Searching for fungal infections in plantar dermatoses in outpatients from the dermatology division of the University Hospital of the Federal University of Juiz de Fora

Abstract

Tinea pedis, the most common dermatophytosis, may mimic other skin diseases besides tending to chronicity. We studied the clinical manifestations, etiologic agents, and frequency of tinea pedis in outpatients seen at the Dermatology Division of the University Hospital of the Federal University of Juiz de Fora, Brazil, from August 2005 to June 2006. 59 patients suspect of having tinea pedis underwent mycologic examination of plantar scales with 20% potassium hydroxide. Samples were cultured in dextrose and gentamicin-added Sabouroud`s medium. Tinea pedis was diagnosed in 30 (50.85%) of the 59 patients examined. T.rubrum was the most frequent agent (65.4%). Bilateral plantar desquamation was the most frequent clinical presentation (50%). Plantar psoriasis was the most frequent differential diagnosis (60%). The great incidence and wide differential diagnosis make tinea pedis an important foot condition.