Can sweaty feet cause athlete's foot?

Athlete's foot, also called tinea pedis, is a fungal infection that commonly affects the spaces between the toes or the soles. Persistent moisture softens the outer skin and makes the inside of shoes a favourable environment for fungal growth. It can cause itching, peeling, scaling, cracks, burning, or soreness. Sweating itself is not contagious and does not prove that a rash is fungal; contact dermatitis, eczema, and bacterial problems can look similar.

Wash your feet and dry carefully between the toes. Change damp socks, choose breathable footwear, and alternate shoes so they can dry fully. Avoid sharing towels, socks, or shoes, and use sandals in communal wet areas. A pharmacist or clinician can recommend an antifungal treatment when the pattern fits athlete's foot; follow the product directions and keep the skin dry during treatment.

Arrange a medical review if the rash spreads, recurs, fails to improve with appropriate treatment, or involves thick nails. Seek prompt care for increasing warmth, swelling, pus, severe pain, fever, or spreading redness, particularly if you have diabetes or reduced circulation.

Does this rash look fungal or could it be eczema? Do I need a skin test? How should I manage excessive foot sweating, and how can I reduce reinfection from shoes or household surfaces?