Some individuals may experience an allergic response to the fungus called an id reaction in which blisters or vesicles can appear in areas such as the hands, chest, and arms. Treatment of the underlying infection typically results in the disappearance of the id reaction. Causes
Athletes foot is a form of dermatophytosis (fungal infection of the skin), caused by dermatophytes, fungi (most of which are mold) which inhabit dead layers of skin and digest keratin. Dermatophytes are anthropophilic, meaning these parasitic fungi prefer human hosts. Athletes foot is most commonly caused by the molds known as Trichophyton rubrum and T. mentagrophytes, but may also be caused by Epidermophyton floccosum. Most cases of athletes foot in the general population are caused by T. rubrum; however, the majority of athletes foot cases in athletes are caused by T. mentagrophytes. Transmission
According to the UKs National Health Service, "Athletes foot is very contagious and can be spread through direct and indirect contact." The disease may spread to others directly when they touch the infection. People can contract the disease indirectly by coming into contact with contaminated items (clothes, towels, etc.) or surfaces (such as bathroom, shower, or locker room floors). The fungi that cause athletes foot can easily spread to ones environment. Fungi rub off of fingers and bare feet, but also travel on the dead skin cells that continually fall off the body.
Epidemiology
Globally, fungal infections affect about 15% of the population and 20% of adults. Athletes foot is common in individuals who wear unventilated (occlusive) footwear, such as rubber boots or vinyl shoes. Countries and regions where going barefoot is more common experience much lower rates of athletes foot than do populations which habitually wear shoes; as a result, the disease has been called "a penalty of civilization". Studies have demonstrated that men are infected 2–4 times more often than women. See also
Toenail fungus, tinea unguium, an infection affecting the toenails
Trench foot, due to moisture and decay

References
External links
 Media related to Athletes foot at Wikimedia Commons
"Athletes Foot". MedlinePlus. U.S. National Library of Medicine.