A common fungal skin infection that is found in-between the toes and on the sole of the foot. Having athlete’s foot can cause the skin to flake and peel off and this makes the skin itchy. Scratching may cause the skin to split which can often lead to a secondary infection. Athlete's foot thrives in a dark, warm, and moist environment. The inside of a shoe is an ideal environment for the fungus to grow and for infection to develop. It can be spread either by direct contact or by touching a surface that has been in contact with the fungus. Gyms and changing rooms are the most common places to acquire infections due to the moist and warm environment. Untreated athletes foot can spread to surrounding skin and nails, and in severe cases, fungal nail infections can develop. This can then cause the nail to be discoloured and thickened.