Tinea pedis

Can you identify this pruritic, vesicular eruption?

DAVID L. KAPLAN, MD—Series Editor
University of Missouri Kansas City, University of Kansas

DAVID L. KAPLAN, MD—Series Editor: Dr Kaplan is clinical assistant professor of dermatology at the University of Missouri Kansas City School of Medicine and at the University of Kansas School of Medicine. He practices adult and pediatric dermatology in Overland Park, Kan.

 

Volume 52 - Issue 6 - June 2012

An itchy, blistering eruption on the side of a 67-year-old woman’s foot has worsened during the past 2 weeks. She has never had athlete’s foot and has not recently purchased new shoes.

What do you suspect?

A. Impetigo.
B. Cellulitis.
C. Contact dermatitis.
D. Tinea pedis.
E. Psoriasis.

(Answer on next page)

Tinea pedis

Answer: Tinea pedis

A potassium hydroxide evaluation confirmed the clinical impression of vesicular tinea pedis, D. The exuberant eruption is caused by an allergic reaction to the dermatophyte. Combination antifungal therapy and a systemic or topical corticosteroid will cure the condition.