Athlete's foot is a fungal infection that affects the top layer of the skin.
Athlete's foot is usually caused by a fungus called Trichophyton. It is a common condition that affects some people more than others. The infection is generally limited to the top layer of skin.
Sometimes this condition becomes so uncomfortable that the person cannot perform his or her daily routine. If the infection causes skin breakdown, a bacterial infection can result. Bacterial infection can be very harmful, and sometimes, life threatening.