What is the medical term for athlete's foot?

The medical term for athlete's foot is tinea pedis. This condition is a fungal infection that specifically affects the skin of the feet, particularly between the toes. It is characterized by symptoms such as itching, burning, and peeling of the skin, often resulting from warm and moist environments that promote fungal growth.

Tinea pedis derives its name from "tinea," which means a fungal infection, and "pedis," which refers to the foot. This terminology is crucial in differentiating it from other types of tinea infections, such as tinea corporis, which affects the body; tinea capitis, which affects the scalp; and tinea unguium, which refers to infection of the nails. Understanding these terms is valuable for recognizing and treating various fungal infections effectively.