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Tinea
manuum is a fungal infection of the skin on the hands. Generally, it causes a scaly rash that may be accompanied by burning or itching. Treatment is usually with anti-fungus creams or with oral anti-fungus pills.
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- Mostly, a scaly rash on the palms
- Often it does not cause any symptoms. It can cause itching, stinging, or burning. Usually, the rash is not painful.
- The infection can occur anywhere on the hands, but it usually occurs on the palms or in the space between fingers.
- If the infection is not treated, it may cause the skin to crack.
- It can also cause the skin to be wet and "weepy."
- Sometimes, the surrounding skin can become infected and cause Cellulitis (inflammation).
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Tinea manuum is due to a fungal infection of the skin on the hands.
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- Examination -- the doctor may easily recognize the typical appearance of the rash.
- The doctor may also scrape the rash and examine it under the microscope.
- Sometimes a culture of the rash may be needed to make the diagnosis.
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- If the area is wet and "weepy," an aluminum subacetate solution may help with wetness, and also with the infection. Soak the infected hand in the solution twice a day for 20 minutes each time. In addition, an anti-fungus cream may be used.
- If the rash is only dry and scaly, then treat it with any of the numerous anti-fungus creams currently available. Treatment should be continued for 1 to 2 weeks after the rash has cleared. Often, over-the-counter anti-fungus creams are adequate. Other times, prescription-strength cream will be required.
- Creams usually do not work on fugal infections of the nails -- treat with oral anti-fungus medicines.
- For fungal infections of the hand that do not respond to creams, an oral anti-fungus medicine such as Griseofulvin (250-500 mg twice a day for 2-4 weeks) can be used. Once the infection is cured, use anti-fungus powders or creams to prevent repeat infections.
- Itraconazole (200 mg once a day for 2 weeks) or Terbinafine (250 mg once a day for 2 to 4 weeks) are other options. However, all these medications tend to be expensive.
- Treatment is usually successful within 2 to 4 weeks.
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- General measures used to prevent fungal infections are important. Keep the skin dry-moist skin encourages fungal infections.
- Dry all areas of the skin after a bath or after heavy sweating, especially in between the fingers.
- Wear loose fitting clothing.
- Change socks frequently -- this is especially important for those who have a tendency to perspire a lot.
- Try to wear open-toed shoes or sandals.
- Use talc or other drying powders to keep dry the areas of heavy perspiration. One can even use over-the-counter anti-fungus powders.
- People using steroid creams, taking steroid pills, or those with diabetes have a higher chance of developing fungal infections, and need to be especially careful.
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- Fungal infections of the hand have a high likelihood of recurring, despite treatment and pre-cautions. They tend to come and go, calling for life-long, repeated treatments. Be extremely careful once it has been cured by continuing to use anti-fungus powders or creams, keeping the area clean and dry, and using gloves during prolonged exposure to wet conditions. In this way, one may reduce the chances of repeat infections.
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