A prospective epidemiological study on tinea pedis and onychomycosis in Hong Kong

Objective To study the epidemiology of foot diseases, including tinea pedis and onychomycosis in clinic attendees in Hong Kong. Methods Two groups were included: the institutional group consisted of clinical evaluation and mycological investigations by dermatologists; and the private group consisted of clinical evaluation only by the private physicians. Patients who had a regular visit to the clinics were randomly invited to have a clinical examination of their feet. Results A total of 1014 patients were studied. The prevalence rate of foot disease, fungal infections, tinea pedis and toe nail onychomycosis were respectively 50.7%, 26.9%, 20.4% and 16.6%. More male and elderly patients were affected except that the sex prevalence in toe nail onychomycosis was not shown to be significant. Vascular disease, diabetes mellitus and obesity were the three most prevalent predisposing factors in foot disease, fungal disease and fungal nail disease. Dermatophytes, in particular Trichophyton rubrum, were shown to be the most common pathogen in both skin and nail infections. Conclusions Foot diseases, especially tinea pedis and toe nail onychomycosis, are common in patients attending local clinics in Hong Kong. Both physicians and patients should be more aware of foot problems and have more active approaches and management strategies.