Fungal Skin Infections in Humid Weather: Feet, Folds and More

Why are fungal infections more common in summer and humid weather?

Fungi need warmth and moisture to grow, and sweat that stays on the skin under tight clothing and closed shoes gives them the perfect environment. The risk is higher with obesity, diabetes, weakened immunity, heavy sweating and walking barefoot in damp public places such as swimming pools and gym changing rooms.

In the Eastern Province, with its long hot, humid months and hours spent in closed work shoes, many people notice that fungal infections return every summer unless their daily habits change.

What are the common types and their symptoms?

Symptoms depend on where the infection is and which fungus causes it:

• Athlete's foot (tinea pedis): itching, peeling and cracking between the toes, especially between the fourth and fifth toes, sometimes spreading to the sole.
• Groin fungus (tinea cruris): an itchy red or brown patch in the groin fold, with edges more defined and redder than the centre; more common in men.
• Ringworm of the body (tinea corporis): a round, ring-shaped patch with a raised scaly edge, which can be caught from pets or other people.
• Tinea versicolor (pityriasis versicolor): small light, pink or brown patches with fine scale on the chest, back and shoulders, more noticeable after sun exposure.
• Nail fungus: yellow or white discolouration with thickened, crumbling nails, often starting from untreated athlete's foot.

How are fungal skin infections treated?

Most superficial fungal skin infections are treated with antifungal creams, sprays or washes. Use them once the diagnosis is confirmed and for as long as your doctor or pharmacist advises, usually continuing one to two weeks after the patch has cleared, because stopping early is one of the most common reasons infections return.

Widespread or recurrent infections, and infections of the nails or scalp, may need antifungal tablets. These are available only on prescription after a doctor's assessment, because some interact with other medicines or need monitoring. Nail fungus usually takes longer to treat, sometimes months, until a healthy nail grows out.

Why should you not put steroid creams on fungal infections?

A common mistake is applying a cream containing cortisone, or a combination cream with cortisone and an antifungal, to any itchy red patch. Cortisone may calm the redness and itching for a while, but it weakens the skin's defences in that area, so the fungus spreads, changes appearance and becomes harder to diagnose and treat.

Long-term use of cortisone in skin folds can also thin the skin and cause permanent stretch marks. So use these creams only if a doctor prescribes them for a specific condition and a specific period.

How can you stop fungal infections coming back?

Prevention depends on keeping the skin dry and stopping the infection spreading. These habits make a big difference:

• Dry your feet, between your toes and your skin folds well after showering and wudu.
• Choose cotton socks and change them daily or when sweaty, and alternate between two pairs of shoes so each can dry.
• Wear sandals at swimming pools, changing rooms and public showers.
• Do not share towels, shoes or nail tools.
• If you have both athlete's foot and groin fungus, put your socks on before your underwear so you do not carry the infection up.
• Take pets to the vet if they develop patches of hair loss.