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There are millions of fungus all around us, even in our body. Some help us, while some can harm us. Too much of harmful fungus causes fungal skin infections. Usually, they are not very serious and can be treated with the help of drugs and treatments; they do make your life painful and uncomfortable.
What is a Fungal Infection?
Fungal infections are caused when there is too much fungus in an area of your body, and your immune system is too weak to fight it. Out of millions of fungi, only 300 of them can harm a human body.
The fungus survives by growing in warm, moist areas that do not get much air such as feet, folds of skin, intimate regions etc. They are usually spread through direct contact with a person, animal or air that has the fungal spores floating in them.
Symptoms of Fungal Infection
Some of the most common symptoms of a fungal infection are:
● Itchiness
● Scaly Dry Skin
● Redness
● Swelling
● Flaking or peeling of skin
Common Types of Fungal Infections and their treatment
Ringworm
It is named as such because of the appearance of ring-shaped rash which looks like a worm.
It can be spread through direct contact with infected people and objects. Humid environment makes it grow much faster.
Symptoms
The symptom so of ringworm is the appearance of round shaped rashes over your body. The outside of the ring is red and bumpy while the inside of the skin is normal. It usually happens with flaky, dry skin.
Diagnosis
There are a lot of skin problems that just look like ringworm. Hence it is important for the skin doctor to take samples of your skin to check the infection first and then prescribe you skin treatment on the basis of the seriousness of the infection.
Treatment
The Dermatologist usually prescribes ointments and creams for the treatment of the fungal disease. These creams are readily available as over-the-counter. However, severe cases of ringworm infection might require a prescription for the medicine.
Apart from the medical treatment, it is also required to keep the skin clean and dry so that the fungus dies away and your skin returns to normal.
Athletes Foot
Athlete’s foot is a fungal infection that grows on your foot. It commonly happens to athletes as the fungus grows best in moist, warm conditions which can be found in locker rooms, athletes wearing socks and shoes while playing etc. They more often happen during the warm, moist seasons.
It is caused due to the dead tissues found on your toes, nails, skin etc.
Symptoms
The most common symptoms of Athletes foot are:
● Itching
● Burning
● Redness
● Cracked or peeled skin
● Soft skin that starts to break down
Diagnosis
The doctor needs to take a sample of your infected skin and diagnose it so that further treatment can be given for the fungal infection.
Treatment
Depending on the seriousness of the infection, the doctor can prescribe ointments or medicines in order to take care of the infection.
Apart from that, it is also essential to make sure that your feet can breathe by wearing sandals. Washing your feet every day and making sure that they are completely dry can help in preventing a fungal infection.
Jock Itch
Jock Itch is yet another common fungal infection that happens around your genitals, inner thighs and backside. It is an itchy ring-shaped rash that mostly occurs during warm, moist seasons.
It is most common in men and adolescent boys.
Symptoms
The most common symptoms of jock itch are:
● Red ring-shaped rashes
● Itchiness
● Redness
● Burning sensation
● Flaking and peeling skin
Diagnosis
Due to its appearance in specific areas, it becomes very clear that the infection is jock itch. However, the doctor might take a sample of your skin just to be on the safe side.
Treatment
Over-the-counter medicines can easily treat the jock itch, but in case of severe rashes, the doctor might prescribe some specific medication to treat them.
Also, keeping your body areas clean and dry is very important as moist can increase the chances of the spreading of infection on a faster rate.
Yeast Infection
Yeast Infection is the most common form of fungal infection that is caused by the overgrowth of Candida albicans yeast in women. The excess of Candida yeast happens due to a number of reasons such as stress, food, antibiotics, hormonal changes etc.
They can also cause toenail infections, oral mouth thrush and diaper rashes as well.
Symptoms
Yeast infection has some common symptoms:
● White discharge from the vagina
● Itching
● Redness
● Swelling
● Burning sensation during urinating or intercourse
Diagnosis
The Dermatologist will take your complete medical history, which includes your sexual partner history as well as any previous history of STDs. If required, the doctor will also take a sample for further diagnosis and treatment.
Treatment
The doctor can prescribe medications which can include vaginal suppositories and dissolvable tablets as well as ointments depending on the seriousness of the infection.
You can also prevent further infection by keeping your body areas clean and dry as well as having a balanced diet.
Last but not least, the basis of fungal infections is moist, warm conditions, so it is vital to make sure that you maintain personal hygiene and cleanliness in order to save your time and money.
