People suffering from skin infections sometimes do not realize that they may be suffering from fungal infections. Fungal skin infections are seen as the main culprit of itchy skin and are usually caused by different types of fungi. The fungi grow in dead keratin and divide to cause the infection. It lacks the ability to nourish itself thus grows directly on the food source, which includes human skin.
Athlete’s foot (Tinea pedis)
Dark and moist conditions are perfect for the growth of fungi. People who walk barefoot in hotel rooms, public pools or locker rooms have higher chances of developing athlete’s foot. A patient can experience scaling, soreness, rashes over the area which is usually itchy, cracking, and dry skin. To get rid of the symptoms and relieve them, our doctor recommends the patients to use over-the-counter (OTC) anti-fungal cream. In severe cases, the doctor may advise the patient to use anti-fungal pills.
Therefore, if you are suffering from athlete’s foot, book an appointment with our doctor to make sure the condition does not worsen. You should use flip-flops in a public environment, change your socks regularly, wear porous shoes and use anti-fungal powder. Refrain from using someone else’s shoes and socks.
Nail infections (Tinea unguium)
If you have been experiencing an infection or dry skin at the edge of your nail, there are chances that you might be suffering from nail infection. While it takes up a lot of time to develop, nail infection eventually makes the nail crumbly or cause discoloration. It generally affects toe nail rather than affecting fingernails. Patients suffering from athlete’s foot are often affected by fungal nail infection.
Scalp Ringworm (Tinea Capitis)
Scalp ringworm generally affects small children however people of any age can get affected with this fungal infection. The patient gets patches of the infection on their scalp affected by ringworm. Symptoms of scalp ringworm are similar to the symptoms of fungal infection as the scalp can feel and look itchy and scaly. It is possible that the patient experience falling off hairs off the infected areas, which can sometimes leave the patient bald. However, once the infection is treated, the patient usually grows back his hairs.
Ringworm (Tinea Corporis)
Tinea Corporis generally affects exposed body parts such as the face, arms, and legs, leaving behind a red, ring-shaped rash. This skin disease spread with close skin contact therefore if someone is suffering from this condition, do not touch them, their clothes or bedding. Farm animals, as well as domesticated pets, are a carrier of the fungi that causes ringworm, so avoid touch them. If you have a pet dog or a cat, make sure to wash your hands after touching them with an antiseptic soap.
Jock Itch (Tinea Cruris)
Ringworm in groin or jock itch is generally found in young men. Thigh and scrotum remain in close contact thus create perfect conditions for the fungi to grow. Jock Itch is also observed in women who wear tight-clothing as it causes rashes, redness, and itchiness in your groin area.
Jock itch can also spread on close contact, thus avoid sexual contact till you are wholly treated and the itchiness and redness go away completely. Visit a doctor who may advise you to use prescribed creams instead of OTC creams as they treat the area rather faster.