A physician would likely prescribe an antifungal cream for which condition?

An antifungal cream is specifically designed to combat fungal infections. Athlete's foot, which is caused by a fungus, is a common skin condition characterized by itchiness, redness, and peeling between the toes or on the soles of the feet. Since the condition is directly related to a fungal infection, a physician would prescribe an antifungal cream as it effectively targets the underlying cause of the infection, providing relief and promoting healing.

In contrast, eczema and psoriasis are primarily inflammatory skin conditions rather than fungal infections. Eczema might involve various triggers including allergies and irritants, while psoriasis is related to immune system processes leading to rapid skin cell turnover. Although they may require topical treatments, antifungal creams would not address their specific pathophysiologies. Ringworm, while also a fungal infection, is a distinct condition that, although correctly treated with antifungal agents, has been identified as part of a different diagnosis from athlete’s foot, which is more common in its association with topical antifungals in certain contexts, particularly when considering foot health in active individuals.