Health encyclopaedia

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Causes of Athlete's foot

There are several dermatophytes that can cause athletes foot. The most common is trichophyton rubrum. These fungi live on human skin and may be present without you being aware of it. However, under certain conditions the fungi are able to multiply and cause infection, in warm enclosed environments e.g. between your toes.

Athlete’s foot is contagious and can be spread through direct contact through a cut or abrasion of the foot or indirectly through towels, the floor, shoes etc. They thrive in warm, moist conditions and are spread in public showers, swimming pools etc.

 Cracks in the skin sometimes leads to a secondary bacterial infection.

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