Which class of drugs can be used to treat tinea pedis?

Tinea pedis, commonly known as athlete's foot, is a fungal infection that affects the skin, particularly in the moist areas of the feet. The most appropriate class of drugs for treating this condition is antifungals, as they are specifically designed to target and eliminate fungal infections.

Antifungals work by disrupting the cell membrane of fungal cells or inhibiting their growth and reproduction. This mechanism effectively treats tinea pedis by reducing the fungal load and alleviating the symptoms associated with the infection, such as itching, redness, and scaling of the skin.

In contrast, the other classes of drugs listed do not address fungal infections. Antibiotics target bacterial infections and would not be effective against fungi. Antihypertensives are used to manage high blood pressure and have no role in treating skin infections. Analgesics are primarily pain relievers and do not possess antifungal properties.

Therefore, the use of antifungals is the correct approach for effectively managing tinea pedis, addressing the root cause of the infection.