What are the dangers of tinea manuum and tinea pedis?

Jul 18, 2024 Source: Cainiu Health
Disease description:

My daughter is nineteen years old. Recently, she went to the hospital due to physical discomfort, and the doctor diagnosed her with tinea manuum/pedis (hand/foot fungus). What are the potential harms or risks associated with tinea manuum/pedis?

Doctor's answer (1)
Dr. Wang Xiaoyan
The harm of tinea manuum/pedis (hand/foot fungus) is mainly reflected in multiple aspects. It causes symptoms such as itching, blisters, and skin peeling, significantly affecting the patient's quality of life—particularly causing embarrassment in social situations. Tinea manuum/pedis is contagious and easily spreads among family members, increasing the risk of household infections. Furthermore, if not treated promptly, it may lead to complications such as paronychia and onycholysis, further worsening the condition. More seriously, long-term fungal infection might compromise the skin's barrier function, making the affected area more susceptible to invasion by other bacteria or viruses, thus triggering more severe infections. Therefore, timely diagnosis and treatment are crucial for patients with tinea manuum/pedis to prevent disease progression and transmission to others.