Fungi, bacteria, and similar organisms usually thrive in warm, moist environments, and places such as gyms and public showers are where most people acquire infections in the skin that lines the soles of the feet. One of the most familiar infections that affect the feet is athlete’s foot, a condition caused by a fungus and characterized by redness, scaling, and itching of the plantar skin and in the areas between the toes. Athlete’s foot, also known as tinea pedis, may often be cured or improved through repeated application of over-the-counter anti-fungal creams and powders. Plantar warts, however, which are another common type of plantar skin problem, are caused by a virus and often must be removed via more serious methods, such as surgery, cryotherapy, acid application, or laser treatment.