How should tinea manuum and tinea pedis be treated?
Disease description:
My athlete's foot recurs every summer, and recently it has become more severe. I've also noticed similar symptoms on my hands. I would like to seek treatment now. How should tinea manuum (hand fungus) and tinea pedis (foot fungus) be treated?
Doctor's answer (1)
Dr. Wang Xiaoyan
The treatment of hand and foot fungal infections mainly includes the following aspects:
1. Keeping the affected areas dry and clean: Fungi easily multiply in moist and warm environments; therefore, maintaining dryness and cleanliness of the hands and feet is essential.
2. Preventing transmission and reinfection: Avoid sharing personal items such as towels, shoes, and socks to reduce the risk of cross-infection.
3. Topical medication: Depending on the type of hand or foot fungal infection, appropriate antifungal topical medications, such as compound benzoic acid ointment or miconazole nitrate cream, can be applied locally.
4. Oral medication: For patients with severe infections or recurrent episodes, antifungal oral medications such as itraconazole capsules or fluconazole capsules may be prescribed by a physician to control the infection and reduce recurrence.
When treating hand and foot fungal infections, follow your physician's instructions, complete the full course of treatment, and avoid stopping medication prematurely, which may lead to recurrence. Additionally, maintain good personal hygiene to reduce the risk of infection.
