What is the typical treatment for tinea pedis?

Tinea pedis, commonly known as athlete's foot, is a fungal infection that typically requires antifungal treatment to effectively eliminate the infection. The use of topical antifungal agents, such as miconazole or clotrimazole, is considered the first-line therapy for this condition. These medications work by inhibiting the growth of the fungi responsible for the infection and are generally effective in treating localized infections on the skin.

Topical agents are favored for tinea pedis because they directly target the affected area, are generally well-tolerated, and have a lower risk of systemic side effects compared to oral medications. When applied as directed, they can effectively clear the infection within a few weeks.

Other treatment options may be reserved for more persistent or extensive cases of tinea pedis. For instance, oral antifungals might be considered for severe cases or those not responding to topical treatment, while the use of selenium shampoo is not primarily indicated for tinea pedis but is more commonly associated with treating scalp fungal infections.

Given this context, miconazole or clotrimazole effectively addresses the primary treatment for tinea pedis, making it the correct choice for this question.