Hand Eczema and Athlete's Foot: Symptoms and Treatments

Allergic reaction?

Doctor, I recently started experiencing peeling skin and blisters, and after seeing a doctor, I was diagnosed with athlete's foot and given an ointment.
However, a few days later, I noticed small blisters on my palms.
I went to see another doctor, who said it was dyshidrotic eczema.
I would like to know if it is okay to use hand cream on dyshidrotic eczema? Additionally, can athlete's foot and dyshidrotic eczema occur simultaneously? I read online that athlete's foot can trigger other allergic reactions, such as dyshidrotic eczema.
How long does it typically take for dyshidrotic eczema to improve with medication? Also, after applying the ointment, it looks red; is this normal? I am concerned because I previously had shingles, and after visiting the doctor twice, I noticed small red spots on the back of my hand and wrist (they are larger than moles but not as big as moles) that look like mosquito bites.
They are not itchy and have not disappeared.
I am feeling quite anxious, and my body seems to have a slight tingling sensation.

Xiao Xiao, 20~29 year old female. Ask Date: 2016/12/01

Dr. Wu Yuxin reply Dermatology

1.
Dyshidrotic eczema can be treated with hand cream.

2.
It may occur simultaneously; it is a common skin condition in Taiwan due to the humid and hot climate.

3.
Treatment for dyshidrotic eczema typically lasts about one week.

Reply Date: 2016/12/01

More Info

Understanding hand eczema and athlete's foot involves recognizing the symptoms, treatments, and potential connections between these two conditions. Both conditions can cause discomfort and may sometimes occur simultaneously, leading to confusion and concern about their management.

Symptoms of Athlete's Foot (Tinea Pedis):
Athlete's foot is a fungal infection that typically affects the skin between the toes and on the soles of the feet. Common symptoms include:
- Itching, burning, or stinging sensations
- Red, scaly patches on the skin
- Blisters or sores that may ooze or crust over
- Dry, flaky skin that can peel or crack
Symptoms of Hand Eczema (Dyshidrotic Eczema or Pompholyx):
Hand eczema, particularly dyshidrotic eczema, manifests as small, itchy blisters on the palms and sides of the fingers. Symptoms may include:
- Small, fluid-filled blisters that can be very itchy
- Peeling skin after the blisters dry up
- Redness and inflammation of the skin
- Cracked skin that can become painful
Treatment Options:
1. For Athlete's Foot:
- Topical Antifungal Creams: Over-the-counter options like clotrimazole or terbinafine can be effective.

- Keep Feet Dry: Fungi thrive in moist environments, so keeping feet dry and clean is crucial.

- Avoid Tight Shoes: Wearing breathable footwear can help prevent recurrence.

2. For Hand Eczema:
- Moisturizers: Regular use of hand creams or lotions can help maintain skin hydration. It is generally safe to use hand creams alongside treatments for eczema, but it’s best to consult your doctor for specific recommendations.

- Topical Steroids: These can reduce inflammation and itching. Your doctor may prescribe a stronger steroid cream if over-the-counter options are insufficient.

- Avoid Irritants: Identify and avoid substances that trigger your eczema, such as certain soaps or detergents.

Can Athlete's Foot and Hand Eczema Occur Together?
Yes, it is possible for athlete's foot and hand eczema to occur simultaneously. The presence of one condition can exacerbate the other, particularly if there is a fungal infection that leads to skin irritation or if the skin barrier is compromised, making it more susceptible to infections.

Duration of Treatment:
The duration for improvement can vary based on the severity of the conditions and individual response to treatment. Typically, with appropriate antifungal treatment, athlete's foot may begin to improve within a week or two. Hand eczema may take longer, often several weeks, to show significant improvement, especially if it is chronic or recurrent.

Redness After Treatment:
It is not uncommon for treated areas to appear red or inflamed initially. This can be a normal part of the healing process, especially if the skin was previously irritated or if a topical treatment is being used. However, if the redness persists or worsens, it is important to follow up with your healthcare provider to rule out any complications or allergic reactions.

Additional Concerns:
If you have a history of shingles (herpes zoster), it is understandable to be concerned about new skin changes. While shingles typically presents with a painful rash in a dermatomal distribution, the small red spots you describe could be unrelated. However, if you notice any symptoms like pain, tingling, or a rash that follows a nerve pathway, it is crucial to consult your healthcare provider for further evaluation.

In summary, managing athlete's foot and hand eczema requires a combination of proper hygiene, appropriate topical treatments, and regular moisturizing. If symptoms persist or worsen, seeking further medical advice is essential to ensure effective treatment and rule out any other underlying conditions.

Similar Q&A

Effective Treatments for Athlete's Foot and Managing Exudate

Hello Doctor: I have a tendency to sweat excessively from my hands and feet. I previously had a history of atopic dermatitis over ten years ago, which resolved on its own as I aged. I also had a history of athlete's foot due to prolonged shoe wear, which was treated successf...

Dr. Li Yufen reply Dermatology
Hello: For a detailed introduction to athlete's foot, you can refer to the article by Med's Good Friend at https://www.medpartner.club/tinea-pedis-treatment-prevention/. In summer, it is recommended to apply a thin layer of ointment. If the lesions continue to expand an...

Eczema or Athlete's Foot? Understanding Your Toe Skin Symptoms

Hello, Doctor: I have symptoms on my toes where the skin is peeling and becoming thickened, and there is also peeling between my toes. I have seen doctors who mostly said it was eczema, indicating that it is a constitutional issue that cannot be cured. Today, I visited a military...

Dr. Li Yufen reply Dermatology
Hello: This type of symptom cannot be judged literally, as the condition of the skin can change. For instance, athlete's foot is a fungal infection; if treated, it can be cured, but similar to a cold, there is a possibility of reinfection. On the other hand, if the condition...

Understanding Dyshidrotic Eczema vs. Athlete's Foot: Key Differences

I have developed many irregularly sized blisters on the palms of my hands and the soles of my feet, and they are very itchy! I went to see a doctor, and he said I have "athlete's foot," but I'm worried he might have misdiagnosed me because the treatment for dy...

Dr. Jiang Zheen reply Dermatology
Dermatological issues often require visual examination, which means you should visit a clinic for evaluation. A diagnosis cannot be made solely based on your description.

Understanding Eczema vs. Athlete's Foot: Treatment Confusion Explained

Hello Dr. Jiang, I would like to ask about my situation. I visited two different hospitals for dermatology. Since I ran out of my ointment, I went to a clinic. The first hospital diagnosed me with athlete's foot, and the ointment's name seems to be Mizoral or Miz*ral. T...

Dr. Jiang Zheen reply Dermatology
Athlete's foot often first appears as peeling or blisters between the toes. If applying antifungal medication improves the condition, it is more likely to be athlete's foot. However, if you apply eczema medication, the condition may worsen. Wishing you safety and health...