Effect of finger socks on clinical cure in interdigital tinea pedis

Abstract

Background: Humidity between the toes and occlusion are risk factors and causes of recurrence for interdigital tinea pedis. Objective: To determine the role of wearing “finger-socks” in addition to topical antifungal treatment in managing interdigital tinea pedis. Methods: Among 54 patients with interdigital tinea pedis confirmed by direct microscopy, 31 in the study group were recommended to wear 5-finger socks in addition to topical antifungal treatment for 4 weeks, while 23 in the control group received only topical antifungal treatment without sock recommendations. Results: Pretreatment culture positivity rate was 20.4%, whereas post-treatment, all cases had negative culture results. The most commonly detected microorganisms were Trichophyton rubrum and Candida parapsilosis. In the finger-socks group, the rates of complete cure, partial cure, and treatment failure were 74.2%, 16.1%, and 9.7%, respectively, while 21.7%, 26.1%, and 52.2% in the control group (P < .001). Study limitations: The small sample size and the high rate of false-negative fungal culture results were our limitations. Conclusions: The clinical complete cure rate was significantly higher in those who wore 5-finger socks compared to those who did not. Finger socks increase treatment success in interdigital tinea pedis, presumably by reducing the humidity between the toes, independently of daily habits. © 2025 American Academy of Dermatology, Inc.