Tinea Manuum

Key points
Condition results in a hand infection (either one or both) with a dermatophyte fungus (commonly called ringworm.)
Condition results in acute swollen rash (ringshaped like common ringworm) or as patches of peeling, dryness and mild itching on the palm of one hand (and both feet).
Condition caused by contact with another infected site, a person infected with Tinea, or infected animals, soil or objects that have been contaminated.
Condition may be confused with hand dermatitis.

Tinea manuum is an infection of one or both of the hands with a dermatophyte fungus, more commonly known as ringworm. It is much less common than tinea pedis (foot infection).

Tinea manuum can occur as an acute, swollen rash like tinea corporis (common ringworm, of the trunk). The rash appears as a raised border with a clear middle (like a ring), usually when an animal or soil fungus is responsible such as trichophyton erinacei, trichophyton verrucosum, microsporum canis, or microsporum gypseum. More frequently, tinea manuum causes patches of peeling, dryness and mild itching on the palm of one hand (hyperkeratotic Tinea), which may increase skin marking. Generally, both feet appear similar, the usual cause being a human fungus such as trichophyton rubrum, trichophyton mentagrophytes var interdigitale, or epidermophyton floccosum. These fungi may also cause a blistering rash on the edges of the fingers or palm. The blisters appear in crops and contain a sticky clear fluid, may have a peeling edge, and itches and burns.

Tinea manuum results from contact with another site of infection, particularly the feet or groin, contact with another person with tinea, direct contact with an infected animal or soil, or contact with a contaminated object such as a towel or gardening tool. It is more likely in those doing manual work, who sweat profusely or who already have hand dermatitis.

Tinea manuum can be distinguished from hand dermatitis. Usually, only a single hand is involved, or if both hands are affected, the result is asymmetrical. Skin markings can be seen, but in tinea manuum, they are white. Both the palm and the back of hand are involved. The rash might show an elevated border, and nearby nails may also be infected.

Differential Diagnois (Other conditions with similar appearance)
Hand Dermatitis
Psoriasis
Keratolysis exfoliativa

Diagnosis
Key Points
Diagnosis confirmed through clinical inspection and skin scraping cultures.
The diagnosis of tinea manuum is confirmed through clinical inspection by microscopy and culture of skin scrapings.

Treatment
Key Points
Most forms of tinea are treated with topical antifungal creams or antifungal medications.

Most forms of tinea are treated with topical antifungal creams or antifungal medications.