Athlete foot or tinea pedis is a common condition in occupational groups and communities. In boarding schools and amongst coal miners it may reach epidemic proportions. The commonest organisms are T. interdigitale and T. rubrum and the high rate of infection is associated with its increased opportunity to spread for instance in shower rooms, where the parasite dwells in the wooden 'duck' boards in the showers. Preventive measures consist in the removel of those wooden boards from the showers, regular foot inspection and the use of bathroom footwear.
Treatment consist in the application onto the infected skin of miconazole nitrate ointment (Daktarin, Janssen Pharmaceutica), the use of miconazole-nitrate foot powder in socks and shoes and the oral use of Sporanox (itraconazole nitrate). The mode of action of these imadazoles is based upon their capacity to inhibit the action of fungal cytochrome P450 that is involved in the biosynthesis of ergosterol, an essential sterol of the fungal plasma membrane.
Treatment consist in the use of oral fungicides or the application of miconazole nitrate ointment (Daktarin, Janssen Pharmaceutica) into the vagina (for mode of action see above).