How is tinea manuum/pedis caused?
Disease description:
My friend has recently been experiencing significant itching on their feet, along with peeling skin on the hands. After visiting the hospital for examination, the doctor diagnosed tinea manuum/pedis (hand/foot fungus). We would like to know how this infection occurred and what causes tinea manuum/pedis.
Doctor's answer (1)
Dr. Wang Xiaoyan
Tinea manuum and tinea pedis (hand and foot ringworm) are mainly caused by dermatophyte infections, and the formation involves the following factors:
1. **Transmission through contact**: Close contact with patients suffering from tinea manuum or tinea pedis, such as sharing daily necessities like towels, slippers, and bathtubs, can directly or indirectly lead to fungal transmission, thus causing hand and foot fungal infections.
2. **Environmental factors**: Prolonged exposure to high humidity or high-temperature environments makes hands and feet prone to sweating, providing favorable conditions for fungal growth and increasing the risk of tinea infection.
3. **Individual factors**: Individuals with weakened immunity, poor personal hygiene habits (such as infrequent changing of socks and shoes, or not washing hands regularly), and excessive obesity leading to moist spaces between fingers or toes are more susceptible to tinea infections.
Tinea manuum and tinea pedis are fungal-induced skin diseases closely associated with contact transmission, environmental factors, and individual susceptibility. The key to prevention lies in avoiding contact with infection sources, maintaining a dry environment, and developing good personal hygiene habits.
