Hand Fungus: Pictures, Causes, Symptoms, Diagnosis and Treatment

What is Hand Fungus?

Hand Fungus, medically known as Tinea Manuum is a skin condition caused by certain species of fungi called Dermatophytes.

Dermatophytes have Keratinases, a unique enzyme which makes them capable of digesting the protein present in human skin. Once digested, the fungus sets itself on the skin surface leading to infection.

Source: SFS

Hand Fungus Symptoms

Hand Fungus or Tinea Manuum starts off with an itchy rash on the hands and palms. Sometimes it may involve the fingers as well. Given below are some of the symptoms of the rash:

Frequent dry peeling of skin
Ringworms caused by Zoophilic/Geophilic fungi
Tiny oozing blisters on the fingers and palm
Burning sensation on the affected skin accompanied with insatiable itchy feeling
Discolored skin
Scaly or cracked skin
Redness and inflammation of the infected area

Diagnosis of Hand Fungus

Diagnosis for Hand Fungus depends on the extent of the infection. The diagnostic processes involve the following:

Skin scrapings
Fungal cultures
Biopsy.

Hand Fungus Causes

Given below are the major causes that lead to fungal hand infections:

T.rubrum (or Trichophyton rubrum) – responsible for most of the cases of fungal skin infections in humans
Epidermophyton floccosum
Trichophyton interdigitale

The following are some of the other fungi species that transmits through skin contact with animals (Zoophilic fungi) and inanimate objects contaminated soil (Geophilic fungi):

Microsporum Canis – from pets (cats or dogs)
Microsporum gypseum – from contaminated soil
Trichophyton verrucosum – from livestock (cattle, fowl)

Tinea Nigra is a geophilic mold which causes a fungal infection on the hands. It also causes skin infection of the feet and sole accompanied by black/brown patches.

Who are at risk?

Given below are conditions that promote skin infections and fungal growth:

Dermatophyte infection pre-existing in the body
Close contact with individuals suffering from fungal infection
People suffering from hyperhidrosis (excessive sweating) and other skin conditions
Children unrestricted contact with pets
Farmworkers that handle cattle and soil
Gardeners due to unhindered contact with soil and plant litter

Tips to prevent Hand Fungus

Maintain good personal hygiene
Proper drying of the skin after bath
Avoid sharing of personal effects like towels, manicure sets, etc.
Regular changing of bed sheets, clothes and socks
Keeping the blood sugar levels at a manageable level in cases of diabetes
Keep nails trimmed and clean
Strongly recommended running the full course of the medication prescribed by the physician
Advised not to walk barefoot on soil
Keep hands clean by washing them regularly
Recommended to use gloves while gardening and touching animals
Maintain a healthy diet and lifestyle to strengthen the immunity system

Tips to minimize spreading of the infection

Complete drying of the infected area to minimize spread of the fungal agent
Avoid sharing of manicure sets and nail clippers
Using gloves is strongly recommended to keep the spreading of the fungus to a minimum

Home remedies for treating Hand Fungus

Tea tree oil: Loaded with anti-fungal and anti-microbial properties, it is a home remedy for treating hand fungus. It is advised to pour a few drops of tea tree oil in a tub filled with lukewarm water and soak in the infected hands. Tea tree oil provides relief from irritation and discomfort associated with hand fungus.
Hydrogen peroxide: It is an effective way to kill fungal agents in the skin. Side effects include dry skin. Apply moisturizers after application of Hydrogen Peroxide treatment.
Apple cider or plain white vinegar: Fungal infection treated by soaking the affected vinegar solution. It also eases the itchy feeling felt in cases of fungal infection on the hand.
Vitamin B complex: It is ideal for the healthy and glowing skin. Consumption of Vitamin B complex supplements or maintaining a diet rich in this nutrient. It is advised to consult a physician before taking vitamin supplements. Unrestricted consumption of vitamin B complex could result in adverse side effects.
Cat’s claw: Its antifungal properties act as an effective home remedy for fungal infection on the hand. It is advised to consult with a medical practitioner before taking this alternative medication. It is known to interact with other prescription and OTC medications.
Probiotics: Consumption of probiotic drinks that contain lactobacillus bacteria maintains healthy skin and reduces chances of contracting infections.
Fish oil: Diet rich in fish or taking fish oil supplements is beneficial in cases of hand fungus. Fish oil has anti-inflammatory properties and soothes symptoms of hand fungus to a great extent.
Grapefruit seed extract: It is an effective home remedy that has immunity boosting and antifungal properties that aids in the prevention of hand fungus.
Sulfur: Apply of medicated sulfur containing ointments in the affected area.
Homemade cream: Mix ½ cup baking soda, three tsp vinegar and make a paste. Apply the paste on the affected area and reapply as long as the infection subsides. Refrigeration of the paste is a must. It is recommended to be extra careful and not to contaminate the mixture by dipping the applicator in the mix.