Well it’s a popular question and i’m afraid that the answer is yes.  Athletes Foot can be spread through skin-to-skin contact, or by sharing towels.  It was thought that you could get athletes foot by walking bare foot in areas like swimming pools and gymnasiums, but it is now known, that this while still possible, is highly unlikely.

So what is athletes foot?  The medical term is tinea pedis, and it is a relatively harmless infection that lives in moist damp dark conditions, such as sweaty socks and smelly feet.  Athletes foot symptoms include peeling of the skin in between the toes and may sometimes appear as scaling or blistering on the sole of side of your feet.  It generally does not cause pain  or itching, but if left untreated it can lead to more serious problems.

So whats the cure for athletes foot?  You may have heard of a number of home remedies such as tea tree oil or vinegar as a treatment for athletes foot, but I would recommend you see your pharmacists for an over the counter cream or powder.  Remember it is important that you treat the area for a further week after the infection has cleared up.

Also, to help prevent athletes foot returning, make sure you always dry your feet thoroughly, taking care to dry between your toes.  Weat correctly fitted footwear, that allow for ventilation, or in warm weather wear sandals or go barefoot!  Change your socks at least once a day and alternate your shoes to allow them to dry out.