"White spot" or "panau" is a superficial fungal infection of the skin which is common in children and adults. It may be itchy.
It is made up of fine scaly white patches on the skin. It may appear on your face, neck, shoulders, arms, trunk or legs. These spots are active fungi infecting your skin. The medical name is Pityriasis versicolor.
Ringworm appears as scaly, reddish, ring shaped patches with the tendancy to form complete rings with raised borders. This is called tinea corporis (body).
Athelete's foot is present when the skin between your toes become very scaly and peels. You will also experience itchiness of the feet. The fungus, which causes the infection may spread to your soles and toe-nails. This is called tinea pedis.
1. Fungus grows when the skin is warm and moist. The space between your toes, the skin folds in the groin and the armpits must be kept dry to prevent such infection.
2. Do not walk barefoot in areas where the floor is wet. Example bathroom, lavatory and swimming pool as the fungus tends to be present. Wear slippers or things.
3. Nylon socks and covered shoes make your feet sweat. Wear cotton socks to absorb the sweat.
4. Keep a healthy life-style with a balanced diet, excercise and have time for rest, to keep your body's resistence. You will catch fungal infection easily if you are weak.
1. Apply anti-fungal cream prescribed by your doctor on affected areas 2-3 times a day for 3 weeks.
2. Don't stop using medicine immediately after the infection has cleared. Use it at least 7 days after the infection has cleared.
