Thank you for the earlier reply. I tried the treatment with a weaker hand soap and used vaseline to cover it. I haven't noticed a difference but I have only tried the treatment for a few days (instead of a longer time period which I'm sure is necessary to see results). I stopped because I just got back from the doctors office and was given a Fluconazole prescription. I'll relay my success or failure with the prescription.
I was curious as to the likelihood of the cracks NOT having any fungal infection. I was always a bit confused if it was the fungus which caused the cracks, or just that the fungus infested cracks that were already present. Essentially, is it possible to just have the cracks? If so, would it be better to treat them with something like aquaphor? Moreover, would the soap treatment worsen the cracks if the candida is not present? I was hoping that my doctor would take a culture to confirm the presence of candida, but unfortunately one was not taken. I'm sure the above-mentioned scenario is not altogether likely...just thinking out loud.