The best-known fungal skin infection is athlete'* foot. It infects approximately 10 percent of the United States population. It is most common among adolescents and adults; however, it may affect people of any age.
*Athlete' foot can grow on the feet in different forms, including the following:**
Interdigital: Infection occurs between the toes, with scaling, fissuring, or softened skin.
Moccasin: The fungi grows as a thick scaling over the entire sole of the foot (like a moccasin) and causes discomfort.
Vesicular: The fungi appear as small, itchy blisters near the instep.
Ulcerative: The infection involves peeling, oozing discharge, and a strong odor that usually starts as red, itchy swelling between the toes.
A good way to combat athlete' foot is to keep feet clean and dry. Topical powders or creams may also help to control infection. Unfortunately, athlete' foot is tough to eliminate and often comes back.
