Table 4.
Consensus on points for counselling patients with dermatophytosis
| Points for discussion with patients | Expected impact |
|---|---|
| Current scenario of dermatophytosis in India | Patients will understand the gravity of the situation and follow medical advice accurately |
| Taking regular bath (at least once a day) | Reduces fungal load due to exfoliation of scales |
| Wiping the body dry (especially intertriginous area and toe clefts) | Prevents high moisture in those parts, minimizing chances of fungal colonization |
| Regular washing of clothes in hot water and drying in sunlight inside out | Reduces chances of re-infection from infected clothes |
| Storing and washing clothes of infected patients separately | Reduces chances of transmission to contacts and family members |
| Regular washing of bed linen (at least once a week) | Minimizes chances of re-infection from infected linen |
| Avoidance of sharing of fomites like clothes, towels and soaps with others | Reduces transmission to contacts and family members |
| Avoidance of synthetic tight garments | Prevents occlusion, maceration, friction and barrier dysfunction |
| Avoidance of wearing bands, threads, draw strings and rings | Reduces chances of re-infection from such infected materials |
| Regular mopping and cleaning of the house | Reduces chances of persistence of dermatophytes in the environment |
| Losing weight in obese patients | Reduces chances of intertriginous fungal infections |
| Avoidance of contact with pets | May reduce zoophilic infection and transmission |
| Avoidance of application of topical corticosteroids | Reduces chances of unusual presentations, diagnostic difficulty and treatment failure |
| Strict adherence to treatment | Enhances chances of complete cure and reduces recurrence |
| Simultaneous treatment of other infected house members and close contacts (prophylactic treatment is not required) | Reduces chances of transmission to each other and recurrence |
| Avoidance of self-medication, over the counter(OTC) medications and sharing of prescriptions | Reduces chances of inadequate treatment, topical corticosteroid misuse and treatment failure |