as sneakers and locker room floors. Athlete's foot is contagious. The best way to avoid getting athlete's foot is to keep the feet dry at all times and to avoid the surfaces that the fungus lives on. The fungus can also be acquired from contaminated soil or animals.
