What should I do if my hands become infected with athlete’s foot?

　　Athlete’s foot (tinea pedis) is a fungal infection that is highly contagious. Poor hygiene habits—such as frequently scratching the feet with bare hands due to itching or picking at the feet—can cause the fungus to spread from the feet to the hands. So, what should you do if your hands become infected with athlete’s foot?

　　What to Do If Your Hands Are Infected with Athlete’s Foot

　　Hand infection with athlete’s foot can be treated under a physician’s guidance using oral antifungal medications, combined with topical antifungal therapy. Athlete’s foot—also known as tinea pedis—is caused by a fungal infection. When the causative fungi come into contact with hand skin, they may lead to tinea manuum (hand fungus). With consistent, appropriate treatment over time, symptoms on the hands will resolve: not only will itching subside, but hyperkeratosis, scaling, vesicles, and erosion will also gradually disappear.

　　Until the infection is fully cured, avoid close physical contact with others to prevent transmission. If you also have concurrent tinea pedis (foot fungus), change your shoes and socks daily, and disinfect them by boiling, hot-air drying, or using appropriate disinfectants. Washbasins, towels, and other personal hygiene items should be disinfected daily—either by boiling or with a suitable disinfectant—to prevent reinfection. Personal items must be kept separate from those of others to avoid cross-contamination. Avoid shaking hands with others to minimize the risk of transmission.

　　During treatment, consume plenty of fruits and vegetables rich in vitamins. Maintain a dry, clean indoor environment and avoid excessive humidity, which may predispose to recurrent infection. We hope this information proves helpful to you.