Fungal Infections: Treatments, Causes and Types

Fungal infections

A fungal infection, sometimes referred to as mycosis, is one of several other skin health problems. It can infect any part of the body. Although fungal infections on the skin can be simple and bothersome, they can become rather serious if left untreated. Fungal infections such as ringworm, jock itch, and many others are often caused by poor hygiene, though genetics can also play a role.

Many kinds of fungal infections exist, including ringworm and athlete’s foot. A fungal infection on the skin arises when a particular type of fungus microbe proliferates for a specific part of the body, making the immune system incapable of eliminating it. The fungal infections proliferate and disperse throughout the body from there.

Essentially, there are two types of fungi: dangerous fungi and helpful fungi. The Harmful fungi infiltrate the body when fungal skin infections occur. This fungus multiplies and re-infects the individual who is recovering, by wiping away the good fungus. 

This article will explore the fungal infection treatment, its common causes and symptoms. 

Fungal Infections: Types and Symptoms

Some of the common types of fungal infection are:

Athlete’s Foot

fungal infection

This is a typical skin illness that primarily affects the nails, hands, and feet. Tinea pedis is another name for athlete’s foot. The common type of fungus known as dermatophytes, which thrives in warm, humid environments like the spaces between your hands and under your nails, is responsible for this infection.

Common symptoms of an athlete’s foot are itching, stinking, and burning sensations between your toes and other parts of the skin, such as hands between fingers. The symptoms include cracks, peels, or blisters. These blisters are filled with fluid. 

Ringworm

Ringworm

This is a fungal infection that is ring-shaped on the area of the skin. This skin illness is often referred to as tinea corporis. It is most commonly caused in warmer and more humid climates by fungi that live on decaying body tissues such as skin, hair, and nails.

Ringworm skin infections, like athlete’s foot and jock itch, are caused by dermatophytes. The most frequent ringworm symptoms are reddish and itchy red rings on the body. This body develops blisters and begins to ooze; it resembles a ring with a redder outer edge.

Tinea corporis is thick and discolored on the nails, causing them to crack.

Yeast Infection

This type of skin infection is caused by the fungus Candida albicans. Yes, infection can affect your skin, mouth, gastrointestinal tract, urinary tract, or genitalia. However, the fungus Candida albicans is already present in our bodies, but when it multiplies, it creates significant problems for our bodies. 

Pain, itching, swelling, and redness are some of the most frequent signs of yeast infection. Oral thrush refers to an infection of the throat or mouth. This skin infection in women is also relatively common, known as vaginal yeast infection. The primary symptoms to look for include clumpy discharge and itching.

Fungal Infection Treatment and Preventive Measures

fungal infection on skin

Depending on the individual and the type of fungal infection, there are numerous treatments for it. However, there are common steps you may take to prevent fungal infections like ringworm treatment and other infections that include the following:

Antifungal Medications are given to treat the infections and sometimes antifungal ointment is given. It’s based on the area of infection.

Topical creams for fungal infection, lotions, and powders are given to apply on the skin and nails.  

Preventive measures should be followed to prevent fungal infections. Avoid sharing items with people who are already infected, give yourself enough rest, cover cuts and wounds, take care when in public, wear breathable materials, and change clothes when they get sweaty or damp.

Fungal Infection Causes 

Every fungal infection, however, has a different origin depending on the lifestyle and food habits of the individual. Here is an outline of some of the typical causes of skin infections that are common in every person.

  • Weak immune system

This is typical for many people. Those with weaker immune systems who struggle to fight off internal germs and fungi sometimes get recurrent infections or have a hard time getting better from diseases.

  • Warmer Climates 

The warm, humid climate is ideal for the growth of a wide variety of fungi. They can flourish and multiply in such an atmosphere.

  • Direct Contact 

Getting in direct contact with someone who has a fungal infection already. This is also another typical source of fungus-related infections. Sharing private goods like towels, lip balm, and razors also falls under this category. 

  • Skin Breaks 

The fungus enters the skin through any breaks, cuts, or wounds. For example, there is a higher risk of fungal infection if you have a wound and you use a public shower.

Conclusion

There are various types of fungal infections. The main ways that illnesses are spread are through poor personal cleanliness, exchanging items with sick people, and failing to take care of oneself. If topical creams for fungal infections are not applied at a time and left untreated, a minor illness can grow into a major one. 

Fungal infections can be avoided by practicing great hygiene, not sharing personal objects, and keeping skin clean and dry. For accurate ringworm treatment and other skin infections, speak with a doctor. Take preventive measures to avoid skin infections and if it persists find the best dermatologist in Bangalore or any other area to get it treated.