how do you get athlete's foot

Athlete's foot is a contagious fungal infection that you can get primarily by direct contact with the fungus or with infected skin flakes. The fungi thrive in warm, moist environments such as locker rooms, swimming pools, public showers, and gyms. Walking barefoot in these places, sharing shoes, socks, towels, or floors contaminated with the fungus can lead to infection. The fungus can also spread from other parts of the body or pets to the feet, especially if the skin is cracked or damaged. Factors increasing the risk include sweaty feet, tight shoes, and weakened immune systems.