Destruction of athlete's foot fungus Trichophyton mentagrophytes by nanoparticles, computer illustration. Conceptual image for Athlete's foot treatment and prevention showing antifungal application of nanoparticles. T. mentagrophytes is the cause of athlete's foot (tinea pedis) and scalp ringworm (tinea capitus). Both of these contagious skin infections are spread by the fungus's spores (orange). T. mentagrophytes is one of many species of fungi that can grow in human skin, causing inflammation and itching. Athlete's foot and ringworm are treated with antifungal drugs.