FUNGAL PROBLEMS - Common Medical Advice

General Information

Some of the most common types of fungal infections are tinea, pityriasis, and candida.

Signs and Symptoms

Athlete's foot (Tinea pedis)

• Occurs in moist and warm areas of the feet, particularly between the undersides of the toes.
• The skin in this area becomes soft and whitish with cracks and a red eruption
• The condition is usually accompanied by itching, burning, or stinging

Jock itch (Tinea cruris)

The genital area (groin, inner thigh) becomes red and itchy when infected with fungi.

Ringworm (Tinea corporis)

• These are circular (rings) itchy red lesions that may have a raised edge but the clear area of unaffected skin in the center of the ring.
• Ringworm often occurs in body folds i.e. the armpits

Thrush (Candida albicans)

• Thrush can be associated with a nappy rash, especially in children. The rash will extend into the area of the groin and red pustules may appear.
• Sites where thrush commonly appears in adults include the area under the breasts, in the armpits, in the genital area, and in the mouth.
• Women may also experience vaginitis producing thick white, yellow, or green discharges that sometimes smell like fish. There may also be tenderness and irritation around the vagina, pain on sexual intercourse or on urination, itchiness, and a burning sensation in the area.
• When left untreated, fungal vaginitis may lead to infertility or may be transmitted to a newborn by an infected mother.

White spots(Pityriasis Versicolor)

• White spots are superficial fungal infections characterized by fine. scaly, white patches on the skin. 
• Some cases result in itching after sweating.
• This condition commonly appears on the face, neck, shoulders, and arms.

Advice to the Customers

• Shower or bathe at least once daily. Wash the feet twice daily and dry in a patting motion. Do not rub.
• Keep and use your own towels and face cloths to prevent contamination, especially in communal areas.
• Wear cotton and underwear changing them regularly (at least once daily)
• Use antifungal powders in shoes and socks to prevent the proliferation of the remaining spores.
• For most antifungal products, treatment should be carried out for two weeks after the skin has been cleared of the infection.

Prescription Advice

• Instruct the patient on the medication and how to use it properly, i.e.name of the medication, frequency of dosage etc
• In cases where the fungal infection has not improved or is exacerbated, instruct the patient to consult a physician
• Discuss Advice to the customers thoroughly for more information on the prevention and management of fungal infections.