Have you ever experienced a skin issue that is a reddish scaly patch and itchy in nature? And Have you used any antibiotic medicine over it and get zero improvements? And that patch becomes itchier during moist monsoon season…! If yes, then you have experienced the fungal infections of the skin.
There are several types of fungi. But only some of them cause infection in the human body. Fungal infection can occur at or in any part of your body, ranging from skin infections to mucous membrane infections (like mouth fungal and vaginal fungal infections). Sometimes it occurs like a superinfection while using antibiotics.
In most of the cases, fungal infections of the skin are not severe and troublesome. They only cause itchiness or discoloration of that part of the skin or nail. But if your problem is becoming serious, it is advisable to consult your dermatologists. Some of the best dermatologists in Pakistan are giving their services in Lahore. You can consult the most competent dermatologists in Rawalpindi through Marham. And make sure that whether you have fungal infection on your skin or not.
Causes:
Different types of infections are caused by different types of fungi. Usually, most of these fungi are present on our skin or in nails. But when they have favorable conditions to grow rapidly, they cause infection. Different fungi need different conditions to grow. But the most common thing that enhances fungal growth is the moist and warm surface of your body.
Diagnosis:
Doctors can usually identify fungal skin infections by physical examination of the rash. But sometimes they also confirm it with microscopic examination of the sample taken from effected skin or nail.
Types of Fungal infections of the skin:
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Ringworm:
This is a type of skin infection caused by fungi but not related to any worm. It is a highly contagious but not a very serious issue. It can be treated with antifungal creams. The symptoms include a red-colored ring with prominent edges and itchiness on the ring. It occurs at limbs and torso
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Athlete’s Foot:
As the name indicates, its site of appearance is on your feet. It occurs due to excessive sweating because of wearing socks and shoes for a longer time period. It usually appears between your toes
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Jock Itch:
It is most common in men. The main symptoms are an itchy red rash that appears in the groin area or around thighs. It is also due to the sweating which occurs as a result of tight clothing.
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Candidiasis:
The candida fungi cause this infection. It occurs on those parts of the body which are warm, moist, and have poor ventilation. It also occurs on babies’ thigh as diaper’s rash
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Onychomycosis:
This is the fungal infection of nails. The nails turn yellowish in color and become brittle and thick. It can occur both on toe and fingernails.
Risk Factors:
The most common risk factors for the development and progression of fungal infections of the skin are
- The warm and moist environment
- Sweating
- Poor hygiene
- Sharing clothes, shoes, bedding
- Contact with an infected animal
- Immunocompromised conditions like cancer treatments, HIV
Treatment:
Most of the antifungal medicines are available as OTC drugs. They can be used without a doctor’s prescription. Some cream and lotions fall in this category. But other antifungal medicines are available in the oral dosage form. Oral medicines are usually prescribed by the doctor after the confirmation of the type of causative agent. They should not be used without a doctor’s prescription.
Precautions:
Some precautions can be observed to avoid fungal infections of the skin. Although they are quite minor problems, sometimes they affect your lifestyle. Severe itching and discoloration of the skin may not be acceptable by most of the people. So, you should do these steps to prevent these fungal infections;
- Maintain hygiene
- Try to wear loose clothes
- Wash gym clothes separately
- Try to avoid sharing of your things
- Ensure the ventilation of your body parts
Apart from all these precautions, if you still have any skin condition that is not curable with OTC creams etc., you should consult your dermatologist. Because only expert skin specialists can identify the exact type of infection. And advise you on the proper treatment. Now you can consult the best dermatologist in Rawalpindi through Marham.
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