Athlete’s foot (also known as tinea pedis) is a fungal infection of the skin that causes scaling, flaking, and itch of affected areasmost commonly on the soles of the feet and in between toes.   It is caused by fungi in the genus Trichophyton. 

Tinea pedis is contagious and is typically transmitted in moist communal areas where people walk barefoot, such as gym showers or around public pools.  Tinea thrives in warm, moist, dark environments so the inside of your shoe is the perfect breeding ground.  If left untreated, athletes foot can cause skin to crack and bleeding thus leading to a bacteria infection on top of the fungal infection termed a ‘super infection.’  Newer topical prescription anti-fungual medications are very effective and can usually resolve the problem in 4 weeks.  It is very important to not only treat your skin but also the inside of your shoes so reinfection does not occur.  The easiest way to do this is to use a shoes sterilizer with an UVC light that kills 99% of fungi, bacteria, and viruses (SteriShoe).  Once the skin infection is resolved and your shoes are disinfected maintain healthy feet with the ARCH Regimen.