Is athlete's foot contagious?

A: Athlete's foot is contagious. In fact it is known as athlete's foot because it is often spread by walking barefoot on locker room floors. The fungus is resilient and can infest floors, showers, and carpeting. It is found in health clubs, YMCA's, pool decks, and hotels. Any high traffic public place is where you will find fungus.

Fungus is an opportunist, meaning it will infect if given the opportunity. Lucky for fungus, the opportunity is ever-present. The skin on the feet have a tendency to dry and crack. This provides an easy entrance for that fungus to infect. This is true whether the fungus is living in the shoe or if it from the floor of the gym locker room. By wearing protective footwear in such places, and keeping your feet moisturizer and healthy, you can drastically reduce the possibility of catching an Athlete's foot infection.

Tanglewood Foot Specialists

1011 Augusta Dr. Suite 202

Houston, TX 77057

713-785-7881

Houston foot & ankle specialist Dr. Andrew Schneider offers sports podiatry, diabetic foot care, and treatment and surgery of all foot and ankle problems to residents of Houston Texas and surrounding areas. Contact us today for an immediate appointment.