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Tinea pedis
1Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania, Department of Dermatology, Philadelphia.
Abstract:
Tinea pedis is a term used to encompass several clinically distinctive infections of the skin of the foot. Dermatophytic fungi are primarily responsible for these infections. Several nondermatophytes have been implicated in some patients, particularly for nail infections. The major clinical variants are (1) interdigital infections in which dermatophytes initiate the process by damaging the stratum corneum while the subsequent maceration and leukokeratosis results from overgrowth of bacteria such as Micrococcus sedantarius, Brevibacterium epidermidis, Corynebacterium minutissimum and gram-negative organisms; (2) plantar mocasin type of hyperkeratosis due to T rubrum and found primarily in those with an atopic background; (3) vesiculo-bullous infections in the arch and side of the foot due to an immune response of delayed hypersensitivity to T mentagrophytes.
Insights
Tinea pedis, a fungal skin infection of the foot, presents in distinct forms. Dermatophytes are the main cause, but bacteria can worsen interdigital infections.
Area of Science:
- Dermatology
- Mycology
- Infectious Diseases
Background:
- Tinea pedis encompasses diverse foot skin infections, primarily caused by dermatophytic fungi.
- Nondermatophytes can also contribute, especially to nail infections.
Purpose of the Study:
- To describe the primary causative agents and clinical variants of tinea pedis.
- To elucidate the roles of fungi and bacteria in different tinea pedis presentations.
Main Methods:
- Clinical description of tinea pedis variants.
- Identification of causative dermatophytic and nondermatophytic fungi.
- Recognition of bacterial involvement in secondary infections.
Main Results:
- Dermatophytes are the main pathogens, causing interdigital, moccasin, and vesiculobullous types.
- Bacterial overgrowth exacerbates interdigital tinea pedis.
- Tinea rubrum causes moccasin-type hyperkeratosis, often in atopic individuals.
- Vesiculobullous tinea pedis results from hypersensitivity to T. mentagrophytes.
Conclusions:
- Tinea pedis has varied clinical presentations linked to specific fungal pathogens.
- Bacterial and host factors play significant roles in disease manifestation and severity.