Fungal infections on the skin are a common condition that is caused by various types of fungi. Fungal infections are seen in people of all ages and occur in different body parts. A combination of factors causes fungal infections and maintaining proper hygiene and seeking the right medical help to prevent these infections. Let’s discuss the most common fungal infections on the skin.
Types Of Fungal Infections On Skin
Tinea Corporis
Tinea corporis mainly known as ringworm is a fungal infection affecting the skin. It is dermatophyte fungi that predominantly cause this infection. Even though it is not a serious infection it is advised to attain medical care due to the contagious nature.
Symptoms include;
- Ring-shaped rash
- Red scaly skin
- Itchy skin
- Clear center
Treatment options are;
- Topical Antifungal Creams
- Antifungal Powders
- Oral Antifungal Medications
Tinea Cruris
Tinea cruris also known as jock itch is a fungal infection that affects the inner thighs, groin area, and buttocks. This infection if not treated properly could range from mild to severe. It is common in people who sweat a lot as the fundi thrives in moist areas. Sharing contaminated things and direct physical contact could transfer the infection from one person to another.
Symptoms include:
- Redness and rash
- Itching
- Flaking and peeling skin
- Burning sensation
Treatment options are;
- Antifungal Creams
- Antifungal Powders
- Warm Compresses
- Hydrocortisone Cream
Tinea Pedis
Tinea pedis which is also known as athlete’s foot is a fungal infection of the feet. It is a contagious condition particularly seen between the toes caused by various types of fungi.
Symptoms include;
- Itching
- Redness and Rash
- Burning sensation
- Blisters
- Peeling Skin
Treatment Options are;
- Antifungal Creams
- Antifungal Powders
- Medications
- Maintaining foot hygiene
- Avoid being barefoot in public
Tinea Capitis
Also known as scalp ringworm, is a fungal infection affecting the scalp and hair. The fungi known as dermatophytes cause tinea capitis and it can be inflammatory and non-inflammatory.
This condition commonly develops in children between the ages of 3 and 14. People with weakened immune systems are prone to this infection. This condition could result in scarring and permanent hair loss.
Symptoms Include;
- Hair loss
- Scaling
- Redness
- Painful pustules
Treatment Options are;
- Oral medications
- Antifungal shampoos
- Topical steroid creams
- Good hygiene
Tinea Versicolor
It is a fungal infection that interferes with the normal pigmentation of the skin leading to the formation of discolored patches. It is commonly seen on the trunk and shoulders and is not painful or contagious.
Symptoms Include;
- Skin discoloration
- Itching
- Scaling
Treatment options are;
- Topical antifungal creams
- Medicated Shampoos
- Oral medications
- Good skin hygiene
Candidiasis
It is a fungal infection caused by the overgrowth of yeast in the body. Candida is a type of yeast that lives in your body in small amounts. In the right conditions, this yeast can multiply and grow out of control causing candidiasis. It is commonly seen in newborns, the elderly, and individuals with weakened immune systems.
Symptoms include;
- Oral Thrush
- Skin rash
- Digestive problems
- Fatigue
- Brain fog
Treatment options are;
- Antifungal medications
- Dietary changes
- Hygiene measures
- Lifestyle changes
Onychomycosis
It is a fungal infection affecting the nails, especially the toenails. This infection usually affects toenails more than fingernails. The fungi enter through the small cracks in your skin or sometimes could be present in your body.
The fungi thrive in warm, moist environments that make the toenails an ideal place for their survival. There are high chances of getting the infection through contact with someone who has it.
Symptoms Include;
- Discoloration
- Thickening
- Brittle in nature
- Shape changes
- Smell
- Pain
Treatment options are;
- Topical antifungal medications
- Oral medications
- Laser Therapy
- Nail Removal
Intertigo
It is a skin condition that happens in skin folds these are the places where the skin rubs together. The skin-to-skin friction causes rashes resulting in inflammation. This condition could be aggravated by heat and moisture as the skin starts to stick together. The trapped moisture in the skin presents an ideal condition for the fungi to grow and multiply.
Symptoms include;
- Redness
- Rash
- Itching and discomfort
- Pain
- Burning sensation
Treatment options are;
- Antifungal creams
- Topical steroid creams
- Barrier creams
- Drying agents
Conclusion
Some of these fungal infections can be easily managed with the right treatment and care. Maintaining hygiene and making certain lifestyle changes will strengthen your immune system which will help to prevent the chances of such infections.
