Tinea manuum ia a chronic dermatophytosis of the hand(s), often unilateral, most commonly on the dominant hand, and usually associated with tinea pedis.
Causes of Tinea Manuum
Tinea manuum is due to a fungal infection of the skin on the hands.
Symptoms of Tinea Manuum
- Mostly, a scaly rash on the palms
- Often it does not cause any symptoms. It can cause itching, stinging, or burning. Usually, the rash is not painful.
- The infection can occur anywhere on the hands, but it usually occurs on the palms or in the space between fingers.
- If the infection is not treated, it may cause the skin to crack.
- It can also cause the skin to be wet and “weepy.”
- Sometimes, the surrounding skin can become infected and cause Cellulitis (inflammation).
Diagnosis
- Examination — the doctor may easily recognize the typical appearance of the rash.
- The doctor may also scrape the rash and examine it under the microscope.
- Sometimes a culture of the rash may be needed to make the diagnosis.
Treatment
Prevention Must eradicate tinea unguium of fingernails as well as toenails, tinea pedis ±tinea cruris as well; otherwise, tinea manuum will recur.
Antifungal Agents Topical See Dermatophytoses. Failure common.
Systemic Because of thickness of palmar straturn corneum, and especially if associated with tinea unguium of fingernails, tinea manuum is impossible to cure with topical agents. Oral agents eradicate dermatophytoses of hands, feet, and nails:
Terbinafine 250 mg qd for 14 days
Itraconzole 200 mg qd for 7 days
Fluconazole 150-200 mg qd for 2 to 4 weeks
Note: Eradication of fingernail onychomycosis requires longer use.
References