Athlete’s foot (also called tinea pedis or foot ringworm) is a contagious infection of the foot caused by a microscopic fungus called a dermatophyte that lives on the dead tissues of the hair, nails, and the outer skin layers. These fungi usually affect the spaces between the toes, but can also spread to the soles and sides of the feet, and the toenails. It can also infect other parts of the body, such as the groin (called jock itch), scalp, underarms, and hands (usually fingers and palms).
