I think strothers3 could be right when he said he uses lamisil (fungal cream) which he says helps because I do have some new info (no one else seemed to know) in which I know exactly how I got it.
I got it from work when I used a pair of old work gloves used previously by someone else .I itched and got the tiny blisters that same day and never had it before.Now I've had it ever since for about 6 months.
Therefore I would conclude that it is contagious and either a funus or virus.Maybe something like you might get at a gym like athletes foot or a toenail fungus.I do notice that I don't have it as much possibly since I have been eating alot more raw garlic(antifungal) in a cold soup called Gazpacho.It seem to spring up a little bit when I don't eat as much Gazpacho.
Hope this helps bye.