Athlete’s foot is a type of fungal infection that usually appears between the toes, but if left untreated can spread to the rest of the foot, including the toenails. Trichophyton is the type of fungus that causes athlete’s foot and it grows best, and spreads easily, in a dark, moist, and warm environment, like locker rooms, swimming pools, and in socks. Athlete’s foot may cause the skin between the toes to peel and crack; there may be redness, scaling, and dryness in the affected area. Once the fungus is diagnosed and treatment is prescribed it is important to continue the use of the prescription even if the skin may look better, because the infection can remain active for some time.