Can athlete's foot infect other parts of the body?

BRY2K

Yes, it can. Athlete's foot, or tinea pedis, is a common skin infection that is caused by a fungus , a plant-like microorganism too small to be seen by the naked eye. This fungus eats old skin cells. And plenty of them can be found on the feet! Athlete's foot may spread to other parts of your foot, including your toenails. It can also infect other parts of the body — such as the groin (commonly called jock itch) and underarms — but only if someone scratches the infection and touches these places. http://kidshealth.org/kid/health_problems/skin/athletes_foot.html Jul 27 08, 8:02 PM

zbeckabee

Transmission from person to person -- Athlete's foot is caused by a parasitic fungus and is a communicable disease. It is typically transmitted in moist environments where people walk barefoot, such as showers, bath houses, and locker rooms. It can also be transmitted by sharing footwear with an infected person, or less commonly, by sharing towels with an infected person. Transmission to other parts of the body -- The various parasitic fungi that cause athlete's foot can also cause skin infections on other areas of the body, most often under toenails (Onychomycosis) or on the groin (tinea cruris). http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Athlete%27s_foot#Transmission Jul 27 08, 8:19 PM