What's That Rash?

When cold weather ushers in dry, red, itchy skin, you probably feel like an unlucky contestant on a rash-guessing quiz show: Is it dry skin...or some exotic flesh-eating bacteria you heard about on the news?
athletes-foot

Credit: Phototakeusa.com

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Athlete's foot

Looks like: Cracked, flaky, red skin, sometimes with weeping blisters.
Caused by: A workaholic fungus called that loves to live it up in humid  areas.
Feels like: Burning and stinging.
Where: Between the toes, anywhere on the foot or hands.
Contagious: Yes, it can be passed through direct personal contact, in showers and pools, or by contact with someone else’s shoes and socks.
Treatment: Over-the-counter that contain miconazole, clotrimazole, or tolnaftate. Continue to use them for one to two weeks after athlete’s foot has cleared to prevent reinfection.
See a doctor if: The rash doesn’t clear after two to four weeks of using OTC products. Your physician can prescribe stronger, prescription antifungals.

Next: Jock itch

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