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As seen in the April issue of Retail Pharmacy magazine. NAIL THE SKIN AND SCALP ANTIFUNGAL TREATMENT ABy Emily Devon. ddressing the commonality of fungal infections, Pharmacist Sylvia Vuong of Midland Pharmacy and Compounding Centre in Perth says that with fungi continually present around us, it’s quite easy for normally harmless fungal species to become a concern. “Dermatophyte fungi thrive and grow when they encounter keratin and a warm, moist environment,” she said. “Consequently, areas that are most affected by fungal infections include the skin, especially in between the toes (tinea pedis) and genital areas (tinea cruris and candidiasis), scalp (tinea capitis) and nails (tinea unguium). Often these areas also don’t have adequate airflow, thus they’re the perfect environment for developing a fungal infection.” Adult and Paediatric Dermatologist Dr Li-Chuen Wong, co-founder of Sydney Skin and Head of the Dermatology Department at the Children’s Hospital at Westmead in western Sydney, specifies the two different causes of head-to-toe fungal infections. She clarifies that the infections “can be caused by either a fungal yeast infection called pityriasis versicolor, or by a dermatophyte infection, otherwise called tinea”. Treat the skin you’re in The three main types of skin fungal infections are tinea corporis (ringworm), tinea pedis (athlete’s foot) and tinea cruris (jock itch). “Tinea pedis often arises from sweaty feet, usually from wearing tight, non-ventilating footwear or walking barefoot in communal public changing rooms and around swimming pools,” Dr Wong said. Tinea cruris, otherwise known as jock itch, is generally experienced by those who exercise frequently, especially in tight clothing and in warm conditions. Specifically describing tinea corporis, Dr Wong said: “\\\\\\\[It\\\\\\\] appears as scaly, red, ring-shaped lesions. Hence, it’s often called ringworm.” When it comes to skin treatments, Ms Vuong advised: “Over-the-counter topical terbinafine is often the treatment of choice (for adults and children over 12 years) when it comes to treating skin fungal infections, due to its rapid effects, shorter treatment course, better compliance and preventing recurrence.” Treatments and tips for conversation Dr Wong lists the top tips for treatments and the different infections. “Annular lesions are very suspicious of a tinea infection and better treated with topical terbinafine rather than Hydrozole,” she said. “Skin eruptions that have been treated with a topical steroid with minimal improvement should be tested by skin scraping, to exclude \\\\\\\[the possibility of\\\\\\\] a tinea infection. Ms Vuong says customers can be put at ease by designating a private consultation area in the pharmacy, where the customer can comfortably speak openly about their fungal infection concerns without being overheard and interrupted by other customers or staff. Read the full feature in Retail Pharmacy to discover more treatments and learn more tips on how to approach this topic with patients. AS SEEN IN RETAIL PHARMACY 59 To read the full feature as it appears in the April issue of Retail Pharmacy magazine, visit: retailpharmacymagazine.com.au/ magazine NEW Broad spectrum cream for treating inflamed and itching fungal skin conditions ASK YOUR PHARMACIST - THEY MUST DECIDE IF THIS PRODUCT IS RIGHT FOR YOU. Available to order via all major wholesalers, your Sales Representative or call 1300 927 769 www.chemistsown.com.au RETAIL PHARMACY ASSISTANTS • APR 2021