Tinea Pedis: Athlete’S Foot

In tinea pedis (synonyms: Mycosis pedis; athlete’s foot (tinea pedum); mycosis of the feet; tinea pedis; tinea pedum; ICD-10 B35.3: Tinea pedis) is the fungus of the sole of the foot and/or interdigital spaces between the toes (athlete’s foot), the most common dermatophytosis (infection caused by dermatophytes).

In English, athlete’s foot is called athlete’s foot.

Often both feet are affected at the same time.

The disease is caused by dermatophytes (filamentous fungi). In up to 80% of cases, Trichophyton rubrum is the causative agent, but T. interdigitale or Epidermophyton floccosum are also possible agents.

Occurrence: Tinea pedis occurs primarily in warm, moist environments, such as those found in swimming pools, saunas or showers.

The transmission of the pathogen (infection route) occurs via contact and/or smear infection via objects infected with the pathogen such as shoes, stockings or also various floors.

Human-to-human transmission: Yes.

Different forms of tinea pedis can be distinguished:

  • Interdigital form – between the toes; most common form.
  • Squamous-hyperkeratotic form – scaly form.
  • Vesicular-dyshidrotic form – form accompanied by vesicles.

Sex ratio: men are affected slightly more often than women.

Frequency peak: the disease occurs with increasing age clustered. Children are rarely affected.

The prevalence (disease frequency) is 25-30% (in Germany). The lifetime prevalence (disease frequency throughout life) is as high as 70 %.

Course and prognosis: Athlete’s foot is harmless to humans. However, the disease can be very persistent and pronounced. Without therapy, the disease does not heal. A possible complication is a secondary infection: The athlete’s foot infestation weakens the skin‘s natural defenses to such an extent that an additional infection with group A streptococci occurs. This infection manifests itself in the form of a so-called erysipelas (erysipelas), which is accompanied by high fever and not infrequently requires inpatient treatment.