Skin Fungal Infection: Causes and Treatments
Common Health Issues

Skin Fungal Infection: Causes and Treatments

Unlike other skin diseases, fungal skin infection is rarely serious and easily treatable. Fungal skin infections can cause irritation, itching, and bumps but if taken care of, can easily be cured. Fungi are a part of our environment. They can be found in soil, water, plants, and even on human skin. Fungi are usually produced in humid areas. 

Similarly, fungus infection usually attacks the body parts that sweat more and are usually wet. Hands, Feet, breasts, and genital areas are more prone to fungal infections than other parts of the human body.

 

What is a Skin Fungus?

There are around a million different types of fungus present on earth and around 290 of them can affect the human body. Fungi, being a humidity-lover usually develop on areas that do not get airflow or usually are damp. It can also be caused due to low immunity, fungus exposure, or genetics. The worst thing about fungal infection is, that I will keep coming back until treated with constant care and after a while, the body gets used to it and no longer fights it.

 

What are the Signs and Symptoms of Skin Fungus?

 Fungal infections usually cause itchy red scaly skin or cause discoloration. The main signs of the fungal rash are small red circular areas with more intense pigmentation, scales, or bumps around the corner. They are often red or white and can spread on large to smaller areas like the back, feet hands, and all the folding areas of the body.

 

Causes of Fungal Skin Infection

Anyone can get affected by a fungal infection. The healthy people might contract it through direct contact. The most common causes of fungal skin infections are:

Sweating 

Fungal infection on healthy skin usually happens due to excessive sweating. Fungi usually attack areas where the skin is damp and moist like feet, thighs. Obese people might get affected by fungal infections more than others due to sweating and tightening of garments that do not get much air. 

Immune system

The system that fights any kind of bacterial or viral infection is the immune system. When a body has low immunity, it gets more prone to bacterial or fungal attacks. Some people naturally have low immunity and others might get affected by these fungal infections after fighting severe diseases that cause a weakened immune system. Diseases like HIV Aids, cancer, or treatments like chemotherapy and corticosteroids medication cause damage to immunity.

Diabetes

Patients with high blood sugar levels or diabetes can contract fungal infections more than normal people. Higher glucose levels in the blood help the fungal growth in the human body because yeast grows by feeding on sugar. If the patient’s diabetic levels aren’t in control, your glucose levels in the blood can increase to excessive levels. This escalation in sugar level can provide grounds for yeast and other fungi to grow, especially in female genital areas.

Athlete’s foot is more common in people with diabetes. It causes feet to get dry, scaly, and itchy which can lead to severe consequences in people with diabetes. Feet ulcer can be caused by fungal infection due to high blood sugar levels

 

Types of Skin Fungus

There are many distinctive types of skin fungus that affect the human body in different parts and different ways and have separate treatment methods. Some of them can also affect the mucous membranes of the human body.

Some common types of skin fungal infections are as follows:

Tinea corporis

It is commonly known as Ringworms. Tinea is the name of the disease that is caused by fungus. Tinea corporis is mostly triggered by dermatophyte fungus of the genre Micros porum and Trichophyte. This type of fungal infection is highly contagious and needs to be treated instantly before it spreads. It usually affects the skin in a small ring-like area which has bumps on the sides that are itchy and sore. The skin in-between these circles appears to be healthy and less itchy than the corners.

Tinea pedis

Tinea pedis or athlete’s foot usually starts from toes. It usually affects those whose feet are confined within tight shoes, socks, or to those who have sweaty feet. This rash usually occurs in larger areas and can cause a burning and stinging sensation. A more severe type of tinea Pedi can cause blisters and ulcers on the skin.

Tinea cruris

Tinea cruris or Jock-itch is most common in men. It usually occurs in groin areas and thighs and usually affects men who are either overweight or sweat more than usual. It is also circular with a reddish appearance and can be itchy and irritating. It can be cured simply by creams and keeping the thighs and groin clean and dry.

Candida albicans

Candida albicans, commonly known as a yeast infection can affect the intestinal tract, genitals, urinary tract and, mouth. It usually causes itching, discharge, and discomfort. This kind of infection usually requires antibiotics to treat.  

 

Skin Fungal Infection Treatments

Fungal infections are usually treated after being diagnosed through a test that requires skin samples that are checked under the microscope. Like every other disease, fungal infection can either be treated through home remedies or medications. The method depends upon the severity of the disease.

Medication

Antifungal medication can either be applied to the skin or taken orally. Antifungal creams are often mixed with steroid creams to cure rashes and treat inflammation. Few of the most used antifungal creams are listed below:

Home Remedy

Products that can help with skin infections are:

Conclusion

A fungal infection may not be the worst that can happen to your skin but if not treated well, can cause a lot of pain and discomfort, which is why it is so important to take care of body hygiene. Fungal infections can easily be avoided by wearing breathable clean and soft clothing and avoiding sweaty tight clothes. 

If you have already contracted a skin fungal infection, then follow the above given suggestions and consult your doctor for any severity. your skin requires as much care as your other organs. Protect it with good care and healthy diet to boost immunity and you will stay safe and healthy! 

 

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Rich Health Editorial Team

Health Research

Rich Health Editorial Team is made up of medical practitioners and experienced writers who provide information for dealing with health issues in a simple and easy-to-understand manner