Description

• Superficial infection of the feet caused by dermatophytes
• Most common dermatophyte infection encountered in clinical practice
• Often accompanied by tinea manuum, tinea unguium, and tinea cruris
• 2 clinical forms: Acute and chronic; both are contagious
• System(s) affected: Skin/Exocrine
• Synonym(s): Athlete's foot

Epidemiology

• Predominant age: 20–50 years, although can occur at any age
• Predominant gender: Male > Female

Prevalence
4% of population

Pediatric Considerations
Rare in younger children; common in teens

Geriatric Considerations
Elderly are more susceptible to outbreaks because of immunocompromise and impaired perfusion of distal extremities.

Risk Factors

• Hot, humid weather
• Occlusive/Tight-fitting footwear
• Immunosuppression
• Prolonged application of topical steroids

Genetics
No known genetic pattern

General Prevention

• Good personal hygiene
• Wearing rubber or wooden sandals in community showers, bathing places, locker rooms
• Careful drying between toes after showering or bathing; blow-drying feet with hair dryer may be more effective than drying with towel
• Changing socks and shoes frequently
• Applying drying or dusting powder
• Applying topical antiperspirants
• Putting on socks before underwear to prevent infection from spreading to groin

Pathophysiology

Superficial infection caused by dermatophytes that thrive only in nonviable keratinized tissue

Etiology

• Trichophyton mentagrophytes (acute)
• Trichophyton rubrum (chronic)
• Trichophyton tonsurans
• Epidermophyton floccosum

Commonly Associated Conditions

• Hyperhidrosis
• Onychomycosis
• Tinea manuum/unguium/cruris/corporis