tinea pedis

What is Tinea Pedis?

Tinea pedis, also known as athlete's foot, is a common fungal infection that affects the skin on the feet. It is caused by a type of fungus called dermatophytes, which thrive in warm, moist environments.

Symptoms and Characteristics

• The infection typically begins between the toes or on the soles of the feet.
• Affected areas may become itchy, scaly, red, and cracked.
• In severe cases, the skin can turn white and thicken, becoming slightly swollen.
• The fungus can cause the skin to redden and crack, leading to flaky and sometimes itchy patches.

Causes and Risk Factors

• Tinea pedis is contagious and can be spread through direct contact with an infected person or by walking barefoot in areas where the fungus is present (e.g., locker rooms, showers, swimming pools).
• The infection is more common in adults than children.
• People who engage in activities that keep their feet confined within tight-fitting shoes for extended periods are at higher risk of developing tinea pedis.

Prevention and Treatment

• To prevent the spread of tinea pedis, it's essential to practice good hygiene, such as washing your feet regularly with soap and water.
• Treatment options include topical creams (e.g., terbinafine, butenafine) or oral antifungal agents for more severe cases.

References:

• [1] Tinea pedis is the most common dermatophytosis due to foot sweating, allowing fungi to grow. ([Source 4])
• [2] The infection can spread from person to person in communal showers and bathrooms or in other moist areas where infected people walk barefoot. ([Source 4])
• [3] Tinea pedis is contagious and can be spread via contaminated surfaces. ([Source 11])
• [4] Tinea pedis is caused by dermatophytes, including Trichophyton rubrum, T mentagrophytes, T interdigitale, and Epidermophyton floccosum. ([Source 10])

Common Signs and Symptoms of Tinea Pedis (Athlete's Foot)

Tinea pedis, also known as athlete's foot, is a fungal skin infection that affects the feet. The symptoms can vary from person to person, but here are some common signs and symptoms:

• Itchy Skin: Intense itching on the feet, especially between the toes [1][2][3].
• Redness and Scaling: Redness, scaling, peeling, or cracking of the skin on the feet, particularly between the toes [4][5][6].
• Cracked and Peeling Skin: Cracked and peeling skin on the feet, which can be painful and uncomfortable [7].
• Burning Sensation: A burning sensation on the affected area [8].
• Flaking of the Skin: Flaking of the skin in some people, which can be accompanied by redness and itching [9].

In severe cases, tinea pedis can lead to complications such as:

• Pus and Drainage: Pus and drainage from the affected area [3].
• Fever: Fever, which can indicate a bacterial infection [3].
• Thickening of Toenails: Thickening of toenails due to fungal infection [14].

It's essential to seek medical attention if you experience any of these symptoms or if you have a weakened immune system. Early treatment can help prevent complications and promote healing.

References:

[1] Context result 1: Athlete's foot (tinea pedis) is a fungal skin infection that usually begins between the toes. [2] Context result 13: Symptoms of tinea pedis include a build up of scale on the feet and sometimes redness and itching. [3] Context result 3: Other signs include pus, drainage, and fever. Athlete's foot symptoms do... [4] Context result 5: Symptoms of tinea pedis include a build up of scale on the feet and sometimes redness and itching. [5] Context result 7: Athlete's foot usually causes redness, flakiness, peeling, or cracking of the skin on the feet. [6] Context result 8: It usually causes burning, stinging, redness, and itching. It also causes flaking of the skin in some people. [7] Context result 9: Result: itchy skin | skin rashes | skin lesions [8] Context result 8: Feb 27, 2017 — It usually causes burning, stinging, redness, and itching. It also causes flaking of the skin in some people. [14] Context result 14: Symptoms of athlete's foot (tinea pedis) Symptoms of athlete's foot include: Intense itching of the feet; ... Redness and scaling on the soles.

Diagnostic Tests for Tinea Pedis

Tinea pedis, also known as athlete's foot, can be diagnosed through a combination of clinical examination and laboratory tests.

• Clinical Examination: A healthcare provider may diagnose tinea pedis based on the appearance of the affected skin, which often presents with symptoms such as itching, redness, and scaling. The typical sites for tinea pedis include the feet, groin, and palms of the hands [1].
• KOH Exam: A simple office test called a KOH (potassium hydroxide) exam can be performed to check for fungus. This involves scraping off dead skin over the lesion with a microscope slide or blade [6].
• Skin Culture: A skin culture can also be used to confirm the diagnosis of tinea pedis. This involves taking a sample from the affected area and sending it to a laboratory for analysis [5].
• Skin Biopsy: In some cases, a skin biopsy may be performed with a special stain called PAS (periodic acid-Schiff) to identify fungus in the affected tissue [7].

It's worth noting that diagnosis of tinea pedis is usually obvious based on clinical examination and review of risk factors. However, if the appearance is not diagnostic or if the infection is severe, additional tests may be necessary to confirm the diagnosis.

References:

[1] Sep 28, 2023 - Some types of athletes foot look like dry skin or dermatitis. [5] by AKC Leung · 2023 · Cited by 24 — The diagnosis can be confirmed, if necessary, by fungal culture or culture-independent molecular tools of skin scrapings. Superficial or localized tinea pedis ... [6] This is a specific test for fungal lesions. The health care provider uses a blunt edge or blade or a microscope slide to scrape of dead skin over the lesion. [7] A simple office test called a KOH exam to check for fungus; Skin culture; A skin biopsy may also be performed with a special stain called PAS to identify fungus ...

