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October
Tinea Pedis (athlete’s foot)
Tinea Pedis is a type of fungal infection. It is also known as athlete’s foot and commonly found in elderly persons. It usually associated with xerosis.
Diagnosis:
- Microscopy (20% potassium hydroxide added to skin scrapings to dissolve keratin; hyphae can be observed in the preparation)
- Samples for culture - skin scrapings taken from skin lesions. (Final result of culture may take 6 weeks)
- Skin biopsy
Manifestations:
- It manifests as maceration in the interdigital web folds.
- Scaly plaques presented on the plantar surface of the feet.
Treatment:
- Topical antifungal agent – imidazoles, triazoles, allylamines
- Haloprogin, undecylenic acid, ciclopiroxolamine and tolnaftate
- It can be aided with keratolytic agent such as lactic acid 12% cream.
- Oral Griseofulvin 500mg per day – if systemic therapy required.
Reference:
- Medical Progress Journal, February 2008.
- Harrison’s Manual of medicine. 16th edition.2005.
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Tags: antifungal agents, athlete's foot, fungal infection, health, keratolytic agent, skin, xerosis
