Introduction and definition

Tinea manuum can be defined nothing but an infection of the body surface generally caused due to something mold-like fungi medically termed as dermatophytes. This is much less usual comparatively to Tinea pedis (Tinea affecting the feet). Usually, it produces some scurfy rashes that might be accompanied with sensation of severe burning and/or mild to moderate itching.

In other words, dermatophytosis (Tinea) is a fungal infection caused because of dermatophytes. The infection can spread from person-to-person, animal-to-human (scientifically called as zoophilic), or soil-to-human (scientifically termed as geophilic). Dermatophytes partly inhabit the nonliving, carnified layers of the skin, hairs, and nails; those are delight for its warmer, moister environments contributing to fungal proliferation. The condition, as on clinical picture is basically more aggressive as compared to that of the Tinea pedis but appear somewhat similar to that.

The symptoms

The symptoms begin with mostly some scaly rashes on the palms. However, the condition many times, does not cause any specific signs and/or symptoms but generally the disease features symptoms like itching, stinging, or burning sensation to the affected area. Nevertheless, the rashes are not so painful.

The infection can strike anyplace on the hands, but it generally occurs on the palm or at the space between two fingers. If the infection is just ignored and remains untreated, it might cause the skin to have several cracks. It can also cause the skin to become wet and liable to weep easily. Sometimes, the surrounding skins can also turn to get infection and then, it might produce cellulites (inflammation).

The causes

Tinea manuum is because of fungal infection of the skins on the hands.

The diagnoses

The diagnosis of the disease is carried out on the basis of local examination -- the doctor might easily recognize the typical appearance of the rashes. A doctor might also scrap the rashes and examine them under the microscope or simply send it in the laboratory for further evaluation. Sometimes, a culture of the rashes might be required for making the perfect diagnosis.

The treatment

Treatment depends upon the severity and symptoms of the disease. Though, some of the common steps for the treatment include following –

• If the affected site is wet and weepy, solution containing aluminum subacetate might help curing wetness and also decreasing the infection. For this, one can soak the infected hand into the solution two times a day for about 15 minutes each time. Additionally, anti-fungal creams may be used.

• If the rashes of Tinea manuum are only dry and scaly then cure them with any of the various anti-fungus creams those are readily available in the market. Treatment should be continued for at least 7-14 days even after the rashes have been cleared. Oftentimes, OTC (over-the-counter) anti-fungal lotions seem to be adequate. Other times, you go to dermatologist and get authentic prescription for a particular product cream.

• Anti-fungal creams generally do not work on fugal infection of the nail – one should therefore, treat such condition with oral anti-fungal medicines.

• For fungal infection of the hands in Tinea manuum does not respond to creams, a doctor may prescribe some oral anti-fungal medications such as Griseofulvin (250-500mg two times a day for 15020 days) can be taken. Once the infection is healed, using anti-fungal powders or creams to prevent further infection and recurrence is advised.

• Certain modern drugs like Itraconazole (200mg once daily for 2 wk) or Terbinafine (250mg once daily for 2-4 wk) are other options. However, all such medications are expensive.

Prevention of the Tinea manuum

Some general measurements are to be taken preventing fungal infections and for this, one should keep the skin dry as moist skin promotes fungal infections.

One should dry all the areas of the skin after having bath or after having profuse perspiration, particularly in between the fingers.

One should go for wearing loose fitting clothes.

One of the most important steps to prevent Tinea manuum condition is changing the socks very frequently -- this is particularly essential for those who have a tendency to sweat a lot.

To prevent Tinea manuum , one should try wearing open-toed shoes or footwear.

One can also use some talc or other drying powders for keeping dry the areas of that profusely sweat. One can even go for some OTC (over-the-counter) anti-fungal powders.

People who use steroid creams, taking pills of steroids, or those suffering from diabetes are at higher risks to develop fungal infections and thus, need special care.

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