Tinea pedis, also known as "athlete foot", refers 
to a superficial fungal infection of the feet caused 
predominately by dermatophytes. Tinea pedis is most 
often caused by Trichphyton rubrum and T. interdigitale. 
It is estimated that 10 to 15% of the world population have 
tinea pedis. The prevalence is higher in adults than in 
children. The peak age incidence is between 16 and 45 
years of age. Tinea pedis is more common among males 
than females. Human may become infected through close 
contact with infected persons, animals, fomites, or soil. 
The transmission of tinea pedis is facilitated by warm, 
moist environments and wearing of occlusive shoes. Three 
clinical forms of tinea pedis are recognized, namely, 
interdigital, moccasin, and vesicobullous. The diagnosis is 
often clinical, especially if the lesions are typical. If 
necessary, the diagnosis can be confirmed by potassium 
hydroxide wet-mount examination of skin scrapings of the 
active border of the lesion. Superficial or localized tinea 
pedis usually responds to topical antifungal therapy twice 
daily for 2 to 4 weeks. Systemic treatment is indicated if 
the lesions are extensive, chronic, recurrent or resistant to 
topical antifungal treatment or if the patient is 
immunocompromised, or there is evidence of concomitant 
nail involvement,