Abstract
The relation between tinea pedis and the internal environment of footwear has not been scientifically proven. This study aimed to determine whether the internal environment of footwear affects the incidence of tinea pedis and tinea unguium. This cross‐sectional, observatory study involved 420 outpatients who were categorized into non‐tinea, tinea pedis or tinea unguium groups based on mycological analysis. External climatic conditions, and temperature, humidity and dew points inside the patients’ footwear were recorded. Univariate and multivariate analyses were used to determine independent risk factors for tinea pedis and tinea unguium. A significant correlation was found between high temperature/high humidity and dew point of the internal environment of the footwear and the season. Furthermore, those who wore footwear with internal environments characterized by high temperature, high humidity, high‐temperature/high‐humidity and high dew point values had a significantly higher incidence of tinea pedis. The internal dew point correlated with the incidence of tinea pedis, whereas the external temperature correlated with the incidence of tinea unguium. The internal humidity and dew point of footwear as well as the frequency with which footwear with a high‐temperature/high‐humidity internal environment were worn was significantly higher in men than in women. In conclusion, the internal environment of footwear is a risk factor for tinea pedis, and this environment is affected by the season. Moreover, the frequency of tinea pedis among men is related to the internal environment of footwear. The dew point is an appropriate index for evaluating temperature and humidity in relation to tinea pedis.
Highlights
For many years, epidemiological studies and clinical experience have indicated that a relationship exists between footwear and tinea pedis (TP).[1,2] The onset of TP is likely to be more affected by the internal environment of the footwear enveloping the feet than the climate outside the footwear
Temperature and humidity are considered risk factors for TP,[11] studies investigating their association with dew point, an index of the degree of moisture contained in air, which is not affected by temperature, have not been conducted
It has not been scientifically proven that the internal environment of footwear and primary climatological factors have an effect on TP risk
Summary
Epidemiological studies and clinical experience have indicated that a relationship exists between footwear and tinea pedis (TP).[1,2] The onset of TP is likely to be more affected by the internal environment of the footwear enveloping the feet than the climate outside the footwear. The onset of TP is likely to be more affected by the internal environment of the footwear enveloping the feet than the climate outside the footwear. This relationship has not been directly proven in any study, and data on this relationship are lacking. Temperature and humidity are considered risk factors for TP,[11] studies investigating their association with dew point, an index of the degree of moisture contained in air, which is not affected by temperature, have not been conducted. The dew point is a good indicator of high temperature and humidity in the environment and can be used to demonstrate the effect of these environmental factors on dermatophytes. High temperature and humidity are risk factors for TP, these are currently not well defined
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