Which statement describes tinea pedis most accurately?

• A. It is caused by bacteria only
• B. It is a fungal infection characterized by red, scaly, itchy skin
• C. It generally presents with hair loss
• D. It is a viral infection causing rash

Answer: (B)

Tinea pedis is a fungal infection of the feet caused by dermatophyte fungi. The best description is that it is a fungal infection characterized by red, scaly, itchy skin. This matches what clinicians see: pruritic, stretched patches of erythema with scaling, often between the toes or on the soles, and sometimes with fissures or maceration after moisture exposure.

It is not caused by bacteria alone, nor is it a viral infection—the other options misidentify the organism or typical presentation. Hair loss isn’t a typical feature of tinea pedis; that pattern is more associated with fungal infections of hair-bearing areas (like the scalp) or other non-fungal conditions.