Itchy, red, scaly, and even peeling skin on the hands is often dismissed as trivial. Many people assume this condition is just a mild allergy or eczema that will resolve on its own. However, these symptoms could be signs of a fungal infection commonly known as athlete's foot on the hands.
To understand athlete's foot on the hands, consider the causes, signs, and how to distinguish athlete's foot from other skin conditions so you can get the right treatment.
What is Tinea Manum and How Does It Become Infected?
Athlete's foot ( Tinea manum ) is a fungal infection caused by dermatophyte fungi that attacks the outer layer of the skin (stratum corneum). Dermatophytes thrive in hot, humid environments. This fungal infection typically occurs when the skin on the hands comes into direct contact with a contaminated surface, an animal, or another infected body part, such as the feet (tinea pedis) or nails (tinea unguium).
In some cases, the infection spreads from the feet to the hands through scratching or touching the infected area. The fungus then grows in the outermost layer of skin and causes inflammation, resulting in itching, redness, and peeling.
Risk Factors That Make Someone Vulnerable to Athlete's Foot on the Hands
Several conditions can increase the risk of getting athlete's foot on the hands, including:
- Hands are often damp or sweat excessively.
- Not drying hands properly after washing or getting them wet.
- Sharing towels, gloves, or personal items with others.
- Having a history of previous fungal infections, such as athlete's foot.
- Direct contact with someone who has a fungal infection.
- Lives in hot and humid environments.
Signs of Athlete's Foot on the Hands That You Need to Watch Out For Early
Symptoms of athlete's foot on the hands can develop slowly. Some signs to watch out for include:
- Itching in the hand area, especially between the fingers.
- The skin looks red and feels sore.
- A red rash appears between the fingers.
- The skin becomes dry, scaly, or peeling.
- Small bubbles filled with fluid appear.
- Burning or stinging sensation.
- If left untreated, the rash can spread to other areas of the hand.
In some cases, the infection affects only one hand. This pattern is often referred to as two feet, one hand syndrome , a condition where the fungal infection affects both feet and one hand.
The Difference Between Athlete's Foot on the Hands and Other Skin Diseases
Because the symptoms of athlete's foot on the hands are similar to other skin conditions, it is often mistaken for other skin conditions. Here are the differences:
The Difference Between Athlete's Foot and Eczema (Atopic Dermatitis)
Eczema, or atopic dermatitis, is a chronic skin inflammation generally triggered by allergies, irritation, or genetics. Eczema is typically very dry, thickened, and chronically itchy, often recurs, and is associated with a history of allergies or asthma.
The Difference Between Athlete's Foot and Contact Dermatitis
Contact dermatitis occurs as a result of direct contact with an irritant or allergen, such as soap, detergent, chemicals, or certain substances. Symptoms of contact dermatitis appear after exposure to a specific substance and usually improve when contact is stopped.
The Difference Between Athlete's Foot and Psoriasis
Psoriasis is a chronic autoimmune disease that causes skin cells to grow too rapidly. The causes of psoriasis are linked to genetic factors and immune system disorders. Psoriasis is characterized by thick, reddish skin with thick, layered scales, often appearing on the elbows, knees, or scalp.
When Should You Consult a Doctor?
Consult a dermatologist immediately if the itching and rash on your hands persist for more than a month, despite self-care. You should also be alert if the itching intensifies, the rash spreads to other areas of your hands, or if signs of infection appear, such as pain, swelling, redness, or discharge.
An examination by a doctor, especially a dermatologist, is important to determine the cause of your complaint, obtain a proper diagnosis, and determine appropriate treatment and follow-up care for your condition.
This article was written by Dr. Elin Herlina, Sp.DVE (Specialist in Dermatology and Venereology at EMC Cibitung Hospital).