Causes of Athlete’s Foot
Athlete’s foot is caused by fungi called dermatophytes, which live on skin, nails, and hair. These fungi thrive in warm, damp environments, especially in enclosed footwear or communal spaces. Read more about the causes of athlete’s foot below.
Common causes:
- Walking barefoot in public showers or around pools
- Wearing tight or non-breathable shoes
- Sharing socks, shoes, or towels
- Excessive sweating (hyperhidrosis)
- Poor foot hygiene or infrequent drying of feet
People with diabetes, weakened immune systems, or a history of fungal infections are more prone. In South Africa’s warm climate, it’s easy to become infected and reinfected without proper care.
The infection is highly contagious and can spread through direct contact or contaminated surfaces. Reinfection is common if hygiene habits or footwear aren’t improved.
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