Korean J Dermatol.
2023 Aug;61(7):420-428.
A Survey on the Perception and Behavior Regarding Tinea Pedis among Korean Adults
- Cho M
1 - Lee YW2
- Lee DH3
- Jeong KH4
- Kwon SH5
- Kim JE6
- Kim H7
- Na CH8
- Seo HM9
- Shin MK4
- Ahn J10
- Woo YR11
- Lee GY12
- Jang YH13
- Jung HJ10
- Choi YS14
- Han TY15
- Lee HE16
- Bang CY17
- Lee MW18
- Kim DH1
- Affiliations
-
- 1Department of Dermatology, CHA Bundang Medical Center, CHA University College of Medicine, Seongnam, Korea
- 2Department of Dermatology, Konkuk University School of Medicine, Seoul, Korea
- 3Department of Dermatology, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea
- 4Department of Dermatology, Kyung Hee University Medical Center, Kyung Hee University College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea
- 5Department of Dermatology, Kyung Hee University Hospital at Gangdong, Kyung Hee University College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea
- 6Department of Dermatology, Soonchunhyang University Cheonan Hospital, Soonchunhyang University College of Medicine, Cheonan, Korea
- 7Department of Dermatology, Busan Paik Hospital, Inje University College of Medicine, Busan, Korea
- 8Department of Dermatology, Chosun University School of Medicine, Gwangju, Korea
- 9Department of Dermatology, Hanyang University Guri Hospital, Hanyang University College of Medicine, Guri, Korea
- 10Department of Dermatology, National Medical Center, Seoul, Korea
- 11Department of Dermatology, Incheon St. Mary’s Hospital, College of Medicine, The Catholic University of Korea, Seoul, Korea
- 12Department of Dermatology, Kangbuk Samsung Hospital, Sungkyunkwan University College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea
- 13Department of Dermatology, School of Medicine, Kyungpook National University, Daegu, Korea
- 14Department of Dermatology, Soonchunhyang University Seoul Hospital, Soonchunhyang University College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea
- 15Department of Dermatology, Nowon Eulji Medical Center, Eulji University College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea
- 16Foret Dermatology Clinic, Seoul, Korea
- 17Human Dermatology Clinic, Seoul, Korea
- 18Department of Dermatology, Asan Medical Center, University of Ulsan College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea
Abstract
- Background
Dermatophyte infection is one of the most common skin diseases affecting the skin, hair, and nails. Despite widespread recognition of the disease, missing details and misperceptions are commonplace in the general population.
Objective
This study aimed to investigate the public perception and behavior regarding dermatophytosis of the hands and feet.
Methods
This results from an online survey conducted between July 2022 and August 2022. The survey included 1,000 Korean participants aged 20 to 69 years, of whom 60% experienced symptoms of tinea pedis or onychomycosis. The questionnaire focused on the awareness and personal experience of tinea pedis and perception of the treatment of dermatophytosis.
Results
Of the 1,000 participants, nearly 80% regarded tinea pedis as a common skin condition by which anyone can be affected. Furthermore, 88.4% had heard that the treatment of tinea pedis could be harmful, causing skin rash (60.4%) and worsening liver function (48.5%). Among 896 participants who noticed suspicious symptoms, 81.2% did not visit the clinic because it was not severe (50.1%) and seemed easily manageable (25.7%). Of the respondents, 84.4% preferred to meet dermatologists rather than non-dermatologist doctors regarding skin diseases, mainly because of trust in experts and belief in a faster cure.
Conclusion
Providing accurate and detailed information via online media, educational campaigns, and medical papers can rectify misconceptions and improve patient appliance, contributing to public skin health.
