What Causes Athlete's Foot?

Tinea pedis, more popularly known as athlete's foot, is a fungal infection that causes intense itching and a skin rash. The rash often begins between the toes, forming red patches that may ooze clear, lymphatic fluid. It is also known as ringworm, which is actually a misnomer since it is a fungus and not a worm. The condition is classified by what part of the body it infects. Tinea capitis, (ringworm of the scalp), tinea cruris (jock itch), and tinea pedis, (athlete's foot). The fungus is contagious and can be spread from cats and dogs to humans.