Athlete's Foot - What Increases Your Risk
SYMPTOMS & TREATMENTS
Athlete's foot is easily spread (contagious). You can get it by touching the affected area of a person who has it. More commonly, you pick up the fungi from damp, contaminated surfaces, such as the floors in public showers or locker rooms.
Although athlete's foot is contagious, some people are more likely to get it (susceptible) than others. Susceptibility may increase with age. Experts don't know why some people are more likely to get it. After you have had athlete's foot, you are more likely to get it again.
If you aren't susceptible to athlete's foot, you may come in contact with the fungi that cause athlete's foot yet not get an infection. But you can still spread the fungi to others.
Risk factors you cannot change
Risk factors you cannot change include:
- Being male. Men are more susceptible thanwomen.
- Having a history of being susceptible tofungal infections.
- Having animpaired immune system (due to conditions such asdiabetes or cancer).
- Living in a warm,damp climate.
- Aging. Athlete's foot is more common in older adults.Children rarely get it.
Risk factors you can change
Risk factors you can change include:
- Allowing your feet to remaindamp.
- Wearing tight, poorly ventilated shoes.
- Usingpublic or shared showers or locker rooms without wearing showershoes.
- Doing activities that involve being in the water for longperiods of time.
| By: | Healthwise Staff | Last Revised: June 28, 2010 |
| Medical Review: | Kathleen Romito, MD - Family Medicine Randall D. Burr, MD - Dermatology | |
1995-2011 Healthwise, Incorporated. Healthwise, Healthwise for every health decision, and the Healthwise logo are trademarks of Healthwise, Incorporated. This information does not replace the advice of a doctor. Healthwise, Incorporated disclaims any warranty or liability for your use of this information. Your use of this information means that you agree to the Terms of Use. How this information was developed to help you make better health decisions.
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