A Close Look at the Cause of Athlete’s Foot

Athlete’s foot is medically known as tinea pedis. The cause of athlete’s foot has been described by many names. It is a pathogen, a microorganism, a dermatophyte, and a fungus. All these names are correct. A pathogen is anything that causes disease. The cause of athlete’s foot can be called a pathogen because it creates a diseased condition, which is obviously athlete’s foot.

A microorganism is an organism that could be seen only through a powerful microscope. The cause of athlete’s foot is certainly considered as a microorganism because it could not be seen by the naked eye. If the cause of athlete’s foot can be seen by the naked eye, then it would have been easier to avoid having athlete’s foot. This microorganism was first discovered in 1910 and further studies showed that it has a strong ability to adapt to human skin, making it a strong parasite.

A dermatophyte is any pathogen that attacks the skin. There are thousands of dermatophytes that attack the human skin. The cause of athlete’s foot is classified as a dermatophyte because it attaches itself to the skin on the foot, where it establishes its colonies. The athlete’s foot may also spread to other parts of the body that are covered with skin, such as the groin, the armpits, and the hands. However, the cause of athlete’s foot may also infect the toenails, which does not look like skin at all. In this case, it is more appropriate to describe the cause of athlete’s foot as a pathogenic microorganism and not just a simple dermatophyte.

And finally, fungus (plural form is fungi) is a plant-like organism that cannot make their own food through photosynthesis. Fungi include yeasts, molds, and mushrooms. The cause of athlete’s foot is a group of fungi called the Trichophyton. The most common cause of athlete’s foot is the species known as Trichophyton rubrum. But other species, such as Trichophyton interdigitale and Epidermophyton floccosum, have also been found to cause athlete’s foot.

Similar behavior has been discovered linked to certain species of foot fungus infection. All species needed moisture in order to grow. They also needed warm temperatures and dark environments. When all these are present, they feed on the skin causing blisters and bleeding. Fortunately, they are easily destroyed when the moisture is taken away and when anti-fungal creams cover their environments.