Prevention of Fungal Infections

Check out these tips …

It's important to understand that although fungal infections are annoying and can cause some discomfort, you don't need to miss school or work. However, care should be taken to minimize skin-to-skin contact with others.

What to do about skin, nail or hair infections?

Athletes foot

• Wear flip-flops in changing areas.
• Use antifungal sprays or powders in shoes and feet.
• Dry the feet and between the toes last after a shower to prevent spread to other parts of the skin.
• Avoid tight or closed footwear especially in warm climates.
• Change socks daily. Cotton socks keep the feet cooler.
• Wash towels daily.

Jock itch (groin infection)

• Wash the groin daily. Dry the skin carefully after bathing.
• Do not dry the feet before the groin to reduce the risk of spreading fungus from the feet.
• Change underwear daily.
• Wash towels daily.

Ringworm (skin infection)

• Ringworm on the body can either spread from fungus elsewhere on the skin or from animals. It can also spread from contact with others.

Nail infection

• An infected toenail is common but there won't always be symptoms.
• You may see a thickening of the nail, which can be uncomfortable when it rubs against footwear.
• You may also see an infection of the skin, especially the web space between the outer toes.

Scalp infection

• An infection of the scalp would show an increase of fungus.
• It can be spread to others in the same family, or at school.
• There is no need to keep children out of school but combs and head wear should not be shared with other children.
• There is always a risk of the infection being spread from pets.