What is Tinea Pedis what causative organisms are involved
what do dermatophytes do
- Fungal infection of the foot predominantley caused by dermatophytes also known as thletes foot
- Four most common causatvie organisms are T-Rumrum T- Mentagrophytes and T- Interdigitale and Epidermiphyton floccosum
dermatophyte attach to the stratum corneum breaking down keratin and subsequently feeding off it
What are the main types of Tinea Pedis
- Interdigital:
* occurs in between the toes (commonly 4th and 5th digit)
* Can have visible maceration - Moccasin:
* covers plantar aspect and sides of the foot
* commonly caused by t-rubrum
* visible demarcated scaling - Vesicolobullus
* Arches and soles of feet
* Inflammatory varient with erythamatous base - Ulcerative
*Has vesicles pustules accompanied by ulceration
what is the Aetiology of tinea pedis 5
Pre Disposing:
* Immunosupressed
* Diabetes
* Hyperhydrosis
* Occlusive footwear
* exposure to communal areas e.g. shower, changing rooms
Management of Tinea Pedis
- Range of treatments depending on patient, severity of infection refer to NICE guidelines for specifcs
- Topical antifungal for mild infection
- Oral antifungal for servere cases
- Some treatments include terbinafine, Itraconazole, grisofulvin
- Skin sample can be used to confirm infection
Advice on managing tinea Pedis 6
- Avoid occlusive footwear
- wear cotton absorbent socks
- wash and dry the feet thouroughly
- change footwear every 2-3 days wear applicable
- avoid scratching
- wear protective footwear when using communal areas
Diagnosis of tinea pedis
Can be diagnosed by the clinical presentation if suspected fungal infection ask the following:
* nature, site and duration of any symptomns
* any co morbidities
* any previous treatments
* Any infected family members
Take skin smaples for fungal microsocpy:
* scrape the skin from the edge of the affected area
* collect 5mm2 of skin flakes to send off for mycroscopy
Signs and symptoms of tinea pedis
- Scaling edges
- web space fissures
- maceration
- itching
