Overview
Tinea pedis, commonly known as athlete's foot, is a superficial fungal infection affecting the skin of the feet, often presenting in the interdigital spaces or soles. It is frequently caused by dermatophytes, with Trichophyton mentagrophytes var interdigitale being a prevalent species 1.Diagnosis
Clinical Signs: Presence of scaling, maceration, itching, and fissuring, particularly between toes 1.
Laboratory Tests: KOH preparation and fungal culture are essential for definitive diagnosis 1.
Prevalence: Higher incidence noted with increasing age 1.
Differential Diagnosis: Erythrasma, caused by Corynebacterium minutissimum, should be considered and distinguished via Wood's lamp examination or biopsy 1.Management
First-Line Treatment: Topical antifungals such as terbinafine (1% cream/ointment) or clotrimazole (1% cream/powder) applied once or twice daily for 4 weeks 1.
Adjunctive Measures: Keeping feet dry, wearing breathable footwear, and avoiding walking barefoot in communal areas 1.
Duration: Treatment duration typically 4 weeks, though may vary based on severity 1.Special Populations
Age Considerations: Increased incidence with age suggests tailored vigilance in elderly patients 1.
No Specific Guidance: Abstracts do not provide detailed recommendations for pediatrics or pregnancy 1.Key Recommendations
Diagnose using both clinical examination and laboratory tests (KOH preparation and culture) to confirm tinea pedis over other dermatoses (Evidence: Moderate 1).
Initiate treatment with topical terbinafine or clotrimazole for 4 weeks to effectively manage the infection (Evidence: Moderate 1).
Educate patients on preventive measures such as maintaining foot hygiene and wearing appropriate footwear to reduce recurrence (Evidence: Expert opinion 1).References
1 Allen S, Christmas TI, McKinney W, Parr D, Oliver GF. The Auckland skin clinic tinea pedis and erythrasma study. The New Zealand medical journal 1990. link