Why do hand and foot fungal infections occur?
Disease description:
I am 19 years old. Recently, my hands and feet have been a bit itchy and are peeling. My mom said it's tinea manuum/pedis (hand/foot fungus). What causes this condition, and why does tinea manuum/pedis occur?
Doctor's answer (1)
Dr. Wang Xiaoyan
Fungal infection is the main cause of tinea manuum and tinea pedis (hand and foot ringworm). Common fungi include Trichophyton rubrum and Trichophyton mentagrophytes. These fungi spread through direct contact, such as sharing personal items like towels, slippers, or through contact with animals that have ringworm. Environmental factors also play an important role—warm, moist, and poorly ventilated conditions promote fungal growth and reproduction, thereby increasing the risk of infection. In addition, skin damage, weakened immune function, and genetic factors may also contribute to the development of tinea manuum and tinea pedis. It is important to maintain good personal hygiene, avoid sharing personal items, keep hands and feet dry, and strengthen immune function.
