Interdigital Candida

A scaling, red, fissured area between digits 4 and 5 on her right hand sent a 33-year-old woman to her physician. Diagnosis of interdigital Candida was confirmed by a potassium hydroxide evaluation of material from the site.

Candidiasis of the glabrous skin has a strong predilection for the intertriginous areas of the inguinal folds, intergluteal cleft, axillae, inframammary folds, and umbilicus. The web spaces between the third, fourth, and fifth digits of the hands also are common sites of this infection.

Treatment includes reducing exposure of the affected area to moisture and chronic maceration. A topical antifungal cream, such as ketoconazole, used with a mild hydrocortisone cream for 1 to 2 weeks, usually resolves the infection.