Is a fungal infection of the skin that causes scaling, flaking, and itch of affected areas. It is also known as Ring Worm or Athlete's foot.
Symptoms The symptoms of athlete's foot or tinea pedis typically include itching and burning of the feet.
The skin may peel or crack with or without any associated pain.
Commonly the rash is localized to the soles of the feet.
Sometimes the flaking skin may spread to the sides and tops of the feet in a moccasin distribution.
The digital interspases may have some moisture, peeling, redness and flaking as well.
Types of Tinea Pedis
T rubrum is the most common cause for tinea pedis.
Trichophyton mentagrophytes, and Epidermophyton floccosum are other causative organisms.
Vesicular tinea pedis- Usually caused by T mentagrophytes. This type is characterized by painful, pruritic vesicles most often on the instep.
Interdigital tinea pedis- Usually caused by T rubrum seen more in hot/ humid environments This type is characterized by redness, maceration, fissuring, and scaling between toes. It is also associated with itching
Chronic hyperkeratotic tinea pedis-usually caused by T rubrum. This type is characterized by chronic redness on the bottom of the foot or sides with scaling.
Risk Factors
A hot, humid, tropical environment
Prolonged use of footwear
Hyperhydrosis- Sweating
Certain people may have a genetic predisposition to the infection
Work Up
In suspected tinea pedis a KOH (potassium hydroxide) staining may be ordered by the doctor for fungal detection by obtaining a sample of the flaking skin
Fungal culture- may be performed to confirm the diagnosis of tinea pedis. A culture can be used to identify the fungal species.
Treatment
Tinea pedis can be treated with topical or oral antifungals. Some topical medications are over the counter. Topical agents are generally used for 1-6 weeks
Examples of Topical Medication Topical Imidazoles
Clotrimazole 1% (Lotrimin)
Econazole 1% cream (Spectazole)
Ketoconazole 1% cream (Nizoral)
Topical Pyridones
Ciclopirox 1% cream (Loprox)
Topical Allylamines
Naftifine 1% cream (Naftin)
Terbinafine (Lamisil)
Oral Antifungals
Considered in patients with extensive chronic hyperkeratotic or inflammatory/vesicular tinea pedis
Terbinafine (Lamisil)
Itraconazole (Sporanox)
Prevention
Keeping your feet clean and dry
Avoiding prolonged moist environments
Disinfecting old shoes
Periodic use of anti fungal foot powder in the shoes
Symptoms
The symptoms of athlete's foot or tinea pedis typically include itching and burning of the feet.
The skin may peel or crack with or without any associated pain.
Commonly the rash is localized to the soles of the feet.
Sometimes the flaking skin may spread to the sides and tops of the feet in a moccasin distribution.
The digital interspases may have some moisture, peeling, redness and flaking as well.
Types of Tinea Pedis
T rubrum is the most common cause for tinea pedis.
Trichophyton mentagrophytes, and Epidermophyton floccosum are other causative organisms.
Vesicular tinea pedis-
Usually caused by T mentagrophytes.
This type is characterized by painful, pruritic vesicles most often on the instep.
Interdigital tinea pedis-
Usually caused by T rubrum seen more in hot/ humid environments
This type is characterized by redness, maceration, fissuring, and scaling between toes. It is also associated with itching
This type is characterized by chronic redness on the bottom of the foot or sides with scaling.
Risk Factors
Work Up
In suspected tinea pedis a KOH (potassium hydroxide) staining may be ordered by the doctor for fungal detection by obtaining a sample of the flaking skin
Fungal culture- may be performed to confirm the diagnosis of tinea pedis. A culture can be used to identify the fungal species.
Treatment
Tinea pedis can be treated with topical or oral antifungals. Some topical medications are over the counter. Topical agents are generally used for 1-6 weeks
Examples of Topical Medication
Topical Imidazoles
Topical Pyridones
Topical Allylamines
Oral Antifungals
Considered in patients with extensive chronic hyperkeratotic or inflammatory/vesicular tinea pedis
Prevention