Tinea pedis is a foot infection caused by dermatophyte fungus. Tinea pedis thrives in warm humid conditions and is most common in young adult men.

Tinea pedis is most frequently due to:

• Trichophyton rubrum
• Trichophyton interdigitale
• Epidermophyton floccosum

Tinea pedis has various patterns and may affect one or both feet.

Chronic hyperkeratotic tinea refers to patchy fine dry scaling on the sole of the foot.

‘Moccasin’ tinea is extensive hyperkeratotic tinea, in which the skin of the entire sole, heel and sides of the foot is dry but not inflamed. The affected area does not include the top of the foot. This is usually caused by T. rubrum.

Athlete’s foot i.e. moist peeling irritable skin between the toes, most often in the cleft between the fourth and fifth toes.

Tinea pedis is usually treated with topical antifungal agents, but if the treatment is unsuccessful, oral antifungal medicines may be considered, includingterbinafine and itraconazole.