Tinea Manuum
A fungal infection of the skin on the hands
Quick Facts
- Type: Fungal skin infection (dermatophyte)
- Hallmark: Dry, scaly, itchy hand patches
- Common link: Often occurs with athlete's foot
- Treatment: Antifungal creams or pills
Overview
Tinea manuum is a fungal infection of the skin on the hands. It is a type of ringworm, caused by the same group of fungi (dermatophytes) responsible for athlete's foot and jock itch. Despite the name, ringworm is not caused by a worm; the term refers to the ring-shaped rash it can produce.
Tinea manuum often affects just one hand and frequently occurs in people who also have a fungal infection of the feet, a pattern sometimes called "two feet, one hand" disease. The infection is usually not serious and responds well to antifungal treatment, but it can be persistent and easily mistaken for dry skin or eczema.
Symptoms
Tinea manuum often causes subtle, gradually spreading changes to the skin of the hand.
- Dry, scaly, or flaky skin, especially on the palm
- Itching or mild burning
- A ring-shaped or curved patch with a slightly raised, scaly border
- Redness or discoloration of the affected skin
- Thickening of the skin on the palm
- Sometimes small blisters along the edge of the rash
It commonly affects only one hand, and the skin may look unusually dry and powdery in the creases of the palm.
Causes
Tinea manuum is caused by dermatophyte fungi that feed on keratin, a protein in skin. Infection can spread in several ways:
- Touching infected areas: Scratching an athlete's foot or other fungal infection can transfer fungus to the hands.
- Skin-to-skin contact: Touching another infected person or an infected animal.
- Contaminated objects: Sharing towels, gloves, tools, or surfaces carrying the fungus.
- Warm, moist conditions: Sweaty hands or frequent moisture support fungal growth.
The fungi thrive in warmth and moisture, so anything that keeps hands damp can increase the risk.
Risk Factors
- Having athlete's foot or another fungal infection elsewhere on the body
- Frequent hand sweating
- Manual work or activities that cause minor hand injuries
- Frequent contact with soil, animals, or shared equipment
- Wearing occlusive gloves for long periods
- A weakened immune system or diabetes
Diagnosis
Because it can resemble eczema or simple dry skin, tinea manuum is sometimes confirmed with a simple test.
- Physical examination: A clinician examines the pattern, scaling, and border of the rash.
- Skin scraping: A small sample of skin is examined under a microscope or cultured to detect fungus.
- Checking the feet: The feet and toenails are often examined, since a foot infection is a common source.
Confirming the diagnosis matters because steroid creams used for eczema can make a fungal infection worse.
Treatment
Antifungal medication is the mainstay of treatment.
- Topical antifungals: Creams or lotions applied to the affected skin are often enough for mild cases and are used for several weeks.
- Oral antifungals: Pills may be needed for widespread, thickened, or stubborn infections, or when the nails are involved.
- Treating the feet too: Any accompanying athlete's foot is treated at the same time to prevent reinfection of the hand.
- Skin care: Keeping hands clean and dry supports healing.
It is important to continue treatment for the full recommended time, even after the rash improves, to prevent the infection from returning.
Prevention
Simple habits help prevent tinea manuum and its spread:
- Treat athlete's foot promptly and avoid touching infected feet, then your hands
- Wash hands after handling animals, soil, or shared equipment
- Keep hands clean and dry, drying well between the fingers
- Do not share towels, gloves, or tools
- Wear breathable gloves and change them if they become sweaty
When to See a Doctor
See a doctor if a dry, scaly, or itchy patch on your hand does not improve with moisturizer, keeps spreading, or returns after treatment. A clinician can confirm whether it is a fungal infection and prescribe the right antifungal.
Seek care sooner if the skin becomes painful, swollen, oozing, or shows signs of a bacterial infection, or if you have diabetes or a weakened immune system, as infections may need closer attention in these situations.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is tinea manuum contagious?
Yes. The fungus can spread through direct skin contact, shared objects like towels and gloves, and from your own infected feet to your hands. Treating the infection and practicing good hygiene reduce the risk of spreading it.
Why does it often affect just one hand?
Tinea manuum frequently follows a pattern called 'two feet, one hand' disease, where the fungus spreads from infected feet to one hand, often the one used to scratch or touch the feet. Treating the feet at the same time helps prevent reinfection.
Can I use a steroid cream on it?
No, not on its own. Steroid creams used for eczema can make a fungal infection worse and harder to recognize. If a hand rash does not improve, see a doctor to confirm whether it is fungal before using such creams.
How long does treatment take?
Topical antifungal creams are usually used for several weeks, and stubborn or thickened infections may need oral antifungal pills for longer. It is important to finish the full course, even after the skin looks better, to prevent it from returning.
How can I keep it from coming back?
Treat any athlete's foot, keep your hands clean and dry, avoid sharing towels or gloves, and wash your hands after handling animals or soil. Drying well between the fingers also helps prevent the fungus from returning.
References
- American Academy of Dermatology Association. Ringworm: Overview.
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Ringworm.
- MedlinePlus, U.S. National Library of Medicine. Tinea infections.