Pathogenesis (development of disease)
Tinea pedis (athlete’s foot) is caused in most cases by trichophytes (Trichophytum rubrum, T. interdigitale). These exclusively affect the skin, hair, and/or nails because they can digest keratin.
A favoring factor for foot mycosis is a disturbed skin barrier with influence on the skin flora by autoimmune diseases such as atopic eczema (atopic dermatitis, AD; neurodermatitis) and psoriasis (psoriasis).
Etiology (causes)
Biographic causes
- Genetic burden from parents, grandparents.
Behavioral causes
- Nutrition
- High carbohydrate diet
- Use of public bathing facilities
Causes related to disease
- Diabetes mellitus (diabetes)
- Circulatory disorders
- Foot malpositions
- Peripheral neuropathy (nerve disease affecting several (poly = many) nerves at the same time).
- Injuries of the foot