Can Athlete's Foot Spread?

Content provided by the Faculty of the Harvard Medical School

Can Athlete's Foot Spread?

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Question:

Is it possible for athlete's foot fungus to spread to any other body parts?

Answer:

Athlete's foot, or "tinea pedis," is most often caused by a fungus called Trichophyton rubrum. Other types of fungus that can cause athlete's foot include Epidermophyton floccosum and Trichophyton mentagrophytes. These fungi invade the superficial layers of skin and cause scaling, redness, and itching.

The fungus that causes athlete's foot can be spread to other superficial layers of skin, although the fungus prefers warm, moist areas such as feet and inner thighs. Breaks in the skin and chafed areas also create favorable environments for fungal infection. It is rare to see the fungus infect areas that contain many sebaceous (oil) glands such as the face.

If you have athlete's foot that persists despite treatment with an over-the-counter antifungal cream, be sure to see a doctor for treatment.

Rebecca Campen, M.D., J.D. is an Assistant Professor of Dermatology at Harvard Medical School. She divides her time between clinical practice of dermatology at the Massachusetts General Hospital and private practice in Savannah, Ga.

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Last updated:	July 20, 2009

Medical content reviewed by the Faculty of the Harvard Medical School. Harvard Health Publications, Copyright © 2007 by President and Fellows of Harvard College. All rights reserved. Used with permission of StayWell.

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