Which of the following describes the characteristics of tinea pedis?

• A. Smooth, dry skin
• B. Red, scaly, itchy skin
• C. Itchy hands only
• D. Painless, white patches

Answer: (B)

The main concept here is recognizing the typical pattern of a fungal infection of the feet. Tinea pedis usually presents with red, scaly skin that is very itchy, often between the toes, and may include cracking or burning sensations. This combination—redness, flaking or scaling, and persistent itch—is characteristic of athlete’s foot.

Smooth, dry skin is not the hallmark of this infection; it describes non-fungal dry skin or dermatitis and usually lacks the itching and scale pattern seen with tinea pedis. Itching confined to the hands ignores the common foot involvement and the classic location of this infection. Painless, white patches point more toward other skin conditions such as tinea versicolor or vitiligo, which don’t match the typical presentation of athlete’s foot.

So, red, scaly, itchy skin best captures the characteristic symptoms of tinea pedis.