SKIN clinics are offering a quicker and more effective cure for 'Hong Kong foot' as one in five people in the territory succumb to irritating and unsightly fungal infections.
The Health Department has approved a new drug called Lamisil for use in its dermatology clinics following successful trials of cream and pills.
Hong Kong's moist environment makes fungal infections a common problem, with people who frequent swimming pools and communal bathing areas particularly at risk.
Fungal infections, which cause itchiness and discomfort, are the second most common cause of skin conditions treated in government clinics after dermatitis.
The fungi usually affect the feet and hands, although they can also attack the groin, scalp and nails if they go untreated.
Treatments used in the past have acted to stop the growth of the fungi, although they have required long periods of therapy and resulted in poor cure rates and high relapse rates.