erosio interdigitalis blastomycetica vs tinea pedis

What is the difference between ‘erosio interdigitalis blastomycetica’ vs ‘tinea pedis’?

Both erosio interdigitalis blastomycetica (EIB) and tinea pedis are fungal infections that can cause problems between the toes. EIB is caused by Candida albicans and tinea pedis is caused by other fungal agents.

The two cause a somewhat different clinical picture:

  • the both cause an interdigital maceration
  • this maceration in EIB eventually peels leaving a raw denuded area
  • both can itch, but EIB can be painful as well
  • EIB typically has a foul odor and tinea pedis dosen’t
  • a KOH mount will show the pseudohyphae and the budding of the Candida in EIB

Oh, and:
‘Erosio” = the erosion of the skin seen in this condition
“Interdigitalis” = between the toes
“Blastomycetica” = what they thought the bug was before it was known is was a Candida species

and:
“Tinea” = fungal infection
“Pedis” = foot

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