Fungal infection is a common skin condition caused by a group of fungi known as dermatophytes. They could affect the skin, nails, groin, and other parts of your body that are prone to moisture and friction. When it becomes severe, it starts to interfere with an individual’s daily activities. Therefore, we have curated this comprehensive blog post, explaining every nuance of fungal infection, from the basics to when to seek professional help.
A] What Are the Symptoms of Fungal Infections?
The following are the symptoms that individuals with a fungal infection may experience:
- Itching: Itching is one of the primary symptoms of fungal infection, which manifests with some other signs, such as redness, scaling, and rashes. It occurs due to the inflammatory response against the fungus.
- Peeling or cracking of skin: Other signs of fungal infection are peeling and cracking, which occur due to fungi, like dermatophytes, that feed on keratin, a protein in the skin, which can lead to inflammation and damage.
- Discoloured or brittle nails: Fungal infections can show up with various nail conditions, such as discolouration, thickening, and brittleness. It happens due to the invasion of fungus into the nail bed, leading to nail structure deformation.
- Scaly or circular patches: Scaly or circular patches, often called ringworm, occur due to the way the dermatophytes (fungi) grow and affect the skin. It shows up with itching and redness.
- Odour: A foul smell that arises due to the breakdown of skin cells and the presence of fungi can be experienced by the patient, particularly when infection has spread in folds, like the groin or feet.
However, the severity of the symptoms mentioned above depends on the immune response, skin condition, and hygiene. If you are experiencing any of the symptoms, it is better to consult a skin specialist for fungus infection treatment.
B] Common Types of Fungal Skin Infections
1. Tinea Corporis (Ringworm)
Tinea corporis, also known as ringworm, is a superficial type of fungal infection that surfaces as a circular, red, and itchy rash and is often seen on the arms, legs, or trunk. It can be recognised by its raised, scaly border with a clearer centre, giving it a ring-like appearance. It is caused by the dermatophytes (a group of fungi), which break down keratin, a protein in the skin, by releasing enzymes called keratinases. They thrive in warm and moist environments, making skin folds and other areas, like locker rooms and swimming pools, a suitable environment for dermatophytes to grow and thrive.
2. Tinea Pedis (Athlete’s Foot)
Tinea pedis, commonly known as athlete’s foot, is a fungal skin infection caused by dermatophytes that invade the skin, particularly between toes, and cause cracking, peeling, and itching. The spaces between toes usually come into contact with moisture and sweat, providing a breeding ground for fungi to flourish and cause infection. It spreads through contact with the fungi (dermatophytes) often found in public spaces, like locker rooms and swimming pools, or on contaminated surfaces, like towels and shoes.
3. Tinea Cruris (Jock Itch)
Tinea cruris, also known as jock itch, is a fungal infection of the skin that particularly affects the inner thighs and groin area. It is commonly caused in men due to anatomical and physiological factors that provide an ideal surface for dermatophytes to grow and thus infect. Jock itch is characterised by an itchy and red rash with a scaly or ringed appearance. In addition, a patient suffering from tinea cruris may experience pain in the affected area due to inflammation and irritation, which is further exacerbated as a consequence of recurrent scratching.
4. Tinea Capitis
Tinea capitis, also known as scalp ringworm, is a fungal infection that affects the scalp, hair follicles, and hair shafts and often occurs in children. It is characterised by scaly, itchy, and sometimes painful patches on the scalp, which further lead to hair loss or breakage. Tinea capitis is a contagious disease that spreads through direct or indirect contact with the fungus, which includes skin-to-skin contact with an infected person or animal. In addition, contaminated surfaces, such as towels or even soil, can be the reason for Tinea capitis fungal infection.
5. Tinea Unguium (Onychomycosis)
Tinea unguium, also known as onychomycosis. It is a fungal infection that particularly affects the nails. It discolours, thickens, and detaches the nail from the nail bed. The condition is typically caused by dermatophytes; however, yeasts and moulds are also observed as the source for Tinea unguium. In some cases, it may lead to serious cosmetic and functional issues, which restrict the patient from taking part in everyday routine. That’s why early diagnosis is vital to prevent the spread of infection.
6. Candidiasis
Candidiasis is a fungal infection caused by Candida yeast, and it develops in moist and warm places such as the underarms, groin, or under the folds of skin. It has various forms, such as oral thrush, vaginal candidiasis, cutaneous candidiasis, and Candida intertrigo. This infection is more common in individuals with a weak immune system or those who are exposed to damp or wet environments excessively.
C] Causes of Mycosis and How to Prevent It
1. Causes of Fungal Infections
Fungal infections, also known as mycoses, are caused by fungi. These infections occur when fungi overwhelm the body’s defence system and present themself as various types of fungal infections, which have been described above. Several factors can trigger fungal infection symptoms, as listed below:
- Warm, humid environments
- Tight or non-breathable clothing
- Excessive sweating
- Sharing personal items (towels, footwear, razors)
- Walking barefoot in communal areas (showers, locker rooms)
- Weak immune system or uncontrolled diabetes
- Long-term use of antibiotics or corticosteroids
2. Prevention Tips
As we have discussed, most fungal infections are primarily caused by the dermatophytes, a group of fungi that grow and thrive in a moist environment. Therefore, it is vital to focus on keeping the skin dry and clean. These are some of the preventive care tips that must be followed to keep the fungal infection at bay:
- Keep skin dry and clean, especially in skin folds
- Use breathable fabrics and change damp clothing promptly
- Avoid sharing personal items
- Wear footwear in public bathrooms or gyms
- Maintain nail hygiene
- Monitor blood sugar levels in diabetic patients
- Use antifungal powders in prone areas if sweating is excessive
D] Treatment of Fungal Infection
The following are the treatments for the fungal infections based on their severity:
1. Topical Antifungal Medications
Topical antifungal medications are creams, ointments, sprays, or powders that are directly applied to the affected areas. These topical medications are often suggested to patients with mild fungal skin infections, such as athlete’s foot, jock itch, ringworm, and yeast infections. The common examples of these topical antifungal medications are clotrimazole, terbinafine, and miconazole. However, always prefer to consult a skin specialist before taking these medications to mitigate any further consequences of wrong medication use.
2. Oral Antifungal Medicines
Oral antifungal medicines are used when topical medications are insufficient or when the symptoms have reached a moderate or severe level. Oral antifungal medicines, such as fluconazole, itraconazole, and griseofulvin, work by targeting fungal cell structures to inhibit fungal growth. However, it is important to consult a healthcare professional for properly diagnosing the condition and suggesting suitable medications.
E] When to Seek Medical Advice
It is crucial to seek medical advice when an infection doesn’t improve after 1-2 weeks of over-the-counter treatment. In addition, if the infection turns into swelling and pus with pain, it is a sign to seek immediate medical intervention. Moreover, infections recurring frequently or spreading over the nails, scalp, or large body areas require a skin specialist’s intervention. Auro Skin Clinic, a renowned clinic for fungal infection treatment in Mumbai, has treated the biggest of all fungal infections with utmost precision and effectiveness.
F] Conclusion
Skin fungal infections are common skin conditions that can occur due to a variety of reasons, which we have explored above. Despite its commonness, it is crucial to take preventive measures to mitigate the chances of developing any severe skin conditions. If conditions persist, immediately seek medical intervention to get the required medical help.
Auro Skin Clinic is a leading and prevalent skin care clinic in Vile Parle. It houses top skin specialists with decades of experience in treating mild to severe fungal infections in a compassionate environment. Contact us for cost-effective and result-oriented fungal infection treatments.
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