Tinea manuum and pedis is a type of common fungal infectious disease with recurrence in dermatology department of hospital. Clinically

they can be classified into blister-scale type

keratotic type and impregnated erosive type. The main pathogenic fungi include Trichophyton rubrum and Candida albicans. Although tinea manuum and pedis has a high incidence rate in China

it has not currently attracted enough attention compared with other dermatological diseases

thus been included into fewer researches. Now

three commonly used therapies include western medicine

traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) and integrated western medicine and TCM. Western medicine therapy usually involves anti-fungal medicines for external use or oral administration; however

some of the medicines for external use can cause drug resistance

recurrence after discontinuance and adverse reactions

like hepatotoxicity. Compared with western medicines

TCM

with a long application history

are effective with limited side effects. The literatures about the treatment for tinea manuum and pedis with TCM in the past 10 years are systematically searched and collected. Based on the disease etiology and pathogenesis

the basic principles of ‘removing heat

eliminating dampness

sterilizing and relieve itching’ have been established for treating tinea manuum and pedis

and the formulations are summarized. The efficacy and pharmacological effect of single herb are analyzed through an analysis on formulation components and pharmacological research for modern Chinese medicines. Afterwards

the clinical values of TCM are further elaborated. Through the analysis of previous and recent researches on the treatment of tinea manuum and pedis by TCM

limitations are investigated in aspects of preparation process and quality control standard

pharmacological effect and toxicology

and evaluation of clinical efficacy

in the expectation of providing more ideas and methods for improving TCM therapies for tinea manuum and pedis.