Fungal Skin Infections – Causes & Cure

Enough footage and importance has been given to Mr. Covid, the super virus. Now let’s pay some attention to Ms. Fungi also.

Fungi live everywhere.

They generally don’t cause any skin problem, unless they multiply or get inside your skin through a cut or a wound.

Fungi easily develop and multiply in skin areas that are warm, moist and don’t get much airflow.

Fungal infections can be annoying and uncomfortable but typically not serious during their early stages. But once they flare up, it is important to get treatment for fungal infection.

What Causes Fungal Skin Infections?

Just like virus, fungi spread through direct contact. When you directly touch a person, item or an animal with fungal skin infection, you may develop the same.

Common Fungal Skin Infections

1. Ringworm

Ringworm is a type of Fungal Skin Infection that usually appears anywhere in the torso and limbs. It can spread from one person to another, it is highly contagious.

Ringworm rash is a ring-shaped itchy rash with slightly elevated edges. The rash can increase in size or spread. Ringworm can be treated with antifungal treatment creams.

Ringworm
Image credit – Bundoo

2. Athlete’s Foot

Fungus can affect the skin on your feet, often between your toes. This type of fungal infection has following symptoms:

● Itching or a burning sensation between your toes.

● Skin appears red, scaly, dry, or flaky.

● Cracked or blistered skin.

Athlete’s Foot
Image credit – Triad foot and ankle center

3. Jock Itch

Jock itch is an itchy red rash that typically happens on your inner thighs. It may become worse after exercise or any other physical activity. It’s most common in men and adolescent boys.

The infection may increase after exercise or other physical activity and can spread to the buttocks and abdomen.

Jock Itch
Image credit – eMediHealth

4. Scalp Ringworm

Scalp ringworm affects your scalp and hair shafts. Scalp ringworm is an itchy bald patch caused by fungal infection. It’s most common in young children.

This can be treated with oral medication prescribed by a Dermatologist in combination with a suitable antifungal shampoo.

Scalp Ringworm
Image credit – NHS

5. Tinea versicolor

This type of fungal infection causes small oval discolored patches that usually appear on the back, chest and upper.

These patches are usually itchy, flaky, or scaly and are more likely to develop during summer season or in areas with a warm, wet climate.

Tinea versicolor
Image credit – thuocdantoc.org

6. Cutaneous Candidiasis

The type of fungi that cause this infection is naturally present on and inside our bodies. When it overgrows, skin infection such as itchy red rash and small red pustules can happen.

Cutaneous Candidiasis
Image credit – Healthline

7. Onychomycosis

Onychomycosis is a fungal infection of your fingernails or toenails. Fungus infected nails are usually discolored and brittle.

You will need prescription-strength medications to treat this type of fungal infection. In severe cases, your doctor may remove a part of your nail or all of an affected nail.

Onychomycosis
Image credit – The Business Journals

Who are likely to get fungal infections?

You have an increased risk of fungal infections, if you:

● Stay in a warm or wet environment

● Sweat heavily

● Do not keep your skin clean and dry.

● Share personal items like clothing, shoes, towels, or bedding

● Wear tight clothing or footwear that doesn’t breathe well

● Take part in activities that involve skin-to-skin contact

● Contact animals that are infected

● Have a weakened immune system.

How To Prevent Fungal Infections?

Here are some easy ways to avoid possible fungal infections:

● Follow personal hygiene.

● Never share personal items like towels, pillows etc.

● Wear washed inner wears every day.

● Wear breathable clothes. Avoid tight outfits.

● Dry off your body properly with a clean towel after bathing.

● Keep distance from pets with frequent scratching or missing fur.

When to visit a Dermatologist?

See your skin doctor if you have:

● Infested skin that isn’t improving, getting worse.

● Noticed hair loss along with itchy scalp.

● Poor immune system and suspect a skin infection.

● Diabetes and you’re developing a skin infection.

Doctors usually suggest Antifungal medications that work to treat fungal infections. They kill fungi directly or prevent them from multiplying. Antifungal drugs are suggested as prescription medications.

They can come in the form of,

● Creams or ointments

● Pills

● Powders

● Sprays

● Shampoos

Fungal infections are quite common. And very much curable. Get the right consultation and on-time medical intervention.

CureSkin App home-delivers you a Dermatologist-prescribed fungal treatment kit for your skin conditions. You can also consult the Dermatologist and discuss more.

Banner Image Credit – MedShadow

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *