Athlete's foot – News, Research and Analysis – The Conversation

July 30, 2025

The dirty truth about what’s in your socks: bacteria, fungi and whatever lives between your toes

Primrose Freestone, University of Leicester

Think your socks are clean? You might need to think again. They can carry millions of bacteria and fungi – and even link suspects to crime scenes.

Ringworm is often easy to spot with its characteristic red rings on the skin. Kateryna Kon/Science Photo Library via Getty Images

June 29, 2023

Ringworm fungal infections are common in the US and are becoming increasingly resistant to treatment – 6 questions answered

Rodney E. Rohde, Texas State University

An aggressive, antifungal-resistant form of tinea, a contagious ringworm fungal infection, has appeared in the US, likely driven by overuse and misuse of antifungal medications.

In the HBO series ‘The Last of Us,’ the parasitic fungus cordyeps mutates, and jumps from insects to humans and quickly spreads around the world, rendering its victims helpless to control their thoughts and actions. (HBO)

February 23, 2023

The fungus zombies in ‘The Last of Us’ are fictional, but real fungi can infect people, and they’re becoming more resistant

Gerry Wright, McMaster University

While ‘The Last of Us’ is a dramatic projection of a deadly fungal outbreak, it is based, if not in reality, in logic. And it’s a reminder that fungal infections are growing more resistant.

April 22, 2022

What is toe jam? From harmless gunk to a feast for bugs

Caroline Robinson, Charles Sturt University and Luke Donnan, Charles Sturt University

Toe jam was mentioned in a song by The Beatles. Maybe they knew a thing or two about foot hygiene.

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