The summer heat is on! It's hot and sweaty. Have you noticed a groin itch or that your toes are moist and even smelly? Men in particular are subject to the fungi that thrive in the sizzling summer. In my practice, men complain about itching in the groin, athlete's foot and excessive perspiration. Read on to find out what you can do about keeping healthy despite the steamy weather.

Jock itch

Itching in the groin (Tinea cruris) is common because of our hot climate but when accompanied by a dark-coloured scaly rash with clearly outlined margins, it usually means a fungal infection. This may result from the spread of athlete's foot to the groin. Obese men will notice this rash in most skin folds. Men who wear tight undergarment will have a greater likelihood of acquiring this problem.

Treatment involves the use of antifungal creams. Bathing twice daily will reduce the accumulation of sweat which provides a comfortable environment for the fungi. Recurrence may be reduced by applying antifungal powder in the troublesome creases of the body.

Liverspots

Liverspots (Tinea versicolor) are hypopigmented or hyperpigmented (lighter or darker than skin colour) rash. They sometimes have a café au lait (coffee mixed with milk) look. They consist of fine, scaly patches which spread out on the back, limbs or just anywhere. The causative agents are Malassezia fungi. It is very difficult to cure and usually reappears in the summertime. Again the treatment is topical and/or oral antifungal therapy.

Athlete's foot

Athlete's foot (Tinea pedis) affects men frequently because they usually wear socks in shoes which provide a good environment for the growth of dermatophytic fungi between the toes. The infection occurs in communal settings such as gymnasia, pools, public showers and changing rooms. The moist, itchy rash may be interdigital (between the toes) or display pustules and crusts covering the feet. This is difficult to treat since the men are forced to enclose their toes in shoes.

The treatment involves wearing sandals, keeping the toes exposed to the air and the use of oral and/or topical antifungal medication. Athlete's foot is troublesome because relapses are common.

Excessive perspiration

At this time of the year, everyone experiences increased perspiration as the body uses the evaporation of sweat as a cooling mechanism. You can help to keep cool by wearing natural fibres such as cottons and linens. Wear clothes appropriate to our weather such as bush jackets and nero shirts. Drink lots of water and eat fruits with a high percentage of water such as melons.

This promises to be a long, hot summer, but one in which we can keep healthy, regardless!

Dr Pauline Williams-Green is a family physician and president of the Caribbean College of Family Physicians; email: yourhealth@gleanerjm.com.