Dr. Alai is an actively practicing medical and surgical dermatologist in south Orange County, California. She has been a professor of dermatology and family medicine at the University of California, Irvine since 2000. She is U.S. board-certified in dermatology, a 10-year-certified fellow of the American Academy of Dermatology, and Fellow of the American Society of Mohs Surgery.
Dr. Shiel received a Bachelor of Science degree with honors from the University of Notre Dame. There he was involved in research in radiation biology and received the Huisking Scholarship. After graduating from St. Louis University School of Medicine, he completed his Internal Medicine residency and Rheumatology fellowship at the University of California, Irvine. He is board-certified in Internal Medicine and Rheumatology.
Do you know where nasty things like bacteria and fungi may be hiding? Take our MedicineNet.com quiz and see how "Locker Room Savvy" you are!
There is little yu can do to prevent athlete's foot other than making sure
that the gym's cleaning crew cleans and sanitizes the showers and locker room floors regularly. True or False
Tight clothing made from nylon and other tightly woven synthetic material is best for comfort and keeping sweat off the skin. True or False
You should wear a sweatband while you are exercising to keep dirty sweat off of your face to prevent acne. True or False
When you are in the gym, using towels to wipe equipment and your face can prevent the spread of germs. True or False
Drink plenty of water before, during, and after your workout to keep you well hydrated and prevent acne. True or False
Jock itch is jock itch, there is not much you can do to prevent it. True or False
Damp or wet workout clothes will dry in your locker or gym bag as long as
they are exposed to air. True or False
Jock itch is a common, itchy rash of the groin. It can be a very intense itch
with or without a visible red or pink rash in the groin folds and genitals. Jock
itch is primarily a skin condition in men.
The symptoms of jock itch may come and go, and many cases of jock itch resolve
spontaneously without any treatment. Jock itch is primarily seen in the groin,
although it may spread to the inner thighs, genitals (including penis, scrotum,
labia, and vaginal opening), and anus.
While jock itch is frequently noted in otherwise healthy patients, patients
with diabetes and/or obesity are more susceptible. Possible causes of this
common groin itch include irritation from tight or abrasive underwear, excess
moisture, sweating, skin rubbing or friction, allergic problems, fungal
infection, Candida (yeast) infection, and bacterial overgrowth or skin
infection.
Treatment of fungal-related jock itch may include one or a combination of
antifungal shampoos to wash the groin, antifungal creams, and rarely antifungal
pills. Treatment of jock itch that is not caused by fungus involves proper groin
hygiene, keeping the area clean and dry, and washing frequently with gentle soap
and water (especially after sweating or exercise).
Jock itch causes a symmetrical red or pink rash on the sides of the groin
folds. There may be a dry, scaly rash or a collection of small, pinpoint red or
pink bumps at each hair follicle. Sometimes, there may be no rash at all.
What causes jock itch? Who gets jock itch?
Jock itch is a basic problem with inflammation of the skin in the groin. This
inflammation may be caused by simple mechanical irritation, infections like
bacteria and yeasts, or other noninfectious skin conditions. Causes of jock itch include the following:
moisture, warmth, and skin friction in the groin folds;
tight, occlusive
clothing and undergarments that trap in sweat;
Jock itch is most common in adult and middle-aged men. Anyone can get jock
itch, which is thought to affect nearly all people at some point in their lives.
Certain groups of people may be more prone to jock itch. Patients with
diabetes, obesity, and those with a compromised immune system like in HIV/AIDS,
hepatitis, chronic illnesses, cancer, systemic chemotherapy, immunosuppressive
drugs like prednisone, and those on biologic immune-system-modifying drugs like infliximab (Remicade) or etanercept (Enbrel) may be more prone to jock itch.
Yeast vaginitis is a yeast infection of the vagina. Symptoms include itching, burning, soreness, pain during intercourse and urination, and vaginal discharge. Yeast infections can be treated with over-the-counter and prescription medications.
The word "rash" means an outbreak of red bumps on the body. The way people use this term, "a rash" can refer to many different skin conditions. The most common of these are scaly patches of skin and red, itchy bumps or patches all over the place.
The term "ringworm" or "ringworms" refers to fungal infections that are on the surface of the skin. A physical examination of the affected skin, evaluation of skin scrapings under the microscope, and culture tests can help doctors make the appropriate distinctions. A proper diagnosis is essential to successful treatment. Among the different types of ringworm are the following: tinea barbae, tinea capitis, tinea corporis, tinea cruris, tinea faciei, tinea manus, tinea pedis, and tinea unguium.
Athlete's foot (tinea pedis) is a skin infection caused by the ringworm fungus. Symptoms include itching, burning, cracking, peeling, and bleeding feet. Treatment involves keeping the feet dry and clean, wearing shoes that can breathe, and using medicated powders to keep your feet dry.
Diabetes mellitus is a chronic condition characterized by high levels of sugar (glucose) in the blood. The two types of diabetes are referred to as type 1 (insulin dependent) and type 2 (non-insulin dependent). Symptoms of diabetes include increased urine output, thirst, hunger, and fatigue. Treatment of diabetes depends on the type.
Itching can be a common problem. Itches can be localized or generalized. There are many causes of itching to include: infection (jock itch, vaginal itch), disease (hyperthyroidism, liver or kidney), reactions to drugs, and skin infestations (pubic or body lice). Treatment for itching varies depending on the cause of the itch.
Neutropenia is a marked decrease in the number of neutrophils, neutrophils being a type of white blood cell (specifically a form of granulocyte) filled with neutrally-staning granules, tiny sacs of enzymes that help the cell to kill and digest microorganisms it has engulfed by phagocytosis.
Obesity is the state of being well above one's normal weight. A person has traditionally been
considered to be obese if they are more than 20 percent over their ideal weight.
That ideal weight must take into account the person's height, age, sex, and
build.
Cancer is a disease caused by an abnormal growth of cells, also called malignancy. It is a group of 100 different diseases, and is not contagious. Cancer can be treated through chemotherapy, a treatment of drugs that destroy cancer cells.
Regular physical activity can reduce the risk of disease. Regular exercise can also reduce the symptoms of stress and anxiety. There are fitness programs that fit any age or lifestyle.
The evidence is growing and is more convincing than ever! People of all ages
who are generally inactive can improve their health and well-being by becoming
active at a moderate-intensity on a regular basis.
Regular physical activity substantially reduces the risk of dying of coronary
heart disease, the nation's leading cause of death, and decreases the risk for
stroke, colon cancer, diabetes, and high blood pressure. It also helps to
control weight; contributes to healthy bones, muscles, and joints; reduces falls
among older adults; helps to relieve the pain of arthritis; reduces symptoms of
anxiety and depression; and is associated with fewer hospitalizations, physician
visits, and medications. Moreover, physical activity need not be strenuous to be
beneficial; people of all ages benefit from participating in regular,
moderate-intensity physical activity, such as 30 minutes of brisk walking five
or more...
