Hot showers and fungus

[Sistahp]

My father was diagnosed with a fungul infection and is using Clotrimizole Betameth cream.  When he takes a shower he makes the water very hot and lets it hit the infected area.  Should he be putting hot water on the fungus rash?  He says it makes it feel better, but I'm afraid it is aggravating the condition.

[Sistahp]

Thank you for your response.  The medication is definitely helping him.

[Bhupinder Kaur, MD]

Hello,
Instead of hot water he should use fresh water for washing. He should wash his groin daily and then dry thoroughly by pat drying, not rubbing. A hairdryer is useful if he has hairy groins.The damp groin is an ideal site for fungi to multiply. So it is important to keep it dry. Also wear cotton underwears and change them twice a day and do not share other people’s towels.Application of local antifungal cream(terbinafine, clotrimazole, econazole, ketoconazole, miconazole) and oral antifungal drugs are the mainstay of treatment.

It is very difficult to precisely confirm a diagnosis without examination and investigations and the answer is based on the medical information provided. For exact diagnosis, you are requested to consult your doctor. I sincerely hope that helps. Take care and please do keep me posted on how you are doing.