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In the United States, athlete's foot is the most common infection caused by a fungus.

About 1 in 10 adults have it at any one time.^{1 2} And nearly everybody gets it at least once in their life.³

Adults are more likely than children to get athlete's foot.⁴ And men get it more often than women. We don't know why.^{1 2}

You're more likely to get athlete's foot in the winter because you wear shoes that cover your feet.⁵ This may make them warm and sweaty. And the types of fungus that cause athlete's foot grow well in places that are warm and damp.

This information is for educational use only, and is not a substitute for prompt professional medical advice. Readers should always consult a physician or other professional for advice and treatment. ©BMJ Publishing Group Limited 2008. All rights reserved.