Fungal infections of the skin and nails are a global problem. The high prevalence of superficial mycotic infections shows that 20-25% of the world's population has skin mycoses [1]. Although the incidence of tinea capitis is declining in developed countries, tinea pedis and onychomycosis are becoming more common [2]. Fungal nail infection (tinea unguium) occurs in general population with the prevalence of about 3-5% [3]. Pathogens responsible for skin mycoses are mainly anthropophilic and zoophilic dermatophytes from the genera Trichophyton, Epidermophyton and Microsporum. Socio-economic factors and cultural practices can influence the prevalence of infection [1]. Cutaneous infections by Trichophyton and other dermatophytes, especially the tinea pedis, have been widespread in the former Soviet Union, one of the reservoirs being the Soviet Army, where slippers for common use in the caserns were put on by everybody. During his army service in 1975-1977, the author of this letter was aware of the problem and avoided infection for a long time. One night, having awaken to go to the toilet, he put on by mistake another soldier's boots. Shortly thereafter he developed tinea pedis with itching maceration between the toes. Later the condition was successfully treated.
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