By Andi Douglas, nwaMotherlode.com beauty editor
I recently discovered that my toddler has ringworm, a circular, scaly rash. First, I was relieved that it was not an actual worm, despite the name, but, in fact, a skin infection due to a fungus. Okay, still pretty disgusting, but very common and, thankfully, easily treated with an OTC anti-fungal cream.
Summertime is a prime season for different kinds of fungal infections to rear their itchy heads, since fungus thrives in hot, moist environments. Wet swimsuits, public pools and sweaty carseats spell trouble to the delicate skin of your little ones.
And, since most infections are very contagious and kids have no boundaries, there is no shame when your kids show up with a scaly rash (No shame, I tell you…don’t judge me).
Athlete’s foot most commonly manifests as a burning itch between the two smallest toes and can spread to the soles of the feet, an anti-fungal cream is the best treatment (seriously, just start buying this stuff at Sam’s Club in a tub), but prevention is always better.
Wear flip-flops in public showers or the pool bathroom and dry your feet thoroughly before putting on shoes. If your kiddos are keen on going sock-less during the summer, sprinkle foot powder in their shoes to prevent moisture.
The netting in boy swimsuits looks itchy enough without adding a case of jock itch. Symptoms are the typical burning itch in the groin and thigh area with a circular, red raised rash with elevated edges and flaking or cracked skin (ouch!) and can be treated with an anti fungal cream, powder or spray.
Boys are not the only victims of a wet swimsuit. Yeast infections of the skin can cause a red, scaling, itchy rash around the groin or armpits, and often have raised pimple like bumps.
Skin yeast infections respond well to medicated creams. You can mix your own using diaper cream (like Desitin), an anti-fungal cream and a zinc oxide cream.
Vaginal yeast infections, which can also be caused by lounging in wet swimwear, may require suppositories or an oral medication for proper treatment, so consult a physician. In the meantime, lay off of sugar, since yeast thrives on it, and serve plenty of natural yogurt to build up healthy bacteria.
Now that we have sandal weather (finally) you may have noticed that your toenails are thick and discolored and may be painful. Or, you were lucky like me, and the lady doing your annual pedicure announced loudly that you have a fungus on your toes. Awesome.
Nail fungus is not caused by poor hygiene, according to Web MD. Did you hear that, judgy pedicurist? In fact, it is difficult to determine the origin of an infection and they are very common in runners. No that I run, but I could. Unfortunately, they are very difficult to treat and even heavy duty oral medications only cure about 50% of infections.
There are a lot of home remedies that friends have sworn by, including a hot foot soak in water mixed with a few tablespoons of baking soda or hydrogen peroxide. Also, applying apple cider vinegar to your toes may help. Listerine mouth wash can also be applied directly and smells much better.
*When in doubt, a doctor can confirm any fungal infection with a test and stronger treatments can be prescribed.
Did I effectively skeeve everyone out? Well, at least I didn’t torture you with graphic images. There are some things you can never un-see, trust me! Happy Summer!
Have a question for Andi, beauty blogger and fellow mama of three? Andi welcomes your questions and feedback to Beauty Buzz. E-mail her at mamas@nwaMotherlode.com. Click here to read more about Andi.














Don’t be the Stinky Mom at pick-up. I have never met someone who doesn’t have some form of exercise on their list of resolutions, but suddenly being comfortable in public showers is definitely not on mine. Wipe a facial wipe over your body to get rid of the perspiration, then mist yourself with a body spray infused with salicylic acid, like Clear Radiance body mist (Sephora $29), to prevent clogged pores. Use dry shampoo on the roots of your hair to absorb any moisture before pulling your hair back.
Stop biting your nails. You can get worms from biting your nails…there, you’re cured. You are welcome.
putting your brushes away.
While sugarplums are dancing through little ones’ dreams and quiet streets are aglow with twinkling lights, crazed moms are waking up at 5 am to hit the big sale or bolting out of bed at midnight because the
Dark circles are trickier since they are often genetic and become more prominent with age.
Have a question for Andi, beauty blogger and fellow mama? Andi welcomes your questions and feedback to Beauty Buzz. E-mail her at mamas@nwaMotherlode.com.
Adding layers, like scarves and jackets, adds a level of depth to the picture and can provide easy props for some action shots.
I was working on a collection of fall trends for you guys (and I’ll get to it, promise) when I was stopped cold by one sentence on MarieClaire.com about the headband trend seen on the runways.
Have a question for Andi, beauty blogger and fellow mama? Andi welcomes your questions and feedback to Beauty Buzz. E-mail her at mamas@nwaMotherlode.com.
I recently went from a brunette to a blonde. My makeup looks too dark now. Any advice on what colors I should be wearing now that I have lighter hair?
Have a question for Andi, beauty blogger and fellow mama? Andi welcomes your questions and feedback to Beauty Buzz. E-mail her at mamas@nwaMotherlode.com.
Dear First-Time Mama:
If you want to try something stronger to zap a zit, be leery of the usual
Have a question for Andi, beauty blogger and fellow mama? Andi welcomes your questions and feedback to Beauty Buzz. E-mail her at mamas@nwaMotherlode.com.
Have a question for Andi, beauty blogger and fellow mama? E-mail it to mamas@nwaMotherlode.com.
shoulders without the extra step of powder bronzer.
What type of makeup would you recommend for tween/teen girls who are beginning to wear make-up? Is there a certain line geared toward this age group?
A
Have a question for Andi, beauty blogger and fellow mama? E-mail it to mamas@nwaMotherlode.com.
Dear Andi,
While I’m on the subject, just a couple of sunscreen tips to keep your skin healthy as we spend more time outside.
Have a question for Andi, beauty blogger and fellow mama? E-mail it to mamas@nwaMotherlode.com.
I am 35 and still get pimples! I think it’s worse now than when I was in junior high. What’s going on and how can I stop this???
or two, the rigors of taking care of a family, running a household and working either inside or outside the home. Even food allergies can trigger adult acne. Oh, and did I mention that we’re getting closer to menopause every day? Ugh.
Dear Andi,
When I first read this question, I was suspicious that one of my friends sent it in as a hint for me to take a good look at my own upper lip. I’ve had a problem with facial hair since early adulthood, but since Lexi was born have been neglecting my own Fu Manchu mustache. So, if this was a friend, hint taken…if not, then take comfort in the fact that you are not alone!
Have a question for Andi, beauty blogger and fellow mama? E-mail it to mamas@nwaMotherlode.com.
Note from the mamas
Victoria’s Secret Very Sexy Lip Gloss in Wet ($12):
Andi Douglas is a local mom of three and the ruling make-up queen at nwaMotherlode. E-mail your Ask Andi questions to her at mamas@nwaMotherlode.com and the answer may be featured in her Beauty Buzz column. 




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