Can you identify this pruritic, vesicular eruption?

An itchy, blistering eruption on the side of a 67-year-old woman’s foot has worsened during the past 2 weeks. She has never had athlete’s foot and has not recently purchased new shoes.

What do you suspect?

A. Impetigo.
B. Cellulitis.
C. Contact dermatitis.
D. Tinea pedis.
E. Psoriasis.

(Answer on next page)

Answer: Tinea pedis

A potassium hydroxide evaluation confirmed the clinical impression of vesicular tinea pedis, D. The exuberant eruption is caused by an allergic reaction to the dermatophyte. Combination antifungal therapy and a systemic or topical corticosteroid will cure the condition.