Anatomy H 10/30/2012 Athlete's foot is a rather common fungal infection that typically affects the feet, however it is capable of spreading to the palm, groin, and body. It can be difficult to get rid of the infection and it usually spreads easily. There are a variety of causes, effects, symptoms, and treatments. Athlete's foot is most usually caused by one of two types of fungus. The first type, called trichophyton mentagrophytes typically cause vesicular (blister-like) infections. These infections usually rapidly appear and are very severe until they are treated. They are however easily treated and subside quickly once treatment has begun. This fungus can also cause a "toe-web" infection which is the most common form of athletes foot, and is moderately difficult to cure. The other fungus that can cause the infection is called trichophyton rubrum. This type is usually referred to as "moccasin-type" and is very difficult to treat and lasts for long periods of time. One can get either form of athlete's foot by touching the infected area of someone who already has the condition, or by means of damp, contaminated, high traffic areas such as public restrooms and locker rooms. There are a variety of symptoms associated with athlete's foot. The most common are immense itching and burning of the affected areas, and some sort of peeling or cracking of the feet. Pain or discomfort will often come and go and itching the area worsens the discomfort. A distinct foul smelling odor may also be present. Cases caused by trichophyton rubrum usually experience many of the above symptoms in addition to painful blisters. In certain instances these symptoms can spread to the groin and hands. In the most common toe-web forms of athlete's foot, the area between and surrounding the toes becomes very red, cracked, and dry. Eventually skin will begin to peel and crack off, which can cause stinging and more burning. The vesicular type of Athlete's foot causes blisters that become very red and enflamed. Occasionally blisters will return after the first infection. Blisters may also appear on the palms. The last type, moccasin infections, start with minor itching, burning, or scaly skin and eventually become severely cracked and thickened all across the sole and heel of the foot. In certain instances the toenails may also become