Athlete's foot is an infection caused by dermatophytes, which are parasites on the skin. This is a fungal infection that affects the foot. The fungi responsible for this condition thrive in moist and warm environments and are consequently a greater cause for concern to people who don't dry their feet well or wear tight fitting trainers. The condition is common to both adults and youngsters. Athlete's foot is contagious and can be spread through direct skin contact or even through towels, shoes or floors.
There are some simple measures that you could follow to protect against infection as well as to treat it. Make it a point to wash your feet every day and dry them well before wearing any kind of footwear. Wear cotton socks, and make it a point to change them twice a day or at the slightest sign of dampness. Use an anti fungal powder on your feet and on inside of your shoes as well.
Tea tree oil and vinegar are also extremely effective and you can apply either one to the affected regions of your foot. Apply it to the area that is affected regularly and keep doing this for at least a week even after the infection subsides to avoid a relapse.
answered by G M