The fungal infection of the foot resulting in scaliness and cracking of the skin, especially on the sole and between the toes, is called?

1. A

   Athlete's foot (Tinea pedis)

2. B

   Paronychia

3. C

   Callus

4. D

   Impetigo

Appeared in: KGMU 2023

Explanation

• The question describes the classic signs of a fungal infection of the feet: scaliness and cracking, especially on the sole and between the toes.
• Athlete's foot, or Tinea pedis, is the medical term for this common dermatophyte infection.
• Dermatophytes are fungi that infect the skin, hair, and nails, and Tinea pedis is the most common type of dermatophyte infection.
• The typical location between the toes and on the sole is a hallmark of this specific condition.

Why Other Options Were Wrong

• Option B: Paronychia is an infection of the nail fold, not the skin of the sole or between the toes. It is also more commonly caused by bacteria or Candida yeast.
• Option C: A callus is a physiological response to pressure or friction, resulting in thickened skin. It is not an infectious process caused by a microorganism.
• Option D: Impetigo is a bacterial infection, not fungal. Its characteristic sign is honey-colored crusts, not the dry scaling and cracking described in the question.

Related Visual

• Visual 1: Image: Close-up photograph showing the characteristic scaling, redness, and maceration of the skin between the toes, which is typical of Athlete's foot (Tinea pedis).
• Visual 2: Infographic: A chart comparing the key features of Tinea pedis, Paronychia, and Impetigo, highlighting the causative agent (fungus vs. bacteria), location, and primary signs for each.

Clinical Relevance

• Nursing practice connection: Knowing Fungal Skin Infections (Dermatophytosis) helps nurses interpret findings accurately and avoid errors in routine assessment, medication administration, and patient teaching.
• Patient education is a critical nursing role in managing Tinea pedis. Nurses should instruct patients on proper foot hygiene, the importance of keeping feet dry, wearing clean cotton socks, and using antifungal powders to prevent recurrence.
• Nurses must emphasize the need to complete the full course of antifungal treatment, even if symptoms improve, to fully eradicate the fungus and prevent a relapse.
• What if? If a patient with Tinea pedis also has diabetes, the nurse's assessment and teaching must be more intensive. A simple fungal infection can lead to breaks in the skin, increasing the risk of severe secondary bacterial infections and diabetic foot ulcers. The patient must be taught to inspect their feet daily.

How to Approach the Question

• First, break down the question stem to identify the key descriptors: 1) it's a fungal infection, 2) it's on the foot, and 3) it causes scaliness and cracking.
• Next, evaluate each option against these key descriptors.
• Eliminate 'Impetigo' because it's a bacterial infection, not fungal.
• Eliminate 'Callus' because it's a non-infectious condition caused by friction.
• Eliminate 'Paronychia' as it affects the skin around the nails, not primarily the sole or between the toes.
• Conclude that 'Athlete's foot (Tinea pedis)' is the only option that is a fungal infection presenting with the described symptoms and location.

Concept Tested & Keywords

• Concept Tested: Fungal Skin Infections (Dermatophytosis)
• Stem keywords: fungal infection, foot, scaliness, cracking, sole, between the toes
• Lead-in keywords: is called
• Negative lead-in flag: false

Question ID

QYMqooidjx_1p6qu0R1uN8

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