For some unknown reason, the skin fungus -- irritating, itchy and tough to get rid of -- affects mostly teenage and adult males.

That's not because guys tend to tread barefoot in locker rooms. According to the American Academy of Dermatology, the fungus isn't highly contagious. Athlete's foot flourishes in moist and poorly ventilated settings -- like the inside of a sweaty running shoe.

Here are some ways to prevent it:

• Wash your feet daily.
• Dry them thoroughly.
• Wear sandals in hot weather.
• Go barefoot at home.
• Wear cotton socks and change them daily or twice a day if you can.