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You are here: Home Health Conditions Lets talk Skin Conditions Fungal Infections
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Fungal Infections

FUNGAL INFECTIONS:

CAUSES, SYMPTOMS AND TREATMENT


Fungal infections, as the name suggests, is caused by fungus. When we think of fungus we can recall just mushrooms, as they have for long been known as fungus or fungi that occurs in plants. But when we talk of skin fungus, it’s basically a germ that causes skin rashes, swelling, itching and redness.

Fungus and certain germs are usually present on the surface of our skin, but they are not necessarily harmful. They might cause severe problems sometimes such as fungal infections. These infections are undoubtedly uncomfortable and embarrassing as well, but they don’t spread below the skin and proper hygiene and preventive measures can help you in fighting against fungi.

There are different types of fungal infections affecting various parts of the body. Most of these fungal infections are aggravated by dermatophytes, which is a typical fungus that causes infections in different parts of our body, mostly skin, hair and nails.
Let us have a look at the terminology to determine these different fungal infection types:

Tinea (tih-nee-uh):

Tinea is a peculiar fungal infection that affects the skin, nails and hair. There are different terms used for describing Tinea in different body parts.

Tinea Pedis (Athletes Foot): This is the most common fungal infection effecting almost 1 out of 5 people. It is caused by a combined reaction of both bacteria and fungi. It results in skin scaling and sagging, usually between the toes, on the web spaces. This also causes paleness of the skin and aggravates itching. Such infections are contaminating and people are likely to be infected from public places. Fungal infections of the foot can also be of different patterns, of which 4 are very common: Interdigital, which occurs between external toes and is accompanied by inflammation and scaling. Ulcerative also occurs between the external toes and develops ulcers and erosions. Moccasin, occurs on the feet soles and is accompanied by redness, swelling and scaly eruptions. Vesicular, which is a typical immunological response fungal response, produces results similar to eczema and occurs on the foot instep.



Tinea Cruis (Jock Itch): Tinea Cruis is quite common with men and boys having a warm and moist body environment that allows the growth of fungus. This infection is highly itchy and affects the upper thighs and groin creases, rarely affecting the scortum. It might also spread across the buttocks and lower abdomen regions. This infection is likely to occur in warm climates. This appears as a reddish-brown rash, usually scaly and with tiny pustules and blisters. The skin might even appear thick due to constant rubbing and scratching.

Tinea Corporis (Ringworm): Tinea Corporisis what we call as ringworm. It is likely to appear on the upper parts of the body, on the hands and on the feet. These appear as red and scaly patches.

Tinea Capitis: Tinea Capitis is basically another form of ringworm that appears on the scalp. It causes inflammation, redness and eventually hair loss. It is likely to spread from one person to the other through combs, brushes and pillow covers. It causes dandruffs and results in an itchy scalp that requires immediate treatment.

Tinea Unguium (Nail infections): Fungal infection of nails is very common. It is known as Onychomycosis in medical terms. This causes the nails to become thick, crumbly and malformed.

Apart from these, there are several other fungal infections such as vaginal thrush (Candida albicans), oral thrush, mouth ulcers etc.

CAUSES


Fungal infections are caused due to varied reasons, but mostly the environment, warmth and moisture can be blamed. These infections are likely to appear on those particular body parts where skin folds are present. These infections can also spread through pets, through combs, brushes, hats, pillows and towels. Fungal infections are potentially contaminating and as such if a person has any of the above mentioned fungal infections, you must avoid using his/her personal accessories. Some other causes of fungal infections are:
  • Antibiotics and other medications.
  • Oral steroids.
  • Having diabetes.
  • Obesity.
  • Fungal infections history.
  • A weak immune system.

SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS


Fungal infections usually have similar symptoms – itching, rashes, scaling of the skin, pustules or blisters, redness and inflammation. Sometimes, the effected areas might crack and peel off, thus exaggerating its vulnerability towards bacterial infections.

Fungal infections of the hair can be directly linked to dandruff and in such cases dandruff treatment becomes essential in order to get rid of the infection.  Such infections result in hair loss, itching and redness of the scalp. In case of fungal nail infections, the worst affected are the toe nails than the finger nails. The infected nails usually crumble away.

Fungal infections are contagious and might spread to different body pats.

HEALTH PROBLEMS


Fungal infections are unlikely to cause any health problems as such, but it might cause irritations and swelling of the effected regions. These infections can be treated with medicines and proper hygiene.



DIAGNOSIS

Fungal infections can easily be diagnosed by the person who has been infected. The signs of these infections make it evident. In critical cases, a doctor might take samples for further diagnosis by scarping or swabbing off a tiny piece of the infected skin to be examined under a microscope. A simple test can actually help in evaluating the actual cause of the infection, whether a dermophyte is the cause or not.

TREATMENT

Fungal infections can be treated with antifungal creams and ointments.
For most of these infections, the ointments and oral drugs are likely to be the same.
If the condition is mild, you might be prescribed a mild antifungal ointment, powder, lotion or spray. Some of the common topical agents used are:
  • Terbinafibe (Lamisil)
  • Miconazole with hydrocortisone (Resolve Plus)
  • Clotrimazole (Canesten)

In case of severe conditions, some oral drugs might be needed, such as:
  • Itraconazole (Sporanox)
  • Fluconazole (Diflucan)
  • Terbinafine (Lamisil)
These are prescribed drugs and past medical conditions must be evaluated before taking these. These drugs are the most widely used for tinea treatment.
Incase of nail fungus cure and treatment, you might be recommended Antifungal lacquer called Batrafen Nail Lacquer. This is used to paint your infected nails and it is kept for 7 days. It is then removed with alcohol. This treatment is believed to be very useful for treating nail infections.

For jock itch cure, athletes foot treatment, skin fungus treatment and overall fungus treatment, fungus creams and ointments can be used, and these are available over-the-counter.

SUPPORT
Prevention is the best treatment for fungus infections. If proper hygiene can be maintained, it can be easy to prevent these fungus infections. Let us have a look at some of the preventive measures:
Pat dry your skin after bathing.
Wear lose fit undergarments and clothes, preferably cotton garments.
Do not share your personal accessories, towels and pillows with others.
Change your undergarments and socks regularly.
Change your shoes on alternate days and try to give some space to your feet.
Wear clean clothes and wash your hand and feet well.
Use anti-dandruff shampoos for dandruff treatment and maintain a healthy scalp.
 
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