Athlete's Foot
Tinea pedis, or athlete's foot, is common in elderly persons. It manifests as maceration in the interdigital web folds and as scaly plaques on the plantar surfaces of the feet. A potassium hydroxide evaluation can establish the diagnosis. Tinea pedis is commonly associated with xerosis. It is best treated with a topical antifungal agent; treatment can be aided by a keratolytic such as lactic acid 12% cream.
Cutaneous CandidiasisOral CandidiasisPerlcheErosio InterdigitalisBlastomyceticaOnychomycosisTinea PedisTinea CorporisTinea ManuumFungal Folliculitis
Figure –
The scaly plaques on the plantar surfaces of this patient's feet represent tinea pedis.
Tinea Pedis
Tinea pedis, or athlete's foot, is common in elderly persons. It manifests as maceration in the interdigital web folds and as scaly plaques on the plantar surfaces of the feet (Figure). A potassium hydroxide evaluation can establish the diagnosis. Tinea pedis is commonly associated with xerosis. It is best treated with a topical antifungal agent; treatment can be aided by a keratolytic such as lactic acid 12% cream.
References:
FOR MORE INFORMATION:
- Brodell RT, Elewski B. Superficial fungal infections. Errors to avoid in diagnosis and treatment. Postgrad Med. 1997;101(4):279-287.
- Loo DS. Onychomycosis in the elderly: drug treatment options. Drugs Aging. 2007;24:293-302.
- Tan JS, Joseph WS. Common fungal infections of the feet in patients with diabetes mellitus. Drugs Aging. 2004;21;101-112.
- Weinberg JM, Scheinfeld NS. Cutaneous infections in the elderly: diagnosis and management. Dermatol Ther. 2003;16:195-205.
- Weinberg JM, Vafaie J, Scheinfeld NS. Skin infections in the elderly. Dermatol Clin. 2004;22:51-61.
