Tinea pedis: The etiology and global epidemiology of a common fungal infection

Abstract

Tinea pedis, which is a dermatophytic infection of the feet, can involve the interdigital web spaces or the sides of the feet and may be a chronic or recurring condition. The most common etiological agents are anthropophiles, including Trichophyton rubrum sensu stricto, which is the most common, followed by Trichophyton interdigitale and Epidermophyton floccosum. There has been a change in this research arena, necessitating a re-evaluation of our knowledge on the topic from a multidisciplinary perspective. Thus, this review aimed to provide a solid overview of the current status and changing patterns of tinea pedis. The second half of the twentieth century witnessed a global increase in tinea pedis and a clonal spread of one major etiologic agent, T. rubrum. This phenomenon is likely due to increases in urbanization and the use of sports and fitness facilities, the growing prevalence of obesity and the aging population. For optimal patient care and management, the diagnosis of tinea pedis should be verified by microbiological analysis. In this review, we discuss the epidemiology, clinical forms, complications and mycological characteristics of tinea pedis and we highlight the pathogenesis, prevention and control parameters of this infection.

• Dermatophyte
• epidemiology
• Trichophyton rubrum

Acknowledgements

We appreciate and give our sincere thanks to the anonymous reviewers for their critical comments on earlier drafts of this paper. We also apologize to those whose studies could not be included herein, as citation of the published literature was selective due to space limitations.

Declaration of interest

The authors report no conflicts of interest. The authors alone are responsible for the content and the writing of the paper.