The feet are the most common area infected by certain fungi called dermatophytes, causing tinea pedis or athlete’s foot. Athlete’s foot is a very common problem experienced by up to 70% of the population at some time in their life.

Athlete’s Foot Demographics
Athlete’s foot is common in adult males, but uncommon in women. Athlete’s foot can also affect children before puberty, regardless of sex. Athlete’s foot seems to occur most often in people who have some characteristic of their immune system which predisposes them to infections regardless of the precautions they take to prevent infection. Once an infection is established, the person becomes a carrier and is more susceptible to recurrences and complications.