Tinea Manuum (Hand Ringworm) - Symptoms, Causes & Treatment
Medically reviewed by Dr. Anand S. Urhekar, MD, MD Pathology, Clinical Advisor · Last updated July 2026
A dermatophyte infection of the palm or back of the hand, classically producing a dry, finely scaly palm with accentuated skin creases, usually on one hand only. It very often coexists with athlete's foot in a pattern known as 'two feet, one hand syndrome'.
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Quick Answer
Tinea manuum is ringworm of the hand. The classic presentation is one dry, powdery-scaly palm with exaggerated creases, alongside athlete's foot on both feet — the 'two feet, one hand' pattern. It is often mistaken for hand eczema, but the one-sided pattern is the clue. Treatment is topical antifungal for four weeks, or oral terbinafine for palm-wide or nail involvement, plus treating the feet.
Symptoms
- Dry, fine, powdery scaling of the palm
- Accentuated skin creases
- Usually only one hand affected
- Sometimes a ring-shaped scaly patch on the back of the hand
- Mild or no itch; nails may also be affected
Causes & Risk Factors
- Dermatophyte spread from the person's own feet or nails
- Direct contact with infected skin or animals
- Occlusive gloves and manual work
- Scratching an athlete's foot infection
Treatment & Management
- Topical antifungal cream twice daily for 2–4 weeks
- Oral terbinafine for widespread palmar or nail involvement
- Treating coexisting athlete's foot and fungal nails
- Drying hands thoroughly and avoiding prolonged glove occlusion
- Fungal scrapings to confirm before oral therapy
When to See a Doctor
See a doctor if only one hand is dry and scaly, if 'hand eczema' has not responded to steroid creams, or if the fingernails are also thickened or discoloured.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is only one hand affected?
The infection is usually transferred from the person's own feet by scratching, so the dominant scratching hand becomes infected while the other stays clear — hence 'two feet, one hand syndrome'.
How do I tell it from hand eczema?
Eczema is usually itchy, symmetrical and involves both hands with redness and blistering. Tinea manuum is typically one-sided with fine powdery scale in the creases and little itch. Skin scrapings settle it.
Medical References
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Medical Disclaimer: This information is for educational purposes only and is not intended as medical advice. The content on this page should not be used to diagnose or treat any health problem. Always consult with a qualified healthcare professional for proper medical evaluation, diagnosis, and treatment of your condition.