What does “Hong Kong foot” mean?

Hong Kong foot—also known as athlete’s foot or tinea pedis—is typically caused by a fungal infection of the feet, such as tinea pedis. Following fungal infection, the skin on the feet often becomes macerated (softened and broken down), and this maceration may be accompanied by varying degrees of exudation (oozing). Prolonged wearing of shoes and inadequate attention to regularly changing and washing socks and footwear can lead to unpleasant foot odor—hence the colloquial term “Hong Kong foot.”