DefinitionAthlete's foot is an infection of the feet caused by fungus. The medical term is tinea pedis. Athlete's foot may last for a short or long time and may come back after treatment.Alternative NamesTinea pedis; Fungal infection - feet; Tinea of the foot; Infection - fungal - feet; Ringworm - footCauses, incidence, and risk factorsThe body normally hosts a variety of microorganisms, including bacteria and fungi. Some of these are useful to the body. Others may, under certain conditions, multiply rapidly and cause infections. Athlete's foot occurs when a particular type of fungus grows and multiplies in your feet (especially between your toes) or, less commonly, your hands.Of the fungal infections known as tinea infections, Athlete's foot is the most common. It may occur at the same ti