Treatment Sweat Rash

This section is about what over the counter treatments are available (not all treatments may be available in that country) and how they help.

Please check all ingredients and check one is not allergic or sensitive to them
For external use only.
Make sure one uses anti-fungal preparation for correct length of time for it to be effective.
Products should not be used on scalp, broken nails, eyes and mucus membranes i.e. nostrils and around lips.

Products are available in many forms.

Forms	Where to use
Sprays/solution	For hairy or hard to reach areas
Creams/gels	For large areas
Powder	Used in shoes/socks and can be used with other gels/creams/spray solutions

These work by disrupting the fungal cells (they break down the wall of the yeast cell, the cell membrane by stop producing a product called ergosterol).
They also have antibacterial properties and are useful if a bacterial infection has occurred in a yeast infection and can be used on large areas.
To be effective use it according to the length the manufacturer states.
Please note miconazole containing products can interact with warfarin.

This product has a wide range of fungal activity and works by stopping the chemical needed by the fungus to grow.
It is very strong and effective and requires a shorter length of time to kill the infection.
It should not be used longer than seven days.

These creams are only used sparingly when one has a flare-up on unbroken skin.
It can only be used up to seven days and restrictions do apply.
If one wants to use it outside the restricted rules then one must see a medical doctor for a prescription, because the medical doctor must asses if it is suitable to use.
They help to reduce redness and inflammation and it should be used 10-15 minutes after an emollient to get the optimum results.
Do not use creams/lotions at the same time with steroidal products as this makes the steroid less effective.
Ointments tend to be used at night or in more severe ‘flare ups’.
Creams are generally used in mild ‘flare ups’ and are easier to apply.
Side effects include:
- Transient burning or stinging
- Worsening and spreading of misdiagnosed fungal infection
- Reversible thinning of the skin
- Stretch marks
- Allergic contact dermatitis
- Acne vulgaris
- Skin develops clusters of itchy and painful blisters, often on the face and neck, or is unwell with a fever and swollen local lymph nodes (signs of eczema herpeticum), this requires a same-day appointment.
- Reversible, mild hypopigmentation (change of skin colour – becomes lighter skin)
- Excessive hair growth at the site of application
- Skin thinning

The risks of skin thinning with topical corticotosteroids are increased with:

- Using potent or very potent topical corticosteroids
- Inappropriate long-term continuous use
- Treating sensitive sites where the skin is thinner, e.g. face or genital areas
- Using topical corticosteroids under occlusion, e.g. a nappy, dressing, or when applying in skin folds
- Treating large areas.

The Pharmaceutical Journal, August 2021;Online:DOI:10.1211/PJ.2021.1.98990