Summary about Disease
Tinea manuum is a fungal infection of the hand(s), caused by dermatophytes. It's often referred to as "tinea of the hand" or "ringworm of the hand," although it doesn't always present with a ring-shaped rash. It frequently occurs in conjunction with tinea pedis (athlete's foot) affecting one or both feet, referred to as a "two feet-one hand syndrome.
Symptoms
Symptoms can vary, but commonly include:
Dry, scaly patches on the palms or backs of the hands.
Thickened, cracked, and peeling skin.
Itching, burning, or stinging sensations.
In some cases, blisters or vesicles may be present.
Affected fingernails may become thickened, discolored, or brittle (onychomycosis).
Causes
Tinea manuum is caused by dermatophyte fungi, primarily:
Trichophyton rubrum (most common)
Trichophyton mentagrophytes
Epidermophyton floccosum Transmission can occur through:
Direct contact with an infected person or animal.
Touching contaminated surfaces (e.g., towels, gym equipment).
Spread from another site of infection on the body (e.g., tinea pedis).
Medicine Used
Treatment typically involves antifungal medications:
Topical antifungals: Clotrimazole, miconazole, terbinafine, ketoconazole creams or lotions are often used for mild to moderate cases.
Oral antifungals: Griseofulvin, terbinafine, itraconazole, or fluconazole may be prescribed for more severe or persistent infections. Oral medication is usually needed for fingernail involvement.
Is Communicable
Yes, tinea manuum is contagious and can be spread through direct contact with an infected person or animal, or by touching contaminated objects or surfaces.
Precautions
To prevent tinea manuum:
Maintain good hygiene: Wash hands regularly, especially after being in public places or touching potentially contaminated surfaces.
Keep hands dry: Fungi thrive in moist environments.
Avoid sharing personal items: Towels, gloves, and nail clippers should not be shared.
Treat other fungal infections: Promptly treat athlete's foot or other fungal infections to prevent spread.
Wear gloves: When handling soil or working in environments where fungal exposure is likely.
Avoid touching suspected lesions: If you see a lesion, avoid touching it and wash your hands thoroughly if you do.
How long does an outbreak last?
Without treatment, tinea manuum can persist for weeks, months, or even years. With appropriate antifungal treatment, symptoms typically improve within 2-4 weeks, but complete resolution may take longer, especially if nails are involved.
How is it diagnosed?
Diagnosis usually involves:
Clinical examination: A doctor will examine the skin and nails.
Skin scraping: A sample of skin is scraped from the affected area and examined under a microscope for the presence of fungal elements (KOH test).
Fungal culture: A sample is cultured to identify the specific type of fungus causing the infection.
Timeline of Symptoms
The timeline can vary, but a typical progression might look like this:
Initial infection: Mild itching or dryness may be the first sign.
Days to weeks: The affected area becomes more scaly, cracked, and itchy. Redness may develop.
Weeks to months: Without treatment, the condition worsens, with more significant scaling, thickening of the skin, and potential spread to the nails. Blisters may form in some cases.
Important Considerations
Misdiagnosis: Tinea manuum can be mistaken for eczema, psoriasis, or allergic contact dermatitis.
Compliance with Treatment: Complete the full course of medication, even if symptoms improve, to ensure complete eradication of the fungus and prevent recurrence.
Recurrence: Fungal infections can recur, especially if underlying risk factors are not addressed (e.g., persistent athlete's foot).
Associated Infections: Be aware of associated infections, especially tinea pedis. Treat all affected areas simultaneously.