Fungal InfectionAthlete’s foot is a fungal infection of the skin occurring mostly on the feet. It can be caused by several fungus types, some of them already live on healthy skin but do not become a problem until they multiply. | CausesAn infection usually occurs via contact - walking barefoot in public places like changing rooms, showers and swimming pools are common sites for picking up fungi. Also, the condition of the feet can increase the likelihood of an infection. Fungal infections mostly occur on moist feet, especially between the toes. | Recognise Athlete’s FootYou can easily try to tell if you have Athlete's Foot. Large areas of the skin on the foot are red with a fine powdery scaly coating. The thickness of the sole skin may also increase. Itching and burning are common symptoms, and the skin may peel and appear cracked in some cases. Blisters may develop in rare cases. It may affect either small areas or the whole foot. If you are not sure if it's athlete's foot, remember to always contact your pharmacist or GP. | ImplicationsUntreated athlete’s foot can spread, infect the toenails and even the whole foot. On top of that it is possible that the fungal infection spreads to other parts of the body. |