Tinea manuum

Diagnosis is by visualization, direct microscopy and culture. Psoriasis of the palms, pompholyx and contact dermatitis may appear similar. Treatment is usually with long term topical antifungal medications. If not resolving, terbinafine or itraconazole taken by mouth might be options. It occurs worldwide. One large study revealed around 84% of tinea manuum was associated with athlete's foot, of which 80% admitted scratching their feet, and 60% were male,

There is usually an itch, with generalised dry flaky thick skin of the palm of a hand. Frequently, one hand is affected, but it can be in both. If the back of the hand is affected, it may appear as reddish circles like in ringworm. Sometimes there are no symptoms. The feet may be affected as in two feet one hand syndrome.

The most common cause is Trichophyton rubrum. Other causes include Trichophyton verrucosum (from cattle), Microsporum canis (from a cat or dog), Trichophyton erinacei (from a hedgehog), Trichophyton mentagrophytes, Epidermophyton floccosum, Trichophyton interdigitale, and more rarely Microsporum gypseum, Trichophyton eriotrephon, and Arhroderma benhamiae. Tinea manuum can result from touching another area of the body with a fungal infection such as athlete's foot or tinea cruris, contact with an infected person or animal, or from contact with soil or contaminated towels.

Diabetes, high blood pressure, weak immune system, humid surroundings, excessive sweating, recurrent hand trauma and cracks in feet are risk factors for tinea manuum. Pet owners and farmworkers are also at higher risk.

Diagnosis is by visualization, direct microscopy and culture.

Psoriasis of the palms, pompholyx and contact dermatitis may appear similar.

Prevention is focussed on hygiene such as washing hands, avoiding scratching the feet or touching fungal toe infections.

Treatment is usually with long term topical antifungal medications. If not resolving, terbinafine or itraconazole by mouth might be options. Other options include clotrimazole, fluconazole and ketoconazole.

Tinea manuum is most common in young adult males. Dermatophyte infections occur in up to a quarter of the world's population, of which the hands and feet are most commonly involved. It occurs worldwide. One large study revealed around 84% of tinea manuum was associated with athlete's foot, of which 80% admitted scratching their feet, and 60% were male,