Tinea Pedis

Tinea pedis, also known as "athlete foot", refers to a superficial fungal infection of the feet caused predominately by dermatophytes. Tinea pedis is most often caused by Trichphyton rubrum and T. interdigitale. It is estimated that 10 to 15% of the world population have tinea pedis. The prevalence is higher in adults than in children. The peak age incidence is between 16 and 45 years of age. Tinea pedis is more common among males than females. Human may become infected through close contact with infected persons, animals, fomites, or soil. The transmission of tinea pedis is facilitated by warm, moist environments and wearing of occlusive shoes. Three clinical forms of tinea pedis are recognized, namely, interdigital, moccasin, and vesicobullous. The diagnosis is often clinical, especially if the lesions are typical. If necessary, the diagnosis can be confirmed by potassium hydroxide wet-mount examination of skin scrapings of the active border of the lesion. Superficial or localized tinea pedis usually responds to topical antifungal therapy twice daily for 2 to 4 weeks. Systemic treatment is indicated if the lesions are extensive, chronic, recurrent or resistant to topical antifungal treatment or if the patient is immunocompromised, or there is evidence of concomitant nail involvement.