Fungal skin infections are very common in humans. They occur when a fungus invades and takes over an area in the body and our immune system fails to attack the fungi. Fungi can live anywhere like air, water, soil and even some kinds of fungi live in our body naturally.
Out of millions of fungal species, a few hundred are dangerous like molds, yeasts, etc. So there is harmful fungi as well as helpful fungi. These harmful fungi that enter your body are difficult to kill, as the human body conditions are apt to their survival and growth and later infects the person.
Causes of fungal skin infections:
Usually, fungi appear in moist areas in our body where the skin surfaces meet such as toes, in the genital area, under breasts etc. Wearing wet clothes increases the risk of skin infections.
Body chemistry and lifestyle habits play a major role in the occurrence of fungal infection. For example, if you’re a runner or if your feet sweat a lot, then you may encounter an athlete’s foot multiple times. Similarly, other fungal infections have different causes.
Symptoms of fungal skin infections:
The symptoms depend on the type and place where the fungal skin infection occurs. It can affect just in one place or multiple places of your body. You may observe some changes in your skin, hair or nails as a sign of infection which may or may not embarrass you.
The common symptoms of fungal skin infections are skin rashes which are red, scaly and itchy. Some others may look similar to dry skin while some infections may create red and sore skin, with pustules.
Types of fungal skin infections:
Some of the common and widespread fungal infections are:
- Tinea pedis or athlete’s foot – a common fungal infection which affects your foot.
- Yeast infections
- Jock itch
- Ringworm
There are many other fungal infections out there which are harmful. To prevent any skin infection, the first thing you should do is to consult a doctor before the condition goes worse.
Treatment for fungal skin infections:
Some self measures to prevent moisture on the body can help to prevent most of the fungal infections. Typically, most of the fungal infections are treated with antifungal drugs.
Usually, they are called topical drugs and applied directly to the affected area. They are available in the form of solutions, creams, gels, or shampoos. Oral antifungal drugs are also available that helps in the treatment of fungal infections.
Along with drugs, people should keep the affected areas clean and dry. In some cases, doctors suggest corticosteroids to provide relief from inflammation and itching.
For more information or best treatment options, consult our best dermatologists. Our doctors at Padma clinic provides the best treatment for fungal infection in Hyderabad. Make an appointment to meet our skin specialists.