From the Guidelines
Washing with high temperature is not recommended for washing hands when dealing with fungal infections of the skin, as it may increase the risk of dermatitis, according to the guideline for hand hygiene in health-care settings 1. When it comes to treating fungal skin infections, it's essential to consider the best practices for hygiene and infection control.
- The primary goal is to prevent the spread of fungal spores and reduce the risk of reinfection.
- Washing clothing, towels, and bedding in hot water (at least 60°C/140°F) can be effective in killing fungal spores, but this does not apply to hand washing.
- For hand washing, using soap and water at a comfortable temperature, along with proper hand-hygiene techniques, is crucial in removing dirt, soil, and microorganisms from the hands 1.
- The use of plain soap is acceptable, but it's essential to note that plain soap has minimal antimicrobial activity and may not remove pathogens from the hands of hospital personnel 1.
- In the context of treating fungal skin infections, antifungal medications such as clotrimazole, miconazole, or terbinafine may be prescribed, and it's crucial to follow the recommended treatment guidelines 1.
- Keeping the affected skin clean and dry, changing clothes daily, and avoiding sharing personal items can also help prevent the spread of fungal infections.
- It's also important to consider the potential risks and consequences of invasive candidiasis, which can have a significant impact on patient outcomes, as highlighted in the clinical practice guidelines for the management of candidiasis 1.
From the Research
Fungal Infection of Skin
- Fungal infections of the skin are common dermatological illnesses, particularly in underdeveloped countries 2
- Pityriasis versicolor, also known as tinea versicolor, is one of the most common superficial fungal infections worldwide, caused by Malassezia species 3
- Dermatophytic infections have undergone unprecedented changes in India, with limited effectiveness of oral antifungal drugs such as fluconazole, griseofulvin, itraconazole, and terbinafine 4
Treatment of Fungal Infections
- Topical antifungal medications, including zinc pyrithione, ketoconazole, and terbinafine, are the first-line treatment for pityriasis versicolor 3
- Oral antifungal medications, such as itraconazole and fluconazole, may be more appropriate for severe or recalcitrant cases 3
- Combination therapy of itraconazole and terbinafine has been shown to have a better cure rate compared to terbinafine monotherapy 2
- Itraconazole has been found to be the most effective oral antifungal drug in the treatment of chronic and chronic relapsing dermatophytosis in India 4
Washing with High Temperature
- There is no direct evidence in the provided studies on the effectiveness of washing with high temperature for treating fungal infections of the skin
- However, it is known that fungal infections can be aggravated by hot and humid climates 5
- Physicians should be aware of skin and soft tissue findings related to systemic or locally occurring mycosis, and emerging antifungal resistance may hamper the success of treatment 6