Skin Fungal infection Treatment

Overview

Fungal infections, also called mycosis, are of different types and may occur in any body part. They are contagious and can easily spread from one person to another and from one body part to another. One can also catch a fungal infection from infected animals or get exposed to contaminated surfaces.

While most fungi are harmless, some can cause disease under specific conditions. They release spores that penetrate the epidermis, affecting skin and nails. When these spores are inhaled, they can affect the lungs and other organs, causing body-wide systemic infection.

What causes fungal infection?

Several types of fungi can cause fungal infections. Generally, it occurs due to one of the following reasons-

• Some fungi that are not found in the body colonize and cause infection.
• Fungi that are present in the body multiply abruptly and lead to infection.

If there are signs or symptoms of fungal infection, immediate medical consultation is needed to stop the multiplication of fungi and reduce the symptoms.

What are the common types of fungal infections?

• Athlete’s foot
• Jock itch
• Ringworm
• Yeast infection
• Fungal infection of nail- onychomycosis

Who is at risk of developing fungal infections?

Fungal spores are present in the environment all the time. Generally, they do not cause any harm; however, people with a weak immune system may feel sick and develop infections. Therefore, such fungal infections are also called opportunistic infections.

A few things that can increase the risk of developing fungal infections include the following-

• Dampness and humidity- Fungi need a warm and moist environment to proliferate. Therefore, if you work in a humid environment and sweat heavily, the chances of a fungal infection increase.
• Poor blood circulation- It hinders the body’s ability to fight off infection and increases the chances of fungal infections.
• Suppressed immune system- People with a weak immune system due to poor nutrition, immunodeficiency disorders, etc., are susceptible to fungal infections more.
• Menopausal status- Hormonal changes during such a period reduce the acidity of the vagina, making it unable to fight off infections. It makes women vulnerable to vaginal yeast infection, especially among postmenopausal women.
• Skin or nail injury- A small injury on the skin or nail allows fungal spores to affect the deeper dermal tissues. Therefore, washing the wounds and covering them with sterile dressing is essential.

When to see a doctor?

Immediate medical attention is needed if you observe and experience symptoms like-

• Itching, stinging, or burning sensation between your toes or on other parts of your foot.
• Changes in skin color where the skin usually turns reddish brownish.
• Cracking or flaking of skin
• Patches on the skin and fluid oozing blisters
• Bald patches on the scalp
• Discolored, cracked, and thick nails
• Yellow or white streaks under the nails
• Pain, itchiness, clumpy discharge from the vagina

If you are experiencing any of these symptoms, contact SKINX, Hyderabad, to get the most effective treatment from the best dermatologists.