Tinea Pedis

Excerpt

Tinea pedis, commonly known as athlete's foot, results from fungal infections on the skin of the feet caused by dermatophytes, including Trichophyton rubrum, T mentagrophytes, T interdigitale, and Epidermophyton floccosum. This infection typically occurs through direct contact with the organism while walking barefoot in locker rooms, showers, and swimming complexes. Individuals with diabetes and those who wear occlusive shoes are at an increased risk of developing tinea pedis.

Tinea pedis typically presents with pruritic scales and erosions between the toes. Some patients may experience areas of hyperkeratosis with underlying erythema on the medial and lateral aspects and soles of the feet. Occasionally, patients with this condition may present with painful bullous lesions concurrently develop tinea corporis, onychomycosis, and tinea manuum.

Untreated tinea pedis can lead to cellulitis, pyoderma, and osteomyelitis, especially in patients with immunocompromised conditions, diabetes, or peripheral vascular disease. This topic explores the etiology and pathophysiology of tinea pedis, as well as highlights the critical roles of the interprofessional healthcare team in evaluating, managing, and preventing recurrence and complications of the condition.