Athlete's foot is an infection on the skin of the feet that is caused by fungus. The culprit is the fungus called tinea pedis, which is quite common in the surrounding areas. This fungus practically lives and grows everywhere just as long as the area is warm and moist. They can be found lounging around in areas where there is moisture such as in locker rooms in college gyms, the swimming pool area, the bathroom, and even the classiest spa houses in the country. This is because shoes causes the feet to perspire, a suitable environment which the fungus needs to breed and multiply. A good way of preventing such an infection is by choosing the type of shoes that you wear. Consider using light and airy footwear to make sure that your feet is always properly ventilated and prevent excessive perspiration. Treating The Common Skin Condition Although athlete s foot can be found in areas where you cannot avoid, it doesn t mean that you cannot treat or prevent it once you have acquired it. Medical experts say that this disease can be persistent and difficult to eliminate completely and totally but can be treated by having proper hygiene and by using medication administered by a professional. Studies show that the general symptoms of the skin condition such as athlete s foot include drying and itching of skin, burning sensation on the soles, and redness or blistering on the skin of the feet. These symptoms are quite apparent in the toe webs or the skin between the toes where the fungus thrives. Usually dermatologists are just associated with face skin problems like acne problems but dermatologists actually care for skin problems on any part of one s body including the feet! Since Athlete s Foot start out with rashes or skin redness it is but normal to have a dermatologists check the irregularities in skin condition and usually the dermatologists are able to identify Athlete s Foot and suggest cures for the existing condition. Let's first get to know what exactly is an athlete's foot. People who suffer from athlete's foot will often experience itchiness in the areas in between their toes. This is the area most often affected by the fungus. Of course, itchiness can also reach the backs of the feet as well as the skins of the toes.