Who would have thought it? A cuddly toy in the shape of a virus! These cuddly characters are incredibly endearing and educational too. Each one comes with a detailed scientific description and photograph of what he looks like under the microscope, along with medical tips on how to avoid picking up these bugs in daily life. Children seem to be totally fascinated by them, and it really helps when explaining all about why they are feeling poorly. The perfect gift to accompany a Get Well card. Also a brilliant present for medical students, doctors and nurses etc. You will soon understand why they are becoming amazingly popular! Start collecting now. FACTS: In ancient times athletes foot was attributed to insect bites. (In medical Latin it's called tinea pedis or foot larvae.) However, in the 19th century a team of scientists discovered that micro organisms were responsible! Although a variety of fungi can cause foot rashes, Trichophyton mentagrophytes cause the itchy, cracked skin typically between the fourth and fifth toes. Athletes foot is the most common fungal skin infection. While it is particularly prevalent among adolescent boys and men, nearly 70% of the population will have to wrestle with the infection at some point. Fortunately there are numerous powders and creams that can help even the score though in the most severe cases, prescription medication may be required to deliver the knockout punch. Of course T. mentagrophytes don't only pick on athletes! But they do love the warm moist environment found in changing rooms and pool areas and between your toes. Shoes and sneakers also play a large role in creating the cosy conditions where the fungus thrives: it is virtually unheard of in places where people go barefoot. Even so, if you catch it, be a sport and don't go barefoot!