Fungal Skin Infections: How to Recognize Them, Treatments, and Preventions

How to recognize and prevent the growth of fungal infections on the skin? A fungal infection is a type of skin problem that anyone can experience. Just like the name, it is caused by fungi and the infection can be experienced by anyone from infants to the elderly.

In general, fungal infections are often found in a group of people who pay less attention to aspects of cleanliness. Besides, the infection also often attacks those who are actively physically and often sweating. Yes, moist skin tends to make fungi grow and multiply more easily.

So, if you are just aware of the health of your skin, make sure to continue your reading to prevent fungal infections on the skin.

Types of Fungi that Can Infect Skin

Several types of fungi often infect the human skin. They are Candida, Epidermophyton, Trichophyton, Microsporum, and Malassezia fungi. The spread of the fungal skin infection tends to be very fast. It is because on the fungi's body, there is a part, known as spores, that can be simply blown and then fly in the air. Those spores cause the spread of skin fungus whether from one place to another in one person, as well as among different people.

In addition, aside from infecting the surface of the skin, fungi also often infect other parts of the body, such as the nails. Therefore, if you see your nails, especially the toes, are thick and fragile. There is a big possibility that the nail has been infected by fungi. So, make sure to get the best treatment as soon as possible.

Types of Fungal Infections and Their Symptoms

Different types of fungus can cause similar types of infection. The symptoms are not even too much different. However, it also depends on some factors such as the condition of your body, environmental conditions, and some others.

But the infection itself is classified into 4 types based on the shape and where it appears. What are they?

1. Dermatophytosis (ringworm)

Have you ever experienced a red rash on the skin with circular itching? It seems like you are suffering from a Dermatophytosis type fungal infection or often called ringworm. The chronic condition of ringworm causes your skin to be mottled, weepy, and blistered.

This type of infection is usually found in parts of the body such as the feet, neck, face, and even the scalp. Ringworm is also easily transmitted to other parts or even other people. Therefore, be aware of the presence of this fungal infection in the folded area.

2. Tinea Pedis (Athlete's Foot)

The second type of fungal infection is called Tinea Pedis or often called the Athlete's Foot because it often affects athletes who always wear socks when playing. But of course, not only athletes but also anyone who always covers their feet all day long are susceptible to this type of fungal infection.

Symptoms that are found when the skin is infected by Tinea Pedis this disease are that the skin feels soft, fragile, and peeled off easily. Besides, it is also very itchy in the infected area and its surroundings.

3. Tinea Cruris (Jock Itch)

The next type of infection is somewhat similar to Tinea Pedis, called Tinea Cruris. The difference is that Tinea Cruris is often seen in areas of skin folds that are rarely exposed to air. They are in the area of the buttocks, genitals, and crotches folds. That's why this infection is also called Jock Itch.

Tinea Cruris main character is when the skin folds are rashed and reddish. It also feels very itchy and sore. Be careful if you have this type of infection as the fungal skin problem is very contagious and can quickly spread to other areas.

The Jock Itch infection mostly affects men, whether they are teenagers or adults. To avoid the spreading and accelerate the healing process, avoid wearing tight pants and clean the infected areas more often.

4. Skin Candidiasis

Skin Candidiasis is probably the most common type of fungal infection as it can be experienced by both men and women. Yes, this infection can occur on any part of the skin, whether it is opened or closed. However, moist skin areas such as the armpits and crotches tend to be infected with this fungus more often.

The signs of candida infection are that the skin looks rash, red, and very itchy. To make it worse, the infection tends to be very fast. So, if you have found an area with this fungal infection, make sure to have treatments as soon as possible before it spreads to other areas.

Treatments for Skin Fungal Infection

If your skin has been infected by fungus, immediate treatments are necessary to do. There are commonly 2 types of treatments prescribed by the dermatologist, they are topical and oral treatments.

The most recommended treatment is by using a topical antifungal cream or ointment. The external drug works by destroying the walls of fungal cells, preventing the growth of spores, and preventing fungal cells from coming back after they are gone for a while. How to use it? Well, just apply the anti-fungal cream or ointment to the infected area.

Topical antifungal drugs can easily be found in pharmacies with various types and brands. There are several substances contained in topical antifungal drugs such as miconazole, clotrimazole, nystatin, and ketoconazole. One product may contain a combination of some of these substances.

If using topical cream doesn't fix the problem, your doctor may usually prescribe you oral antifungal medication. Oral antifungal drugs can be taken immediately based on the recommended dosage.

Even after the itching or burning sensation is gone, you still have to use the fungal medication until the rash disappears completely. Thus, the infection will not easily reappear in the future.

Preventions of Skin Fungal Infections

Of course, it would be better if you prevent the development of fungus on your skin before the infection is suffered. There are some actions to do to prevent the fungus from sticking to it and causing an infection on your skin. Here they are.

1. Keep Your Skin Clean

Especially for those who are actively moving, you should often change your clothes or socks when you are sweating a lot. Don't forget to clean your hands, feet, and folded areas with soap and then dry them before putting on your clothes again.

2. Dry Shoes and Clothes in the Open Air

Don't wait for too long to wash clothes after wearing them. If you are too busy or something, soak your clothes in a detergent solution first. Then, wash thoroughly and dry the clothes in the open air to remove and prevent mold from appearing.

The same thing should be done with your shoes also. If you cannot wash them, just dry the shoes in the open air. Don't keep the shoes in a closed and humid place for too long.