Which of the following is a common fungal infection on the hands and feet?

Tinea is indeed a common fungal infection that affects both the hands and feet. It represents a group of conditions caused by dermatophytes, which are fungi that thrive on keratin found in the skin, hair, and nails. Tinea infections can manifest in various forms, such as athlete’s foot (tinea pedis) on the feet and ringworm (tinea corporis) on other areas of the body, including the hands.

The key characteristic of tinea is its ability to spread in warm, moist environments, which makes places like public showers and swimming pools common sources of infection. Symptoms typically include itching, redness, flaking, and sometimes blisters or cracking of the skin. Awareness of tinea is crucial in esthetics practice, as professionals must recognize its presence and differentiate it from non-fungal skin conditions to ensure proper client care.

In contrast, the other options represent different types of conditions. Chlamydia is a sexually transmitted infection, dermatitis refers to inflammation of the skin caused by various factors, and psoriasis is a chronic autoimmune skin condition characterized by red, scaly patches. None of these options are fungal infections, making tinea the most relevant choice for this question.