29/08/2022
Tinea is a common and contagious fungal skin or nail infection. The tinea fungus thrives in warm, moist environments, so areas like the feet, the groin, the scalp, under the breasts and sometimes the toe and fingernails are ideal places for the fungus to grow.
Most tinea infections are mild.
Symptoms of tinea depend on where in the body it is:
• Skin: a red flaky rash that can crack, split and peel; the rash can spread out in a red ring, with normal-looking skin in the middle. This is called ‘ringworm’, but this can be a little misleading because there is no worm involved.
• Feet: Itchy, red blisters between the toes, cracked skin
• Nails: Thick and crumbly nails
• Groin: Itchy and painful rash
• Head: Itchy, red areas on the scalp; bald patches
There are several things you can do to help manage or avoid the condition:
• Tinea is contagious so it's important not to share towels, flannels, bathmats, treatment creams or shoes.
• Wear thongs when showering in a communal shower.
• After washing, dry the skin thoroughly, especially between the toes, in the groin and under the breasts.
• Wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water after cleaning the infected area to make sure you do not spread your infection to other parts of your body or onto other people.
• Use antiperspirants to help control excessive sweating.
• Try not to scratch your rash as you may spread the infection to other parts of your body.
• Try to expose the skin to as much fresh air as possible.
In addition to good hygiene, your choice of clothing and footwear can also make a difference:
• Wear clothing made from natural fibres instead of synthetics to prevent sweating and to avoid warm, moist skin areas developing.
• Wear socks and shoes made from natural materials, such as cotton, when possible and try to choose footwear that keeps your feet cool and dry.
• Change socks, tights or stockings and bra every day.
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