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. Dermatologists can say if you have Athlete s Foot but if you want a feet specialist then check out your directory for the best podiatrist you can find in your area. A podiatrist can better give an assessment because that is his area of expertise. Usually a mere look at the feet is enough to tell if the condition you have is Athlete s Foot or not but at certain times there is a need to take out a piece of the affected area for examination. Fungi the primary cause of athlete s foot are known to thrive in warm, dark, and moist areas like inside of the shoes. These fungi also thrive on dead body tissues like dead skin and nails. Since it is very contagious, more and more people become prone to the skin condition. Experts say that people who have history of cellulitis, diabetes, and those who have weak immune system are more likely to develop the skin disease compared to those who haven t. One might think that it is a bad choice considering the bad picture that comes to mind when Athlete s Foot is mentioned but upon closer look you will realize that and athlete s foot and footwear can make a lot of difference in the athlete s over all performance. This is why Athlete s Foot is a very marketable brand name because it speaks for itself. An Ultimate Guide Athletes Foot Treatment Also known as tinea pedis or foot ring-worm, athlete s foot is known to be common condition to people above 12 or 15 years old. This skin disease is common because the fungi that causes can be found in areas where people usually use the same facility like swimming pools, showers, locker rooms, and other warm and damp areas. However, if you are not hygienic and your feet are always wet and moist, then there is a great possibility that athlete's foot will develop. You must remember that the fungi that cause the problem loves wet places. So keep those feet dry. Do not go barefoot. When inside public shower rooms and locker rooms, make sure that you are wearing sandals to protect your feet.