SEVER SKIN INFECTIONS

A red, itchy, scaly rash can be unsightly and drive you crazy. But most fungal infections aren’t dangerous, and you can usually treat them easily with creams. If you tend to get repeated fungal infections, talk to your healthcare provider about how to prevent rashes from returning. Antifungal creams, many of which are available over-the-counter. Stronger prescription medications, which may work faster. Oral medicines, if the fungal infection is severe. How can I prevent a fungal rash? In some people, fungal rashes tend to come back (recur) even after treatment. Recurring infections may be due to genetics — you may be more prone to developing these infections. These steps can help prevent a rash from recurring or developing in the first place: Good foot hygiene Change your socks and wash your feet regularly. Avoid shoes made of plastic, which doesn’t breathe. Don’t walk barefoot, especially in places that may be wet, such as gym showers and locker rooms. When cutting your toenails, cut straight across the nail. If you have an ingrown toenail, you may need to see a podiatrist to care for it. And if you have a fungal [url=https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/15327-nail-infection-paronychia]nail infection[/url], don’t use the same nail clippers on healthy nails and infected nails. Proper medicine use If your healthcare provider prescribed a cream (or advised you to use an over-the-counter cream), use the medicine as long as directed. Even after you can no longer see the rash, the fungal infection may still be there, so keep applying the cream as long as your provider recommends. Your healthcare provider may recommend the same course of treatment for all the members of your family. Often, people living together can pass an infection back and forth. Treating everyone will help make sure the infection is truly gone. Talk to your healthcare provider about whether you should use an antifungal cream regularly on your feet and nails to help prevent infections. Using antifungal powder in your shoes every day may help prevent athlete’s foot.