Athlete’s foot is a fungal infection that usually thrives in warm, damp places. The fungus, Tinea pedis, grows between the toes, on top of the feet, on toenails and between the fingers. White patches, scaly patches, and redness are all indicative of the fungus. Symptoms of athlete’s foot may include itching, burning, and stinging.

Athlete’s foot fungus frequents public showers and locker rooms, indoor swimming pools, and health clubs and it is highly contagious. Contact with shoes or socks, wet floors, or exercise equipment (it can live between fingers) can cause it to spread.