Tinea Manuum/Pedis and Eczema: Differences

Tinea manuum/pedis (hand/foot fungus) and eczema have significant differences in several aspects, specifically as follows: 1. **Etiology**: Tinea manuum/pedis is mainly caused by dermatophyte infections such as Trichophyton rubrum and Trichophyton mentagrophytes; eczema, however, is usually triggered by contact with allergens, prolonged exposure to damp environments, and other factors. 2. **Symptoms**: Tinea manuum/pedis commonly presents with symptoms such as blisters, maceration and erosion, scaling and keratinization, erythematous papules, and itching. Severe cases may be accompanied by odor and onychomycosis. Eczema primarily manifests as skin itching, dryness, desquamation, exudation, and skin pigmentation. The rash is often symmetrically distributed. 3. **Commonly Affected Areas**: Tinea manuum/pedis commonly occurs on the palms, between the fingers, soles of the feet, and the dorsum of the feet. Eczema can develop on any part of the body, but is particularly common on the face, behind the ears, distal extremities, scrotum, and perianal area. 4. **Treatment Approaches**: Treatment for tinea manuum/pedis typically includes topical antifungal agents such as terbinafine hydrochloride cream, and oral antifungal medications may be used in severe cases. Treatment for eczema may involve topical anti-inflammatory and antipruritic agents such as calamine lotion, as well as oral antihistamines such as loratadine tablets. If related symptoms are present, it is recommended to seek timely medical consultation for accurate diagnosis and targeted treatment.