What is the scientific name of the fungus that causes athlete's foot?

The scientific names of the fungi that cause the toe-web or vesicular and the moccasin-type athlete's foot are Trichophyton mentagrophytes and Trichophyton rubrum, respectively, according to WebMD. These fungi grow on the skin's top layer and thrive in warm and wet areas, such as between the toes.

Athlete's foot is the most common of all fungal skin infections and affects the feet, explains WebMD. It is contagious. Depending on the type of athlete's foot, it may cause symptoms such as blisters, itching, cracked heels, peeling skin and thicker toenails. Once a person gets an athlete's foot infection, it increases the likelihood of him getting it again in the future.