“Athlete’s foot” is a skin disease caused by

“Athlete’s foot” is a skin disease caused by

virus
fungus
alga
bacterium
This question was previously asked in
UPSC Geoscientist – 2023
“Athlete’s foot” is a common name for tinea pedis, which is a fungal infection affecting the skin of the feet. It is typically caused by dermatophyte fungi, such as *Trichophyton*, *Epidermophyton*, and *Microsporum*. These fungi thrive in warm, moist environments, making feet enclosed in shoes and socks susceptible.
– Athlete’s foot is a skin infection.
– Caused by a type of fungus.
– Medically known as tinea pedis.
– Fungi that cause it are called dermatophytes.
Fungal infections are distinct from those caused by viruses (like warts or herpes), algae (which don’t typically cause human skin diseases), or bacteria (like impetigo or cellulitis). Antifungal medications are used to treat athlete’s foot.