Tinea manuum: A report of 18 cases observed in the metropolitan area of Milan and review of the literature

Objective: Tinea manuum is considered in Italy as an uncommon infection, although no recent epidemiological data are available. Methods: In the period 2000-2018, we observed in the metropolitan area of Milan 18 patients with mycologically tinea manuum. Results: The infection was monolateral in all patients and characterised by erythema and scaling; in two patients, each vesicles and pustules were present. Two patients had also onychomycosis of one fingernail. No cases of simultaneous tinea pedis were observed. As far as the job of these patients is concerned, seven of them were masseurs, three barbers, two cattlemen, two masons, one car mechanic, one florist, one maid and one veterinarian. Trichophyton rubrum was isolated in 6 patients, Microsporum canis in 4, Trichophyton gypseum in 3, Trichophyton verrucosum in 3 and Trichophyton violaceum in 2 patients. Conclusion: Masseurs were the most affected. Trichophyton rubrum and Microsporum canis were the most frequent isolated dermatophytes.