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Athlete's Foot Causes

Athlete's foot was relatively uncommon in humans before we began wearing shoes. It is now found frequently in adolescents and adults.

A fungus known as a dermatophyte causes athlete's foot.

• This fungus can be contracted by sharing the shoes of an infected person.

• It needs a warm moist environment to flourish and has been found growing on the floors of locker rooms and public showers and in swimming pools and whirlpools.

• The fungus can also be transmitted by contact with pets who carry it on their fur.