Dry flaky skin is usually caused by an athlete’s foot infection. Athlete’s foot fungus lives in the outer layers of the skin. Fungal infections of the feet are called Tinea Pedis.

Some people refer to athlete’s foot as a Tinea or Ringworm infection. However, no worm is involved in Athletes Foot or other fungal infections.

Athlete’s Foot can take on different appearances such as: a soft white scaly or dry reddened rash on the bottom and sides of feet and cracks or fissures on the feet and heels. Many people with athlete's foot also have a fungal infection of the toenails.