“Tinea Cruris” – A Fungal Infection Causing Itchy Skin in Both Women and Men
Fungal infections, particularly Tinea Cruris, can be a common issue in hot and humid weather, particularly in areas of the body that are damp, such as the groin. While this condition isn't typically serious, it can be quite bothersome. Therefore, we'll explore more about Tinea Cruris and how it can be prevented.
What causes Tinea Cruris?
Tinea Cruris is caused by a type of fungus called Dermatophyte, which naturally resides on human skin, nails, and hair without causing any harm. However, when the skin is frequently moist, it can lead to the growth of fungus and cause infections. This condition usually affects areas of the skin that are highly moist, including the groin and thighs, and may even spread to the genital area. Tinea Cruris can occur at any age, but it's more commonly observed in males, particularly during adolescence.
Causal factors of Tinea Cruris
Tinea Cruris often arises from wearing damp or unclean clothing, prolonged exposure to moisture, and sharing personal items, such as towels, with individuals who already have the infection. Moreover, individuals who are obese or diabetic are more prone to contracting this disease.
Fungal infections thrive in areas of the skin that are damp and warm, and Tinea Cruris is no exception. It may spread to other regions of the body and even to others. This disease commonly occurs in the groin area, inner thighs, buttocks, hands, and feet, where clothing tends to be repeated or damp, and skin is frequently moist
Here are the factors that may increase the risk of fungal infection presented in bullet points:
- Not maintaining personal hygiene, infrequent showering, or regularly wearing damp or sweaty clothing
- Excessive sweating
- Health issues such as immune system disorders, hyperhidrosis, obesity, diabetes, or areas of the body with greater friction
- Contact with moldy clothing or sharing personal items with infected individuals, such as towels, sportswear, nail clippers, and underwear.
Symptoms of Tinea Cruris
- Red rashes with a distinct edge in the infected area that may appear as sheets or bands
- Cracked, peeled, or flaky skin in some cases
- Circular or crescent-shaped distribution
- Constant itching and burning sensation
- Symptoms may worsen during exercise or activities that increase sweat and humidity
Treatment and prevention
- Strictly follow the dosage and duration of antifungal medication prescribed by a doctor or pharmacist
- Keep the infected area clean and completely dry
- Change clothes and underwear daily
- Wear breathable and loose-fitting clothing
- Treat other fungal infections such as athlete's foot
- Avoid sharing personal belongings such as towels and clothing
- Maintain daily personal hygiene.
Medicines used to treat Tinea Cruris can be divided into two categories: topical and oral.
- Topical medications are one of the main treatments for Tinea Cruris, which include creams, lotions, and sprays. Among these options, creams are the most commonly used. Doctors usually recommend applying a thin layer of medication once or twice a day for at least 2-4 weeks. It is essential for the patient to read the label and strictly follow the instructions. If there are any doubts or concerns, it is advisable to consult a doctor or pharmacist. Some examples of topical antifungal drugs that can be used include Ketoconazol, Miconazole, Econazole, Clotrimazole, Terbinafine, Naftifine, and Undecylenic Acid.
- In cases where topical medications are not effective, oral medications may be prescribed by a doctor. This is usually for chronic fungal infections in a large area, and the medication must be dispensed by a doctor and pharmacist as oral drugs have side effects and different treatment durations. Commonly used medications include Ketoconazole, Itraconazole, and Griseofulvin.
Alternative treatments using herbs are available for treating ringworm, which is another common fungal infection. The following herbs are used for this purpose:
- Garlic can be sliced and rubbed onto the affected area or its juice can be applied.
- Galangal should be washed thoroughly, sliced into thin strips, and used to clean the affected area.
- Alata leaves should be crushed or pounded thoroughly, mixed with a little water, or mixed with an equal amount of garlic and red lime and applied to the affected area.
- Fresh betel leaves should be washed thoroughly, pounded, mixed with alcohol or white spirits, and applied to the affected area.
Differences between Ringworm and Tinea Cruris
Ringworm is a fungal infection characterized by red skin with thin, white scales that form circles and heal in the center first, while the edges continue to widen and appear as blister-like bumps or fluid-filled blisters that cause itching. Scratching the affected area can cause the blisters to burst, leading to inflammation.
Ringworm can appear anywhere on the body, with common areas including the outer ear canals, earlobes, face, underarm folds, groin area, and between the toes. The infection may have different names depending on the location, such as Tinea Cruris for the groin area and Hong Kong Foot for the toes. Ringworm can also affect the nails of the hands and feet, causing them to become opaque, white, yellow, thicker, rough, and uneven. The nails may also become brittle, easily broken, and can spread from the tip to the top of the nail.
Moreover, there are other illnesses that can resemble ringworm and may be misdiagnosed, such as:
- Pityriasis Alba: a skin disease caused by melanocytes that can be mistaken for ringworm, especially in children. It appears on the cheeks or forehead and can go away on its own.
- Vitiligo: a disease caused by skin cells that don't produce melanin normally, resulting in uneven skin color. It can be treated with tattooing, and medical attention should be sought if white spots on the skin appear.
- Urticaria: a condition characterized by bulging blisters with jagged edges that appear in many places after contact with an allergic substance. Symptoms usually subside over time or can be treated with antihistamines.
- Allergic rash: a rash with red blisters that may resemble ringworm, especially when it occurs between the toes. It is usually caused by allergies to shoes, socks, or sweat. If treatment with steroid creams is ineffective, it may be diagnosed as eczema.
Possible complications
While it is uncommon for this illness to result in complications, some patients may experience them. For instance, the rash may spread to nearby areas, such as the groin, thighs, and genitals, and if the skin is scratched or rubbed excessively, it may become infected, increasing the risk of abscesses or inflamed tissue cells.
Thailand's hot and humid weather can make Tinea Cruris more prevalent, but individuals can prevent it by maintaining good hygiene and avoiding sharing personal items with others. To avoid contracting this irritating disease, Krungthai-AXA Life Insurance customers interested in healthcare may find other health articles on https://www.krungthai-axa.co.th/th/health-advisories.
References
- Corporate Communication, Faculty of Medicine, Ramathibodi Hospital
http://bit.ly/3le2Wwo - Bangkok Hospital
http://bit.ly/3jCrJtx - Pobpad website
http://bit.ly/3HD2HCt - Synphaet Children's Hospital
- Moh-Chao-Ban Magazine
- Yanhee Hospital
