Many studies have proven that the major reason why people develop athlete's foot is because they can't keep their feet dry at all times. Another reason is that they can't avoid going to places where lots of people use the same facility such as swimming pools, locker rooms, and shower areas where the athlete's foot-causing fungi grow and thrives.

Aside from these facilities, the fungus that causes the skin disease can also be found on the floors and clothing as well as to dark, warm, or humid areas.

Usually, the infection spreads through direct contact with contaminated or infected objects or surfaces. Aside from the skin of the foot, soles and toenails can also be affected when it's not given proper medication. The affected area also becomes prone to more bacteria that may lead to other skin infections.

If you are one of those people who experiences sweaty feet or one of those who cannot avoid going to public areas, then now is the time to discover what are the symptoms of athlete's foot before the condition gets worse.

Experts say that since athlete's foot is divided into three types that include chronic interdigital athlete's foot, chronic scaly athlete's foot or the moccasin type and the acute vesicular athlete's foot, symptoms may vary. People who suffer from chronic interdigital athlete's foot experience heavy scaling, fissures, and maceration usually in the 4th and 5th toe webs while the moccasin type is characterized by the presence of dry, silvery, and very fine scaly skin on the sole. The acute vesicular, on the other hand, shows abrupt onset of painful blisters that can spread to different areas of the body such as arms, chest, and sides of the fingers.

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. If the condition is more serious, heavy blistering, peeling, and cracking of the skin and occasional bleeding may be evident along with the appearance of white and wet scales on the foot's surface.

Other symptoms and signs of athlete's foot may include:

- Noticeable bumps on the feet.

- Cracked, blistered, or peeling areas, often found in the toe webs.

- Visible redness and heavy scaling on the soles of the person's feet.

- "Cheesy" appearance of the skin between the toes.

- Unpleasant odor and heavy sweating.

- Rash that spread from the inside part of the foot to the outside or vice versa.

- Raw skin or fleshy skin that resulted from scratching.