Can hand and foot fungus heal on its own?
Disease description:
I am 23 years old. Recently, I developed red rashes on my hands accompanied by itching. I have been diagnosed with tinea manuum/pedis (hand/foot fungus). I would like to know whether tinea manuum/pedis can resolve spontaneously.
Doctor's answer (1)
Dr. Wang Xiaoyan
Tinea manus and tinea pedis generally cannot resolve spontaneously. These conditions are superficial fungal infections of the hands and feet caused by dermatophytes, mainly manifesting as blisters, desquamation, and thickened, rough skin on the hands and feet. In severe cases, skin fissures, bleeding, and pain may even occur. Because dermatophytes have strong survival and adaptive capabilities, they can proliferate and progress at the site of infection; therefore, most cases of tinea manus and tinea pedis cannot heal without intervention. If left untreated, the condition may worsen and potentially lead to other complications, such as onychomycosis or tinea corporis. Thus, once symptoms of tinea manus or tinea pedis appear, active targeted treatment should be pursued, along with enhanced personal hygiene practices, such as maintaining local cleanliness and avoiding sharing personal items with others.
