Athlete’s foot, or tinea pedis, is a contagious fungal infection that mainly affects the skin on the feet. It is highly transmissible and can spread through direct contact with an infected person, contact with contaminated surfaces, or through sharing contaminated items such as towels or shoes.
The fungus that causes athlete’s foot can survive on warm, moist surfaces, making it easy to spread in public places such as locker rooms, swimming pools, and showers. It can also be spread through direct contact between people, such as when a person touches the feet or shoes of an infected person.
Athlete’s foot can also be spread from person to person indirectly, such as when an infected person touches a surface and another person touches the same surface. The fungus can survive on surfaces for up to 48 hours, making it easy to transfer from one person to another.
To help prevent the spread of athlete’s foot, it is important to practice good hygiene. This includes washing and thoroughly drying the feet regularly, changing socks frequently, wearing shower shoes in public places, and avoiding sharing personal items such as towels and shoes. If you suspect you have athlete’s foot, it is important to see a doctor as soon as possible to get properly diagnosed and treated.