Spread of athletes foot

I have had athletes foot for a number of years, recently i have noticed a red itchy rash on the shaft of my penis and underneath the foreskin, i am currently in a long term sexual relationship with my girlfriend who has been my only sexual partner for the last 3 years. could this rash be due to the spread of the fungus from my feet to my penis? what advice would you give to resolve the problem?

[H. Hunter Handsfield, M.D.]

Athletes foot fungi are not spread sexually.  However, the fungi that cause jock itch are the same (or closely related to) those that cause athlete's foot. Don't owrry about  transmitting it to your partner or re-catching the fungus from her.  My expertise is in STDs, not other skin infections.  I have no other advice, except perhaps consider posting your question on the MedHelp dermatology forum.

HHH, MD