Health info > Skin conditions > Fungal Infections

Fungal infections are common and can affect anyone. Infections are common in warmer climates and summer months because the fungi grow in warm, damp environments and thrive in moist areas of the body.

Tinea and candida are common fungal infections. Ringworm, athletes foot and jock itch are examples of tinea infections, while vaginal and oral thrush are examples of candida infections.

Ringworm is common in children and is easily identified on the body because of its shape. Athletes foot is an infection in between the toes, and jock itch affects the groin, buttocks, and inner thighs. These types of fungal infections are often spread through person to person contact, from animals, or an infected object (eg, a towel). They are easily treated with antifungal creams available from our pharmacy.

Vaginal and oral thrush are often triggered by antibiotics, stress, hormone imbalances, poor eating habits, diabetes, or a weakened immune system. Our pharmacists can recommend products to treat either of these conditions.

You can help prevent fungal infections by:

• Eating a healthy diet

• Avoiding walking barefoot in public showers or pools

• Wearing loose-fitting clothing made from natural fibres

• Rinsing your mouth out after using preventer inhalers

Knowing how to recognise a potential fungal infection early and what to do about it can minimise your misery. Come in and talk to one of our pharmacists for advice on how you can manage these conditions effectively.