Achilles foot-screening project: background, objectives and design.

OBJECTIVE

A description of the background, objectives and design of the Achilles foot screening project.

SUBJECT

Foot diseases, especially tinea pedis and onychomycosis.

METHODS

Literature review and description of the Achilles set-up.

RESULTS

The prevalence of tinea pedis and onychomycosis has sharply increased since 1950. Tinea pedis is one of the most common mycological diseases and onychomycosis is the most frequent nail disorder. They occur mainly in adults with an estimated overall prevalence of 10-20%, although epidemiological data are limited. The pan-European Achilles foot-screening project was undertaken to gather basic information on foot diseases, using a survey by questionnaire and a mycological assessment study.

CONCLUSION

The prevalence of foot mycoses, particularly onychomycoses, is much higher than anticipated.