Page 46 - (DK) Home Doctor: Providing practical advice on home treatments

44 COMMON CONDITIONS: SKIN, HAIR, AND NAIL PROBLEMS

Athlete’s foot and jock itch

These are common fungal infections. Athlete’s foot affects the skin
between the toes, making it cracked, sore, and itchy with peeling
areas. It may spread to the soles and toenails. Jock itch is an itchy,
scaly, red rash in the groin, more common in men. Both infections
thrive in warm, sweaty conditions. You can catch them from contact
with an infected person or sharing items such as towels and footwear.
See also Ringworm, p.48; Disfigured or brittle nails, p.53. Athlete’s foot between the toes

What you can do yourself
DRUG REMEDIES
Both infections are easy to treat yourself. Keep
using the good hygiene practices outlined below Antifungal drugs (see p.178), such as
to help prevent fungal infections recurring. clotrimazole, miconazole, or terbinafine, are used to
treat athlete’s foot and jock itch. They are available
Athlete’s foot as a cream or a fine powder spray (which is usually
● Treat the infection with an antifungal cream easier to apply). Most are applied twice daily. The
and/or powder (see DRUG REMEDIES, right). infection should start to clear up within a week,
although it may take several weeks
● Wash your feet twice daily, making sure you
longer to disappear completely.
dry thoroughly between your toes afterward.
To help treat athlete’s foot,
Use a separate towel just for drying your feet, you can also dust inside your
and wash the towel frequently. shoes and socks with an
● Wear socks made from natural fibers and antifungal foot powder.
change them at least once a day. Women should Powder spray
avoid wearing pantyhose and tights, especially Apply the powder
those that are restrictive around the feet. after washing and
drying your feet
● Wear well-ventilated shoes made from natural
carefully. Spray
rather than synthetic materials; open-toed sandals generously, paying
are particularly good. particular attention
● Wear flip-flops when walking around communal to areas between
the toes.
changing areas, such as at swimming pools.
Jock itch
● Apply an antifungal treatment to the infected
area (see DRUG REMEDIES, right).
● Wash your groin regularly, drying it thoroughly
but avoiding chafing. Use a separate towel to
dry this area, and launder the towel frequently.
Seek medical advice
● Don’t wear tight-fitting pants or underwear,
or underwear made from synthetic fabrics. Cotton Arrange to see your doctor if:
underpants or boxer shorts are best as these ● The affected area becomes hot and red,
fabrics allow air to circulate. Change them daily. or starts weeping
● The infection does not clear up after you
have tried self-help treatment