Does zinc oxide prevent fungus?

What does zinc oxide actually do?

Zinc oxide cream or ointment creates a skin barrier that reduces rubbing between skin surfaces, with none of the architecture implied by the word barrier. That makes it useful for mild, uninfected intertrigo, which means inflammation in skin folds. Warmth, moisture and rubbing contribute to this problem; bacteria or fungus can also be involved. Protecting the skin from rubbing and controlling fungal growth are different jobs.1

Both barrier products and antifungal medicines can come as creams or ointments. Cream is a format, not a treatment category, however much work that one word gets assigned, which makes it an unhelpful filing system.12

How should you care for a damp skin fold?

For mild irritation that has not become infected:

1. 1Dry moist areas with a fan or a hair dryer on the cool setting.
2. 2Separate rubbing skin folds with clean gauze or dry towels.
3. 3Wear loose clothing and fabrics that draw moisture away from skin.
4. 4Use a zinc oxide or petroleum cream or ointment as a barrier to reduce friction.

If you suspect a fungal infection, ask a pharmacist or doctor which antifungal to use rather than treating the rash with a barrier cream alone. Clotrimazole and miconazole are options used to help prevent fungal growth in skin folds. Treatment depends on the cause, and an inflamed fold can have more than one cause.12

Does an itchy rash mean fungus?

An itchy rash alone does not identify the cause. Ringworm, a fungal infection, can look scaly, dry, swollen or itchy. Its colour can be red or darker than nearby skin, and the colour change can be less noticeable on brown or black skin. The rash is often ring shaped, but it can look different on the face, neck or scalp. A clinician can examine the area and, when needed, test a skin sample for fungus.34

What helps prevent fungus from spreading?

For ringworm, including athlete's foot:

• Keep affected skin clean and dry, and avoid clothes or footwear that make you sweat.
• Dry the infected area with a separate clean towel. Wash towels in hot, soapy water before reusing them.
• Wash your hands after touching or treating the affected area.
• Change underwear and socks daily, wash clothes before wearing them again, and do not share towels or combs.
• Wear waterproof shoes in shared showers, locker rooms and pool areas.

How long does antifungal treatment take?

Skin ringworm is often treated with an antifungal cream or ointment twice daily for two to four weeks. Jock itch commonly needs twice daily treatment for 10 to 14 days, while mild athlete's foot usually clears in two weeks. Follow the particular medicine's directions or your prescription, even if symptoms improve within days. Treat all affected areas at the same time to prevent infection spreading back from an untreated area.45

The medicine's directions determine the treatment schedule.5

When should you get medical help?

See a doctor if a skin fold rash persists despite home care or spreads beyond the fold, or if ringworm does not improve with antifungal treatment. Scalp ringworm needs prescription treatment. Get medical advice if you have a weakened immune system.134

Before choosing an antifungal, discuss pregnancy, breastfeeding, existing conditions, allergies and other medicines with a pharmacist or doctor. Stop the medicine and seek medical help for a severe reaction such as peeling or blistering skin. Difficulty breathing or swelling of the face, neck or tongue requires urgent medical help.2