How is an itchy skin infection in the buttock treated?

Hi,

Welcome to icliniq.com.

I went through your query and understood your concern.

I saw the picture you shared, and you have extensive tinea cruris (attachment removed to protect the patient's identity). It is a fungal infection. And please do not use over-the-counter creams. These creams have a combination of antifungal medications and steroids in them. It gives temporary relief from itching. And steroids should not be used in fungal infections, and they promote fungal growth. So, I suggest you to follow the instructions mentioned below,

1. Take the tablet Terbinafine (antifungal) 250 mg. Take one tablet at night after food for four weeks.

2. Use topical Sertaconazole (antifungal) cream. Apply the cream to the affected area twice a day, in the morning after a bath and at night before going to bed.

3. Use Abzorb (antifungal dusting powder) dusting powder. Use this powder on the skin folds to keep the area dry.

4. Use Ketoconazole-KZ (antifungal) soap. Use this soap to wash the groin area only. Use your regular soap for other body parts.

Kindly consult a specialist, talk with them and take the medications with their consent. There are certain skin care tips that need to be followed in fungal infections, so kindly follow the instructions mentioned below,

1. Wear dry and loose cotton clothes. Try to wear inner garments which are 100 % pure cotton. Keep the affected area in close vicinity to fans or air conditioners at night for ventilation.

2. Take bath twice a day in lukewarm water. Avoid hot water to take baths. Hot water promotes fungal growth in the body. Wash the affected parts with cold water once you are done taking a bath. Always use a fresh dry towel to wipe off water from the body. Make sure your skin folds are totally dry before wearing clothes.

3. Use antifungal dusting powders in your skin folds such as underarms, thigh folds, below breasts, and between the toes.

4. Wash your clothes, towel, and bedspread using hot water and dry them in sunlight.

5. Eat healthy food, and keep your body weight ideal to your height. Because being overweight and having poor nourishment leads to reduced immunity, increasing the chances of acquiring a fungal infection.

6. If you are diabetic, check your blood sugar levels frequently and make sure your blood sugars are within the normal range because uncontrolled blood sugar is a risk factor for fungal infection.

7. If your family members have a similar fungal infection, encourage them to take treatments.

8. Check your pets for rashes. If there are any, take them to a veterinary doctor for further treatment. Dogs and cats are also sources of infections.

9. Always complete the course of medications prescribed by your dermatologist. Incomplete treatment results in the recurrence of fungal infection, which is more resistant to treatment.

In addition, I suggest you to follow a few instructions to avoid certain habits to prevent infections in the future.

1. Do not scratch, as scratching worsens the rash. Kindly ask your dermatologist for anti-itching medicine.

2. Do not wear synthetic clothes or tight-fitting jeans which hinder airflow.

3. Do not wear wet inner clothes or put on innerwear while at home. Instead, allow air to flow freely throughout the affected area.

3. Do not share your personal items such as clothes, towels, soap, or comb with your family or friends.

4. Do not use over-the-counter (OTC) medications for ringworm. Most of these OTC creams contain steroids, which provide faster relief from itching, but they make the ringworm spread to a larger area and make the routine treatment ineffective.

5. Do not follow home remedies such as garlic paste to get rid of ringworm. This can burn your skin and may leave a permanent scar.

Appropriate medications from a dermatologist and these skin care measures would help faster relief, speedy recovery, and less chance of recurrence.

I hope this was helpful.

Take care.