Tolnaftate as a prophylactic agent for tinea pedis.

The pathogenesis of tinea pedis, the most common type of dermatophyte infection, is still in controversy. Many factors seem to be involved. Individual susceptibility, exposure to virulent organisms, trauma to the skin, temperature and humidity all appear to play a part.l An effective topical agent for the prophylaxis of tinea pedis might be very helpful in high-risk groups.2 Numerous agents have been tested as prophylactics,3," but none has proven acleq ua tel y effective and safe. Tolnaftate, an effective £ungicide,s. 6 has been used extensively for the past five years as a therapeutic agent for tinea pedis. No documented case o[ allergic or primary irritation has been reported from its use, and it is virtually free of systemic toxicity.7