June 21, 2023 – Under the brilliant lights of the Colosseum at Caesars Palace in Las Vegas, singer-songwriter Adele paused her performance and connected along with her audience. Adele is understood for her powerful vocals with a touch of rustle and soulful song selection. Onstage, Adele's conversation turned to what's hidden beneath her Spanx.
The popular shaping briefs and leggings are designed to smooth out bumps and ensure clothes fit well. But under the brilliant highlight of her Weekends With Adele performance, the singer said: “I sweat a lot and the sweat doesn't go anywhere. So I'm basically sitting in my own sweat.”
The result, she says, is that her doctor diagnosed her with: Tinea cruris It affected her thighs, buttocks and abdomen. “It's a bit gross,” Adele said. “I didn't even know it existed.”
Infections of this kind are brought on by a fungus and lead to itchy rashes that appear on warm, moist areas of the body. The rash might be ring-shaped and can be called tinea cruris. People who sweat quite a bit, similar to athletes or artists, are more susceptible to it, although it will probably affect anyone where skin rubs against skin.
“It can be uncomfortable and embarrassing,” said Dr. Aaron Glatt, spokesman for the Infectious Diseases Society of America. The fungus often affects the groin area, so it's also called tinea cruris. It's the identical fungus that may grow elsewhere on the body and can be generally known as athlete's foot, said Glatt, who treats patients at Mount Sinai South Nassau in Oceanside, NY.
The fungal infection can even affect the skin under the breasts.”The treatment is easy with over-the-counter or prescription creams or ointments,” Glatt said, and “people should see their doctor with any concerns. For more serious infections, there are oral antifungals that have to be prescribed, but typically a cream or ointment can be sufficient.”
Glatt said he did not know Adele or the details of her diagnosis and treatment, but bringing medical issues into the public spotlight could mean “medical education, and that's at all times good.”
The 35-year-old singer has sold millions of albums worldwide and is following other big stars such as Mariah Carey and Céline Dion in Las Vegas. The celebrated mezzo-soprano has played in front of 4,000 people for 34 nights, her second tour starting on June 16.
Fungal infections like Adele's usually clear up within 1 to 3 weeks with antifungal creams.
Adele told the audience at Caesars Palace that she takes a medication that helps her with this. “I actually have to spray it on myself,” she said.
“I don’t know why… I just told you!”