Avoid rubbing dry skin to prevent damaging your skin and spreading the infection further.6
Sweat rash
Sweat rash is common during the dry season, and can affect you frequently if you play sports regularly. It normally shows up as a red rash on your skin.
Also known as candida intertrigo, sweat rash is a superficial skin inflammation caused by yeast and bacteria. Candidiasis develops on the areas of your body where moisture becomes trapped, as Candida yeast spreads easily when your skin condition changes. For example, if your skin becomes warmer when exposed to humid conditions.1
Sweat rash symptoms
Understanding sweat rash
Humidity, friction and lack of ventilation all contribute to sweat rash. That's why you will find that it shows up in skin folds or areas that normally stay covered. It's also why physical exercise can make symptoms more pronounced.4
Sweat rash treatment
It’s always best to start treatment for your Candida-associated sweat rash early with topical products like creams or sprays.
Depending on the severity of your symptoms, you may be recommended treatment using an antifungal product, or a milder anti-inflammation product such as hydrocortisone.5
Preventing sweat rash
Keep the affected areas of the skin dry, cool and exposed to air.7
Clean your skin gently and apply a moisturiser or barrier cream.7
Avoid tight-fitting clothes that may rub your skin. Choose natural fabrics over synthetic fibres.6
Facts about sweat rash
You may be more at risk of developing sweat rash if you live an active lifestyle.6
Sweat rash appears in areas with less air circulation, such as your armpits, on the back of the knees or between your fingers and toes.6
The following people are at high risk of developing sweat rash: overweight, weak immune system due to chemotherapy, have HIV or diabetes, exposed to high heat and humidity, use clothing and shoes that are too tight, and/or confined to bed.6,7
REFERENCES:
- Kalra, M. et al.: Intertrigo and Secondary Skin Infections, in: American Family Physician, Volume 89, Number 7, April 1, 2014, p. 569
- Clinical Manifestations, in: Kalra, M.: op. cit/
- History and Physical & Consultations, in: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK531489/
- Kalra, M. et al., op. cit.
- Treatment, in: Kalra, M. et al., op. cit.
- History and Physical & Treatment and Management, in: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK531489/
- Preventing Recurrent Infections, in: Kalra, M. et al. op. cit.
Learn more about skin & foot health
Learn all about athlete’s foot
Learn about athlete’s foot and how you can catch it. Find out about the symptoms of this fungal infection and how you can treat it. Discover tips on preventing athlete’s foot.
Everything to know about jock itch
Find out about jock itch and its causes. Learn about the symptoms, treatment options and prevention methods of a jock itch.
Understanding nail fungal infection
Fight the brittleness and thick discolouration of your toenails, which is caused by a nail fungal infection.
Facts about ringworm
Find out how ringworm spreads, its causes and who are most at risk of suffering from the condition. Learn about common ringworm symptoms, treatment options and prevention methods.
Find out more about sweat rash
Find out what a sweat rash is and its causes, and who are most at risk of suffering from the condition. Learn about the symptoms, treatment options and prevention methods of a sweat rash.
Practical tips for skin and foot hygiene
Find out how good hygiene practices can help you to avoid catching and spreading fungal infections.