Well, NOW I feel gross!

[TheQueenSnortsAvocados]

I am overweight, with a bit of an overhang. So far, so post-child normal, right?

It seems I have developed an athlete's foot-type fungal infection in my belly crease.

Daily showers are necessary. People showering daily are going to be much less likely to get fungal infections.

Very common and actually common in the most hygienic people too - because washing too frequently can break down the natural bacteria, oils etc on the skins surface.

It's more a drying issue. As in usually due to people either not drying properly OR over vigorously.

Showering or bathing daily is not necessary, every other day is fine providing you do so properly, making sure to rinse and dry well.

Very hot baths/showers won't increase risk of fungal infection in itself BUT it will dry your skin which means the natural barriers aren't in place.

Ex nurse here, geriatric care where overweight and loose skin is quite prevalent.

If showering/bathing irritates skin though it's far more likely to be the products. Experiment but aim for products that are simple and not full of fancy fragrances/unnecessary ingredients, in your case I'd also avoid 'moisturising' ingredients. Instead add a body lotion after bathing only to those areas that need it.

Once you get rid of the infection and associated pain and stink, I use a roll on deodorant. Probably terrible for your skin and poisoning your blood but what a difference. No sweat, no bactieria no infection.

I use an inhaler and no matter how carefully I rinse my mouth I get fungus in the corner of my mouth sometimes. The ointment makes it go away immediately but it is the idea of it that is gross I think. The reality is no big deal. Nor will yours be a big deal. It will be one of those can you effing believe it pregnancy stories.

Thanks all, especially @Graphista - I feel a bit less gross now.

And Body Shop olive soap plus Daktarin powder are my new best friends.

I had this once under my boobs, I paid particular attention to making sure throughly dried and soon cleared up

I've really suffered with this badly in this heat! Never been this bad before. My mum's told me for years to try deodorant and WOW . It's made such a difference. Under boob and tum overhang now sorted! Wish I'd taken her advice years ago.