Effective Treatments for Tinea Pedis

Tinea pedis, also known as athlete's foot, can be effectively treated with various medications. According to medical research, topical imidazoles are excellent treatments for interdigital tinea pedis [1]. In fact, studies have shown that terbinafine and itraconazole are more effective than placebo in treating the condition [2].

Topical Antifungals

Topical antifungals are a mainstay of treatment for tinea pedis. These medications can be applied directly to the affected area and include creams, ointments, or powders containing ingredients such as terbinafine, itraconazole, or clotrimazole [3]. In fact, studies have shown that topical antifungals are effective in 70% to 75% of patients compared with 20% to 30% using placebo [4].

Oral Antifungals

In some cases, oral antifungals may be prescribed to treat tinea pedis. These medications contain ingredients such as fluconazole, itraconazole, or terbinafine and are typically taken for a full course of treatment to ensure effectiveness [5]. It's essential to note that stopping the medication too soon can lead to recurrence.

Other Treatments

In addition to topical and oral antifungals, other treatments may be used to manage tinea pedis. These include moisture reduction, drying agents, and in some cases, oral steroids [6].

Key Points

• Topical imidazoles are excellent treatments for interdigital tinea pedis.
• Terbinafine and itraconazole are more effective than placebo in treating tinea pedis.
• Topical antifungals are effective in 70% to 75% of patients compared with 20% to 30% using placebo.
• Oral antifungals may be prescribed for a full course of treatment.

References:

[1] Oct 21, 2024 — Topical imidazoles are effective in all forms of tinea pedis but are excellent treatments for interdigital tinea pedis because they are ...

[2] by SEM Bell‐Syer · 2012 · Cited by 169 — We found terbinafine and itraconazole to be more effective than placebo. And we found terbinafine to be more effective than griseofulvin.

[3] Oct 21, 2024 — Medical therapy is the mainstay of treatment for tinea pedis (athlete's foot). ... Tinea pedis can be treated with topical or oral antifungals or ...

[4] by B Thomas · 2021 · Cited by 10 — Tinea pedis is successfully treated with topical antifungals in 70% to 75% of patients compared with 20% to 30% using placebo.

[5] These pills contain fluconazole, itraconazole or terbinafine. It's important to finish your full course of medicine. If you stop too soon, your athlete's foot ...

[6] by A WEINSTEIN · 2002 · Cited by 208 — It has been shown to be more effective than the nonprescription agent clotrimazole (Lotrimin) in the treatment of tinea pedis.

Differential Diagnosis of Tinea Pedis

Tinea pedis, also known as athlete's foot, is a fungal infection of the skin on the feet. However, there are several other conditions that can mimic its symptoms, making differential diagnosis essential for proper treatment.

The following conditions should be considered in the differential diagnosis of tinea pedis:

• Allergic Contact Dermatitis: This condition occurs when the skin comes into contact with an allergen, such as a component of footwear or a rubber accelerant. Symptoms include redness, itching, and blistering on the feet.
• Cutaneous Candidiasis: A fungal infection caused by Candida species that can affect the skin on the feet, particularly between the toes.
• Dyshidrotic Eczema (Pompholyx): A type of eczema characterized by small, itchy blisters on the hands and feet.
• Erythema Multiforme: An autoimmune disorder that can cause a skin rash with blisters, often triggered by infections or medications.
• Hand and Foot Dermatitis (Dyshidrotic Dermatitis): A type of eczema that affects the skin on the hands and feet, characterized by small, itchy blisters.
• Palmoplantar Psoriasis: A chronic autoimmune condition that causes red, scaly patches on the soles and heels of the feet.

Key Points to Consider

• Bacterial infections such as erythrasma, pseudomonas, staphylococci, and streptococci can also cause symptoms similar to tinea pedis.
• Mould infection and soft corns are other conditions that should be ruled out in the differential diagnosis of tinea pedis.

References

1. Contact allergic dermatitis to a component of footwear (such as a rubber accelerant, shoe adhesive, ...) [1]
2. Oct 21, 2024 — Differential Diagnoses: Allergic Contact Dermatitis · Cutaneous Candidiasis · Dyshidrotic Eczema (Pompholyx) · Erythema Multiforme [2]
3. Diagnosis of Tinea Pedis: Hand and foot dermatitis (dyshidrotic dermatitis) · Palmoplantar psoriasis (see table Subtypes of Psoriasis) · Allergic contact ... [3]
4. by JW ELY · 2014 · Cited by 305 — Tinea corporis, tinea cruris, and tinea pedis can often be diagnosed based on appearance, but a potassium hydroxide preparation or culture ... [4]
5. Feb 12, 2023 — Differential Diagnosis: Atopic dermatitis · Chronic contact dermatitis · Acute palmoplantar eczema · Palmoplantar psoriasis · Pitted keratolysis ... [5]
6. by M Al Hasan · 2004 · Cited by 130 — Bacterial infection needs to be considered in the differential diagnosis and ruled out by microscopy and/or culture. Fluid filled vesicles are usually clear ... [6]
7. Dec 9, 2020 — The bullous form of tinea pedis is usually caused by Trichophyton interdigitale (formerly T mentagrophytes var interdigitale). Onychomycosis may ... [7]