All services
Fungal infections
Diagnosis and treatment of groin, foot, nail and body fungus and pityriasis versicolor.
Fungal infections love warm, moist, sweaty areas: the groin, between the toes, under the breasts, the nails. A typical picture is an itchy ring-shaped rash with a raised edge that fades towards the centre. Light or dark patches on the back and chest may be pityriasis versicolor.
The most common forms
- Groin infection (tinea cruris)
- Athlete’s foot and nail fungus
- Ringworm of the body (tinea corporis)
- Pityriasis versicolor
- Scalp ringworm, especially in children
- Candidiasis: in skin folds, at the corners of the mouth and in the genital area
The most common mistake
Applying a steroid or "all-in-one" combination cream on your own. These creams ease itching for a while but can strengthen the fungus and change how it looks so much that diagnosis becomes difficult. A late and severe scalp infection can even lead to permanent, scarring hair loss.
Treatment
- Confirming the diagnosis with an examination
- Antifungal cream for the recommended time, including after the rash clears
- Tablets for widespread, nail and scalp infections
- Daily habits to prevent recurrence: keeping dry, cotton clothing, your own towel