What Is Tinea Pedis?

By boone

Article Sources

Article Sources

• 1. Gupta, AK et al. 'Optimal Management of Fungal Infections of the Skin, Hair, and Nail.' External American Journal of Clinical Dermatology vol. 5,4 (2004): 225-37. doi:10.2165/00128071-200405040-00003.
• 2. Crawford, F. and S. Hollis. Topical Treatments for Fungal Infections of the Skin and Nails of the Foot. Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews vol. 18,3 (2007): CD001434. doi:10.1002/14651858.CD001434.pub2.
• 3. Gupta, A.K. and E.A. Cooper. Update in Antifungal Therapy of Dermatophytosis. Mycopathologia vol. 166,5-6 (2008): 353. doi:10.1007/s11046-008-9109-0.

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Tinea pedis is a fungal disease that affects the foot. It is commonly referred to as athlete’s foot. The fungi that cause the condition are related to the same fungi that cause jock itch and ringworm. Moisture and lack of airflow create an environment conducive to fungal growth.

Athlete’s foot is contagious and spreads easily in shared environments where moisture tends to accumulate. It is treatable, but the condition can become chronic with recurring infections.¹Gupta, AK et al. ‘Optimal Management of Fungal Infections of the Skin, Hair, and Nail.’ External American Journal of Clinical Dermatology vol. 5,4 (2004): 225-37. doi:10.2165/00128071-200405040-00003. Tinea pedis is also preventable with proper hygiene and precautionary measures.

1. Causes

Athlete’s foot is a fungal infection, and multiple species of fungi can cause it. The three most common species are Trichophyton rubrum, Trichophyton interdigitale and Epidermophyton floccosum. The infection is the most prevalent of dermatophyte infections.

The fungi that cause tinea pedis require moisture for growth. Humid and wet conditions perpetuate the survival and growth of fungus. The condition is prevalent in urban environments in tropical, humid and hot regions.