tinea manuum

What is Tinea Manuum?

Tinea manuum, also known as ringworm of the hand, is a fungal infection that affects the skin on one or both hands. It's caused by dermatophytes, a group of fungi that can invade and break down keratin in the skin, hair, and nails.

Symptoms of Tinea Manuum

The most common symptoms of tinea manuum are itchy, round patches with raised, scaly borders on the back of your hands. These patches can be red or brown in color and may cause itching or discomfort. In some cases, only one hand is affected, while in others both hands may be involved.

Key Features of Tinea Manuum

• Itchy, round patches with raised, scaly borders on the back of the hands
• May cause itching or discomfort
• Typically affects only one hand, but can affect both hands in some cases
• Can be contagious and spread to other parts of the body if not treated

References:

• [1] Tinea manuum is a fungal infection that affects the outer layer of skin on one or both of your hands. (Source: #1)
• The most common symptoms of tinea manuum are itchy, round patches with raised, scaly borders on the back of your hands. (Source: #2)
• Tinea manuum can be clinically distinguished from hand dermatitis. (Source: #2)

Common Signs and Symptoms of Tinea Manuum

Tinea manuum, also known as ringworm of the hand, is a fungal infection that affects the skin on one or both hands. The symptoms can vary from person to person, but here are some common signs and symptoms:

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Diagnostic Tests for Tinea Manuum

Tinea manuum, also known as ringworm of the hand, can be diagnosed using several different methods. Here are some of the most common diagnostic tests used to identify this fungal infection:

• Wood's lamp examination: A Wood's lamp is a special light that shines on the skin to detect fungal infections. When the lamp is shone on infected skin, it may appear greenish-yellow in color [8].
• Microscopic examination: A doctor may use a microscope to examine skin scrapings or nail clippings to identify the fungus causing the infection [6]. This method is central to the office diagnosis of any tinea infection.
• Potassium hydroxide (KOH) examination: A KOH test is a microscopic preparation used to diagnose fungal infections, including tinea manuum. The test involves applying KOH to skin scrapings and examining them under a microscope [7].
• Direct microscopy: Direct microscopy is a simple and inexpensive method to find the presence of fungal hyphae in skin scrapings or nail clippings [1].

These diagnostic tests can help identify the fungus causing tinea manuum, allowing for proper treatment and management of the infection.

References:

[1] MJ Chamorro (2022) - Direct microscopy is a simple and inexpensive method to find the presence of fungal hyphae. [6] SL NOBLE (1998) - Microscopic examination is central to the office diagnosis of any tinea infection. [7] Oct 21, 2024 - A potassium hydroxide (KOH) examination of skin scrapings may be diagnostic in tinea corporis. [8] Aug 25, 2022 - A doctor may also use a Wood's lamp to diagnose fungal infections.

Treatment Options for Tinea Manuum

Tinea manuum, also known as ringworm of the hand, can be treated with various antifungal medications. The treatment options include:

• Topical Antifungal Agents: Mild cases of tinea manuum can be treated with topical antifungal agents such as miconazole (Lotrimin) and terbinafine (Lamisil). These creams or ointments are available over-the-counter (OTC) and can be applied directly to the affected area [3].
• Oral Antifungal Medicines: If the topical treatment is unsuccessful, oral antifungal medicines may be considered. These include terbinafine, itraconazole, and fluconazole [1]. A healthcare provider can prescribe these medications.
• Stronger Antifungal Creams: In some cases, a healthcare provider may prescribe stronger antifungal creams or ointments to treat tinea manuum. If necessary, an oral medication may also be prescribed [7].

It's essential to note that home treatments are not recommended for tinea manuum, and only antifungal medications can make the infection go away [5]. A healthcare provider should be consulted for proper diagnosis and treatment.

References:

[1] Mild tinea manuum is treated with topical antifungal agents, but if the treatment is unsuccessful, oral antifungal medicines may be considered...

[3] You can usually treat your tinea at home using a number of OTC topical medications. These include miconazole (Lotrimin), terbinafine (Lamisil), and others.

[5] There are no home treatments for this type of infection. Only antifungal medications will make it go away.

[7] A healthcare provider can prescribe stronger antifungal creams and if necessary an oral medication. Use OTC and...

Differential Diagnosis of Tinea Manuum

Tinea manuum, also known as ringworm of the hand, is a fungal infection that affects the skin on the hands. The differential diagnosis for tinea manuum includes various cutaneous diseases and other infections that can mimic its symptoms.

Possible Differential Diagnoses:

• Contact Dermatitis: This is an allergic reaction to certain substances that come into contact with the skin, causing redness, itching, and blistering.
• Atopic Hand Dermatitis: A type of eczema that affects the hands, characterized by dry, itchy, and scaly skin.
• Occupational Dermatitis: A condition caused by exposure to certain chemicals or substances in the workplace, leading to skin irritation and inflammation.

Other Conditions:

• Lichen Simplex Chronicus: A chronic skin condition characterized by thickening of the skin, often due to repeated scratching or rubbing.
• Atopic Dermatitis: A type of eczema that can affect any part of the body, including the hands.
• Irritant Contact Dermatitis: A condition caused by exposure to certain substances that irritate the skin, leading to redness, itching, and blistering.

References:

• The differential diagnosis for tinea manuum includes various cutaneous" [1]
• Contact dermatitis, atopic hand dermatitis, and occupational dermatitis are possible differential diagnoses [2-4]
• Lichen simplex chronicus, atopic dermatitis, and irritant contact dermatitis are other conditions that can be considered in the differential diagnosis [5-7]

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