Medical Care
Clinical cure of an uncomplicated tinea cruris infection usually can be achieved using topical antifungal agents of the imidazole or allylamine family. [10] Consider patients unable to use topical treatments consistently or with extensive or recalcitrant infection as candidates for systemic administration of antifungal therapy, which has been proven safe in immunocompetent persons. [11]
Prevention of tinea cruris reinfection is an essential component of disease management. Patients with tinea cruris often have concurrent dermatophyte infections of the feet and hands.
Treat all active areas of tinea cruris infection simultaneously to prevent reinfection of the groin from other body sites. Advise patients with tinea pedis to put on their socks before their undershorts to reduce the possibility of direct contamination. Advise patients with tinea cruris to dry the crural folds completely after bathing and to use separate towels for drying the groin and other parts of the body.
Emerging patterns of resistance will dictate the use of alternate agents. [12]
Diet
Recommend weight loss for patients who are obese and have tinea cruris.
Prevention
Recurrence of tinea cruris is common; therefore, it is of utmost importance to treat concurrent fungal infections and to keep the groin region dry to prevent recurrence of tinea cruris. Advise patients to dry the area after bathing, using a towel or a hair dryer.
Advise patients with tinea cruris to avoid wearing tight-fitting clothing to prevent moisture build-up. Advise patients with tinea cruris who are obese to lose weight. Advise patients to put on socks before undergarments to minimize the possibility of fungal transfer from the feet to the groin.
Antifungal powders, which have the added benefit of drying the region, may be helpful in preventing recurrence of tinea cruris.
Long-Term Monitoring
Repeat scraping or culture may be indicated if initial treatment of tinea cruris is unsuccessful.
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Tinea cruris.
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Tinea cruris.
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Tinea cruris.
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Tinea cruris (hematoxylin and eosin stain).
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Tinea cruris (periodic acid-Schiff stain, magnification X 20).
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Tinea cruris (Gomori methenamine-silver stain, magnification X 20).
