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Fungal skin infection - body and groin - Management
How should I treat fungal infections of the body and groin?

  • Treat with a topical imidazole (clotrimazole, econazole, ketoconazole, or miconazole) or topical terbinafine (not licensed for use in children younger than 12 years of age).
    • The timing of application and duration of treatment depends on the drug used. For more information, see Prescriptions.
  • For skin that is particularly inflamed, consider prescribing a topical antifungal combined with a mildly potent corticosteroid for a maximum of seven days.
    • Do not give a corticosteroid preparation alone.
    • Use a combination preparation with caution on fungal infection of the groin, because of the increased risk of adverse effects with topical corticosteroids in occluded areas.
  • Consider oral antifungal treatment in adults if severe or extensive disease is present (referral is often indicated) or if topical treatment has failed.
    • A positive microscopy or a positive culture of skin scrapings is recommended before starting treatment.
    • If test results are negative, but the clinical appearance is very suggestive of fungal infection, repeat the sample and start treatment.
  • If oral antifungal treatment is being considered in children, seek specialist advice.
  • If there is infection of the nails, treatment should be considered to prevent re-infection. See the CKS topics on Fungal nail infection and Fungal skin infection - foot.

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