What are the Diseases and Treatments That Can Be Seen in the Hand Region?
The cosmetic and functional importance of the hands is very great. Therefore, the correct diagnosis and treatment of diseases affecting the skin of the hand is very important for the quality of life of the patients, both physically and psychologically. Skin diseases in the hand region can be localized only to the skin of the hand, or can be seen on the hand during the course of diseases affecting other regions.

Infectious Diseases
1. Tinea Manuum (Hand Fungus)

Agents: Trichophyton rubrum, T. mentagrophytes, Epidermophyton floccosum

Clinical: Red, scaly plaques on the back of the hand; thickening, dry skin in the palms; erosion and macerated lesions between the fingers. Usually unilateral and accompanied by athlete's foot.

Treatment: Topical antifungal for 6-8 weeks; systemic terbinafine, itraconazole, griseofulvin if necessary.

2. Verruca Vulgaris (Wart)

Agent: Human papillomavirus (HPV) types 1, 2, 4, 27, 54

Clinical: Thick, raised papules on the back of the hand and fingers, with black dots (bleeding areas).

Treatment: Cryotherapy, laser, topical imiquimod, 5-fluorouracil, salicylic acid.

3. Hand-Foot-Mouth Disease

Agent: Enteroviruses (Coxsackievirus, Echovirus)

Clinical: Red rashes, vesicles around the mouth, palms and soles, especially in children under 5 years of age.

Treatment: None specific; supportive, symptomatic care.

4. Herpetic Whiting (Herpes)

Agent: HSV type 1 (in young children), HSV type 2 (in adults)

Clinical: Painful, edematous, vesicular lesions on the fingers.

Treatment: Systemic and topical antiviral drugs (should be applied early).

5. Tuberculosis Cutis Verrucosa

Agent: Mycobacterium tuberculosis

Clinical: Verrucous plaques, pus and keratinous discharge may be present on the hands and elbows.

Treatment: Long-term antituberculosis drug treatment (4-6 months).

6. Orf (Ecthyma Contagiosum)

Agent: Orf virus (parapoxvirus)

Clinical: Maculopapules, nodules, lesions that heal without scarring on the hands in occupational groups such as farmers and butchers.

Treatment: No specific treatment; local care.

7. Sporotrichosis (Rose Thorn Disease)

Agent: Sporothrix schenkii

Clinical: Single papule after trauma, progressing to nodules and ulcers; lymphatic spread.

Treatment: Oral potassium iodide or itraconazole; amphotericin B in severe cases.

Inflammatory Skin Diseases
1. Irritant Contact Dermatitis

Cause: Chemical substances that irritate the skin (acid, alkali, detergent, soap, solvents)

Clinical: Redness, edema, blisters, erosion, pain, burning.

Treatment: Contact with the irritating substance should be stopped, local care, topical steroid and wound care.

2. Allergic Contact Dermatitis

Cause: Allergens such as nickel, cosmetics, rubber, resins, plants

Clinical: Itchy redness in the contact area, blisters, dryness, cracks, can become chronic.

Treatment: Allergen contact should be avoided, topical steroids in the acute phase, moisturizers in the chronic phase and systemic treatment when necessary.