Tinea manuum
What is Tinea Manuum?
Tinea manuum is a condition in which an infectious skin fungus affects the palms of your hands. It is considered a type of superficial mycosis. The medical name for tinea manuum is “ringworm dermatitis”. It can present as an itchy, scaly, ring-shaped area on the palms which may also spread to the fingers, fingernails, and wrists. Beside, it may also be accompanied by symptoms like burning, itching and swelling in the affected area.
Causes of Tinea Manuum?
A fungus known as dermatophyte is responsible for causing tinea manuum. This type of infection is most common in tropical and subtropical climates and is usually caused by walking barefoot in an infested area, or coming into contact with someone else has had this infection.
Symptoms of Tinea Manuum
The typical symptoms of tinea manuum are:
- Red patches around the edges of the palms
- Fluid-filled blisters
- Itching, burning, and a scaly rash
- Peeling of the skin between the fingers
- Thickened or discolored fingernails or toenails
Diagnosis of Tinea Manuum
Your doctor will be able to diagnose tinea manuum by taking a sample of the skin affected and examining it under a microscope. In some cases, they may need to perform a culture test to determine the exact type of fungus causing the infection. This will help them to decide on the best course of treatment.
Treatment of Tinea Manuum
The treatment for tinea manuum will depend on the severity of the infection. Your doctor may prescribe a combination of topical and oral antifungal medication. For mild cases, a topical cream or lotion may be enough to clear up the infection. In more severe cases, you may be prescribed stronger oral antifungal medication.
Prevention of Tinea Manuum
It is important to take preventative measures to prevent getting infected with tinea manuum, as this can be difficult to treat. These measures include avoiding contact with people who have the infection, wearing appropriate foot protection in public places like swimming pools or communal showers, and washing and drying your hands thoroughly after contact with someone who is carrying the fungus.