[Medical Q&A] I have ringworm in my private parts. How can I treat it despite the embarrassment?

Planner: Chinese Medical Association

Reviewer: Professor Yang Ying, Military Medical Research Institute

Dermatophyte infections of the groin, perineum, around the anus, and buttocks are called tinea cruris, a type of tinea corporis that occurs in a specific area.

1. What are the symptoms?

Tinea cruris is often manifested as annular or semi-annular erythema and papules that develop from the inside to the outside. The surrounding skin has clear boundaries and obvious inflammation. The erythema is covered with scales. The patient will feel itchy and always want to scratch (warm reminder: it is better not to scratch, because if you scratch, the fungus will run to your hands. If you really can't help it, wear disposable gloves before scratching).

The affected areas of tinea cruris are generally moist, have poor air permeability, are prone to sweating, and are frequently rubbed. The affected areas are easily worn out, and then erosion or eczematous changes occur. The itching will become more severe, and in patients with a long course of illness, the local skin will thicken and become lichenified.

2. How to treat it?

For fungal infections, doctors usually prescribe antifungal topical ointments or creams, such as clotrimazole, ketoconazole, terbinafine, etc. The medication should be used strictly according to the doctor's instructions and persist in taking the medication until the symptoms completely disappear to prevent recurrence.

3. How to prevent it?

(1) Wear loose, sweat-absorbent, cotton underwear and breathable clothing, and avoid wearing tight or damp clothing.

(2) Maintain good hygiene habits, take a bath regularly, and wash yourself clean after exercise or heavy sweating.

(3) Do not share personal items such as towels, clothing, shoes, socks, and bathtubs with others.

(4) Tinea manuum, tinea pedis, and onychomycosis should be diagnosed early and treated actively to reduce the possibility of self-infection.

(5) Obese patients should change their clothes more frequently and actively control their weight. They can use talcum powder to keep the areas prone to sweating dry.

(6) The patient's underwear should be regularly washed, dried, boiled, ironed, and disinfected.

(7) If the infection is caused by contact with a pet, the pet should be examined for mycology and treated, and items that the pet has come into contact with should be disinfected.

(8) Eat light, nutritious food to improve immunity.