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Tinea manuum
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<p>Tinea manuum is a <a href="/facts/Fungal_infection/YVK551qC">fungal infection</a> of the hand, mostly a type of <a href="/facts/Dermatophytosis/hFyb8T6n">dermatophytosis</a>, often part of two feet-one hand syndrome. There is diffuse scaling on the palms or back of usually one hand and the palmar creases appear more prominent. When both hands are affected, the rash looks different on each hand, with palmar creases appearing whitish if the infection has been present for a long time. It can be itchy and look slightly raised. Nails may also be affected. </p><p>The most common cause is <i><a href="/facts/Trichophyton_rubrum/wXXg74Yt">Trichophyton rubrum</a></i>. The infection can result from touching another area of the body with a fungal infection such as <a href="/facts/Athlete%2527s_foot/PdCHxFTx">athlete's foot</a> or <a href="/facts/Tinea_cruris/r53PHw63">fungal infection of the groin</a>, contact with an infected person or animal, or contact with soil or contaminated towels. Risk factors include <a href="/facts/Diabetes/2xeHXbsI">diabetes</a>, <a href="/facts/Hypertension/wlAvBfcf">high blood pressure</a>, <a href="/facts/Immunosuppression/22GHUHkr">weak immune system</a>, humid surroundings, excessive sweating, recurrent hand trauma and cracks in the feet. Pet owners and farmworkers are also at higher risk. Machine operators, mechanics, gas and electricity workers, and people who work with chemicals have also been reported to be at greater risk. </p><p>Diagnosis is by visualization, direct <a href="/facts/Microscopy/GpHlElDS">microscopy</a> and culture. <a href="/facts/Psoriasis/WW1k1LsH">Psoriasis</a> of the palms, <a href="/facts/Dyshidrosis/tNbmxtzX">pompholyx</a> and <a href="/facts/Contact_dermatitis/Xm6PEgcw">contact dermatitis</a> may appear similar. Treatment is usually with long-term topical <a href="/facts/Antifungal_medications/WEk5nS2B">antifungal medications</a>. If not resolving, <a href="/facts/Terbinafine/7qBCjoYW">terbinafine</a> or <a href="/facts/Itraconazole/x7IeB92o">itraconazole</a> taken by mouth might be options. </p><p>It occurs worldwide. One large study revealed around 84% of tinea manuum was associated with athlete's foot, of which 80% of patients admitted scratching their feet, and 60% were male, </p>