Which characteristic is NOT associated with tinea pedis?

Tinea pedis, commonly known as athlete's foot, is a fungal infection that primarily affects the skin of the feet. The characteristic symptoms include scaly and itchy skin, along with redness and inflammation.

Dry skin is not typically associated with tinea pedis as a primary characteristic. Instead, the condition usually leads to a more flaky or scaly skin appearance due to the infection and the body's response to it. The presence of the fungus causes the skin to become irritated and can lead to skin peeling, which is more representative of the scaly nature of the condition rather than dryness. Itchy skin is a significant symptom because the fungal infection triggers an inflammatory response, often manifesting as discomfort and an urge to scratch the affected area.

Overall, identifying dryness specifically as a characteristic of tinea pedis is misleading, while scaly skin, itchy skin, and the fungal nature of the infection are key components of this condition.