What can lead to a greater frequency of athlete's foot?

Engaging in running and excessive sweating can significantly increase the frequency of athlete's foot due to several factors. Athlete's foot, a fungal infection caused by dermatophytes, thrives in warm, moist environments, which can easily occur during physical activities like running. When individuals run or engage in strenuous activities, their feet tend to sweat more, creating an ideal environment for the fungi to grow and flourish.

Additionally, the friction from running, combined with damp socks or shoes, can lead to micro-tears in the skin, making it easier for fungi to penetrate and cause an infection. Therefore, the combination of sweat and physical activity plays a crucial role in predisposing individuals to athlete's foot, making this choice the most accurate response to the question.

Options like a sedentary lifestyle and wearing loose-fitting footwear do not provide the same conducive conditions for fungal growth, while practicing excellent foot hygiene typically helps in preventing such infections rather than contributing to them.