What are the characteristics of tinea manuum and tinea pedis?

Jul 12, 2024 Source: Cainiu Health
Disease description:

I am 39 years old this year. Recently, my hands and feet have been quite itchy, and there is also erosion on my feet. After examination, I was diagnosed with tinea manuum/pedis (hand/foot fungus). I would like to know what are the characteristics of tinea manuum/pedis?

Doctor's answer (1)
Dr. Wang Xiaoyan
Tinea manuum and tinea pedis are common dermatological conditions primarily caused by fungal infections. Their main characteristics are as follows: 1. **Contagiousness**: Tinea manuum and tinea pedis are highly contagious and often spread through direct contact, such as sharing personal items like towels and slippers, or exposure to fungi in damp, unhygienic environments. 2. **Variability**: Symptoms of tinea manuum and tinea pedis vary and may include blisters, maceration and erosion, scaling and keratinization, as well as erythematous papules. Different types present with distinct symptoms, but all are accompanied by varying degrees of itching and odor. 3. **Recurrent nature**: These infections tend to recur frequently, especially during warm and humid seasons or under similar environmental conditions, causing inconvenience to patients' daily lives. 4. **Long treatment duration**: Treatment usually requires a prolonged course. Patients must adhere to prescribed medication regimens and maintain cleanliness and dryness of the affected areas to promote recovery. 5. **Multiple influencing factors**: The development of tinea manuum and tinea pedis is associated with multiple factors, including personal hygiene habits, environmental conditions, and genetic predisposition. Therefore, prevention and treatment must consider various contributing factors. Patients should seek timely medical consultation, adopt appropriate treatment measures according to their condition, and maintain good personal hygiene and preventive practices to reduce the risks of recurrence and transmission.