OBJECTIVE: To study the epidemiology of foot diseases, including tinea pedis and 
onychomycosis in clinic attendees in Hong Kong.
METHODS: Two groups were included: the institutional group consisted of clinical 
evaluation and mycological investigations by dermatologists; and the private 
group consisted of clinical evaluation only by the private physicians. Patients 
who had a regular visit to the clinics were randomly invited to have a clinical 
examination of their feet.
RESULTS: A total of 1014 patients were studied. The prevalence rate of foot 
disease, fungal infections, tinea pedis and toe nail onychomycosis were 
respectively 50.7%, 26.9%, 20.4% and 16.6%. More male and elderly patients were 
affected except that the sex prevalence in toe nail onychomycosis was not shown 
to be significant. Vascular disease, diabetes mellitus and obesity were the 
three most prevalent predisposing factors in foot disease, fungal disease and 
fungal nail disease. Dermatophytes, in particular Trichophyton rubrum, were 
shown to be the most common pathogen in both skin and nail infections.
CONCLUSIONS: Foot diseases, especially tinea pedis and toe nail onychomycosis, 
are common in patients attending local clinics in Hong Kong. Both physicians and 
patients should be more aware of foot problems and have more active approaches 
and management strategies.