Tinea Pedis, Infection Dermatitis
This is an infection of the skin caused by tinea or candida. It is a fungus that affects the skin. It results in an infectious dermatitis (a reaction of skin to fungus) characterized by itching, burning, scaling, blistery, rash in the skin occurs. When it occurs between the toes, it is called an intertriginous infection. If the skin blisters or cracks it can be complicated by a bacteria and gram negative tinea pedis results. This can have very severe consequences in the diabetics, elderly, immunocompromised or those with poor circulation and other disease. The resulting cellulitis often requires antibiotics and might in severe cases be sent to the hospital.
It is easily diagnosed clinically, sometimes with a culture. Dermoscopy or woodslight is sometimes a helpful not an invasive way to get a diagnosis.
Topical medication, oral antifungals, steroids, are usually effective in treatment of tinea pedis. If treated early it is often self limiting.
As we age nails can become yellow and thickened, trauma can cause a nail to become brittle thickened discolored or loosened and lytic. Circulation issues can cause specific nail changes. Most commonly nail fungus (tinea ungium) is the cause a simple culture and exam can diagnose and the underlying issues can be treated.
