Athlete's foot: why are you more at risk in summer?

Some studies suggest that the prevalence of athlete's foot can be around 70% . It is, in fact, one of the most common infections. Although its name may confuse readers, it is a fungal infection that affects the skin.

Also known as tinea pedis, it is notable for being highly contagious. It usually begins between the toes, but can spread to the rest of the foot and jump to the other foot. In some cases, it can even spread to other warm, moist parts of the body. In fact, it can be related to 'ringworm', as the fungus can be transmitted through hands or towels, according to Airam Jenny Dávalos Marín , physician and coordinator of the Dermatology Working Group of the Spanish Society of General and Family Physicians (SEMG) .

In any case, these are " areas that tend to retain moisture, either due to a lack of drying after showering or excessive sweating on the feet. It's also common in people whose feet sweat a lot, especially if they wear tight or plastic shoes, which make it difficult to breathe ," he warns.

In fact, this condition owes its name to "athlete's foot" because it's more common among athletes, precisely because they tend to wear closed-toe shoes and sweaty socks. Interestingly, a 2014 study found it was even more common among soccer players than basketball players.

Mushrooms that are friends of heat and humidity

The appearance of this fungus is thought to be more common in summer, although this has not been scientifically proven. "What is certain is that the heat and humidity common during this season can favor the proliferation of fungi and, therefore, the appearance of fungal infections like this one," says Dávalos Marín.

On the other hand, it's important to keep in mind that infection is transmitted directly from person to person, but also through wet surfaces, such as swimming pools. And during the warmer months, it's more common to have bare feet on wet surfaces and near other bare feet.

Symptoms and asymptomatic

Among the most common symptoms is pruritus or itching, "especially right after taking off shoes and socks," says the family doctor. Added to this is dry, cracked, scaly, and inflamed skin , as well as the appearance of erythematous lesions similar to a scaly rash.

Contagion occurs through direct transmission from person to person and through wet surfaces.

The bad news is that these symptoms don't always appear: one of the interesting things (and complications) about athlete's foot is that up to 20% of carriers are asymptomatic , making it even more contagious. It's more common among men than women and can occur in both children and adults.

Basic precautions

It's important, especially in summer, to " let your feet air out and wear sandals ; in addition to washing and drying them, taking special care of the inside of your toes, that is, the space between your fingers, and changing your socks at least once a day , or more often for those whose feet sweat a lot," says Dávalos Marín.

He also recommends wearing cotton socks, which help keep feet drier than nylon socks; alternating pairs of shoes; and wearing waterproof shoes or sandals in public places such as spas, showers, or gyms. If you suspect this, it's important to see a doctor , who will prescribe pharmacological treatment.