Is foot fungus contagious?

Yes, foot fungus is contagious!

Foot fungus is an unpleasant but widespread infection. It is caused by certain fungi that have adapted to the conditions on and in the top layer of skin. Fungal infections can be transmitted from person to person. In addition, the fungi are particularly common in warm, humid places, such as swimming pools and saunas. The risk of infection is particularly high in these "barefoot areas". To reduce this, it is important to reduce the risk factors and strengthen the skin's natural protective function.

Foot fungus is a fungal infection that affects the skin on the feet. The skin areas between the toes and the soles of the feet are particularly affected. The most common pathogen causing athlete's foot is the skin fungus Trichophyton rubrum, but the yeast Candida albicans can also be responsible. It is estimated that around one in three people in Germany is affected by athlete's foot. The risk of infection increases when the skin's natural barrier is weakened, for example due to moisture, which causes the skin to swell, or due to dryness, which causes cracks.

Foot fungus is caused by fungal spores. These feel particularly at home in warm and humid places, such as swimming pools, saunas or shower areas. Normally, our skin barrier provides natural protection against fungal infections. However, fungal spores can penetrate the skin if the natural skin protection function is impaired, for example due to dryness and cracks.

Foot fungus can be transmitted in various ways, so it is important to know the transmission routes in order to avoid infection. Transmission is particularly common in warm and humid environments such as saunas, swimming pools and communal showers. This is where the fungal spores feel particularly at home. They can also get onto the skin particularly easily here, especially if you walk barefoot.

The transmission routes of foot fungus at a glance:

1. Direct physical contact: Direct contact with infected areas of skin is one of the main ways in which athlete's foot is transmitted. This can be through touching infected areas of skin or through contact with infected objects such as towels, socks, shoes or floors.
2. Sharing personal items: Sharing personal items such as shoes, socks, towels or floor mats can lead to foot fungus being spread from one infected person to another. It is important not to share these items with others, especially if someone is known to have athlete's foot.
3. Barefoot in public areas: Walking barefoot in public areas such as swimming pools, changing rooms, gyms, saunas or hotels can increase the risk of athlete's foot infection. Fungi on floors and surfaces can come into contact with the skin. If there are gaps in the skin barrier, the fungi enter the skin and can trigger infections.
4. Moisture and heat: Fungi love warm and humid conditions. They are therefore particularly common in areas that offer moist warmth. Where there are many fungi, the risk of infection is increased. 
5. Insufficient hygiene: Inadequate foot hygiene can increase the risk of athlete's foot infection. Washing your feet with soap and water and changing your socks regularly are important measures to prevent athlete's foot. Shoes should also be given time to air out and dry after wearing.

The risk of fungal foot infection is increased by various factors. Walking barefoot in public areas, especially in swimming pools, saunas and communal showers, poses an increased risk of infection. Sharing shoes, towels or nail tools with infected people also increases the risk of infection. Tight shoes made of non-breathable materials are also among the risk factors for infection. This is due to the fact that heat and sweat accumulate in these shoes, creating ideal conditions for fungi.

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Below you will find an overview of the risk factors for a fungal infection of the feet:

1. Moisture: Fungi love moisture. Damp environments favor the growth of fungi. People who regularly sweat or wear damp shoes and socks have a higher risk of developing athlete's foot.
2. Tight shoes: Tight-fitting shoes can restrict the ventilation of the feet and trap moisture, which encourages the growth of fungi. People who frequently wear tight shoes or do not allow them to air out and dry after wearing them therefore have an increased risk of athlete's foot.
3. Shared use of objects: Sharing personal items such as shoes, socks, towels or doormats with infected people can increase the risk of contracting athlete's foot.
4. Barefoot in public areas: The risk of contracting athlete's foot is increased when walking barefoot in public areas such as swimming pools, changing rooms, gyms or hotels. Fungal spores found on the floor can come into direct contact with the skin of the feet.
5. Weakened immune system: People with a weakened immune system have an increased risk of athlete's foot infections as their body may not be able to fight off the fungi effectively.
6. Diabetes disease: People with diabetes have an increased risk of athlete's foot infections. This is because diabetes often leads to dry skin on the feet. With dry skin, the protective function of the skin barrier is restricted. Fungi can therefore penetrate the skin more easily and cause infections. 
7. Age: Older people often have drier skin for various reasons. This increases the risk of athlete's foot infections. However, other age-related factors, such as a weakened immune system, also increase this risk.

A simple way to reduce the risk of infection is not to walk barefoot. Wearing slippers is therefore an important measure to prevent athlete's foot infections. In addition, an intact skin barrier is the best protection against infection. Appropriate and consistent foot care therefore not only increases well-being, but also helps to keep the skin on the feet healthy and prevent infections.

> find out more about how to avoid calluses & cracks on your feet
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Fungus is a common and contagious infectious disease caused by fungal spores. A weakened skin barrier favors the infection. The risk of infection can be significantly reduced by wearing slippers in damp environments and consistent foot care. It is important to look after the health of your skin to prevent infections and maintain your well-being.

Fungus infection: the most important facts at a glance

• Foot fungus is contagious and is caused by fungal spores that can be transmitted from person to person.
• The main transmission sites are warm and humid environments such as saunas, swimming pools and communal showers. - A weakened skin barrier favors infection.
• Simple measures help to reduce the risk of infection. These include wearing slippers in damp environments and regular foot care to keep the skin and its natural protective function healthy.
• Awareness of risk factors and preventive measures is crucial to avoid athlete's foot infections.