In the morning, when you get dressed, do you put on your underwear (panties, briefs, boxers, etc.), barefoot, before getting dressed? Big mistake, according to Dr. Samuel Choudhury, a skin care physician. Indeed, this seemingly trivial gesture could expose your crotch to a fungal infection.
The way you put on your underwear can harm your health
According to the expert, putting on your underwear barefoot can move a fungal infection present on the feet to the groin fold.
The mushroom Tinea corporisbetter known as ringworm, is responsible for intense itching, scaly skin and sometimes redness in this anatomical region. The area, naturally warm and humid, then encourages the proliferation of the infection.
How to explain it? According to Dr. Choudhury, this condition is closely linked to foot fungus (athlete’s foot), which affects almost 70% of people at least once in their life.
How to limit the risk of infection?
To limit the risks, Dr. Choudhury recommends a simple but effective habit: putting on your socks before your underwear. They will create a protective barrier preventing the spores from spreading. Other preventive measures include:
- To wash and dry your feet and groin well before putting on your clothes;
- Change socks and underwear regularly, especially after sweating;
- Avoid walking barefoot in changing rooms, swimming pools and public showers, where fungi proliferate.
What are the treatments in case of infection?
If redness, persistent itching or peeling appear, it is crucial to act quickly. Recommended treatments are antifungal creams, containing hydrocortisone.
At the same time, it is essential to practice strict hygiene, by washing sheets, clothes, pajamas and underwear at high temperatures, in order to eliminate all traces of fungal spores, responsible for the infection.
Finally, if despite this first aid the infection persists, a medical consultation is necessary. Oral antifungal medications may be prescribed if the condition is severe.