What are fungal infections of
the skin? Skin fungi live in the dead, top layer of skin cells in moist
areas of the body, such as between the toes, groin, and under the
breasts. These fungal infections cause only a slight irritation.
Other types of fungal infections penetrate deeper and may cause
itching, swelling, blistering, and scaling. In some cases, fungal
infections can cause reactions elsewhere on the body. For example,
a person may develop a rash on the finger or hand after touching
an infected foot.
What are the various types of fungal skin infections?
There are many types of fungal skin infections. Listed below are
some:
1. Candidiasis (Yeast Infection)
Candidiasis, sometimes called moniliasis or yeast infection, is an
infection caused by yeast on the skin and/or mucous membranes.
Although yeast is normally a harmless inhabitant of the digestive
system and vaginal area, it may cause an infection when the skin
is damaged, when conditions are warm and humid, and/or when a
person has a depressed immune system. The symptoms of candidiasis
vary depending on the location of the infection. The most common
symptoms of a yeast infection are:
* skin folds or navel: rash, patches that ooze clear fluid,
pimples, itching or burning
* vagina: white or yellow discharge, itching, redness in the
external area, burning
* penis: redness, scaling and painful rash on the underside of the
penis
* mouth (thrush): white patches on tongue and inside of the
cheeks, pain
* corners of the mouth (perlèche): cracks and/or tiny cuts at the
corner of the mouth
* nail beds: swelling, pain and pus, white or yellow nail that
separates from the nail bed
Candidiasis is highly treatable with medicated ointments. Yeast
infections in the vagina or anus can be treated with medicated
suppositories. Thrush may be treated with a medicated mouthwash or
lozenges that dissolve in the mouth. Severe infection or
infections in an immunocompromised person may be treated with oral
anti-yeast medications.
2. Tinea infections (Ringworm)
Different fungi, depending on their location on the body, cause
ringworm. Ringworm is characterised by ring-shaped, red, scaly
patches with clearing centers. There is an increased risk of
contracting ringworm if a person:
* is malnourished
* has poor hygiene
* lives in a warm climate
* has contact with other persons or pets that have ringworm
* is immunocompromised by disease or medication
The most common types of ringworm include the following:
* Jock itch (tinea cruris or groin ringworm) This condition is
also more common in males and occurs more often during warm
weather conditions. It is very rare in females. Symptoms of jock
itch may include red, ring-like patches, pain and itching in the
groin area. Treatment involves keeping the affected area clean and
dry and applying topical antifungal medications. Jock itch usually
responds to over-the-counter antifungal creams and sprays.
* Athlete's foot (tinea pedis or foot ringworm) This common
condition mostly affects teen and adult males. Contributing causes
include sweating, not drying the feet well after swimming or
bathing, wearing tight socks and shoes, and warm weather
conditions. Symptoms of athlete's foot may include whitening of
the skin between the toes, scaling of the feet, itchy rash and
blisters on the feet. Athlete's foot is treated with topical
antifungal medication in most cases. Severe cases may require oral
medications. The feet must be kept clean and dry, as the fungus
grows in moist environments.
* Scalp ringworm (tinea capitis)
Scalp ringworm is highly contagious, especially among children. It
occurs mainly in children between the ages of 2 to 10 years. It
rarely occurs in adults. Symptoms of scalp ringworm include red,
scaly rash on the scalp along with itching and hair loss. Ringworm
of the scalp can also develop into a kerion, a large, tender
lesion over the area of the initial ringworm. This is caused by a
hypersensitivity to the ringworm and may be associated with a rash
elsewhere and tender lymph nodes in the neck.
* Nail ringworm (tinea unguium) An infection of the finger or toe
nail, characterised by a thickened, deformed nail. This condition
more often affects the toenails than the fingernails. This occurs
more often in adolescents and adults rather than young children.
Symptoms of nail ringworm include thickening of the ends of the
nails and a yellow colour to the nails.
* Body ringworm (tinea corporis) This skin infection is
characterised by a ring-like rash anywhere on the body or the
face. It occurs in all ages, but is seen more frequently in
children. It is more common in warmer climates. The symptoms
include red, circular lesion with raised edges. The middle of the
lesion may become less red as the lesion grows and there is
associated itching.
Treatment for scalp ringworm (tinea capitis) may include an oral
anti-fungal medication that is usually prescribed for four to
eight weeks. This also involves the use of a special shampoo, to
help eliminate the fungus. If a kerion is present (a large,
tender, swollen lesion), additional medications, such as steroids
maye be given to help reduce the swelling. Treatment for ringworm
of the body, groin, and foot is usually a topical anti-fungal
agent or an oral antifungal medication. The length of the
treatment depends on the location of the ringworm. Because the
fungi can live indefinitely on the skin, recurrences of ringworm
are likely. Treatment may need to be repeated.
3. Tinea versicolor
Tinea versicolor is a common fungal skin infection characterised
by lighter or darker patches on the skin. Patches are most often
found on the chest or back and prevent the skin from tanning
evenly. It occurs mostly in adolescence and early adulthood, but
it can occur at any time. Usually, the only symptom of tinea
versicolor is the white or light brown patches. Patches may scale
slightly, but rarely itch or hurt. Other common characteristics of
the rash include:
* white, pink, or brown patches.
* infection only on the top layers of the skin
* the rash usually occurs on the trunk and not the face
* patches worsen in the heat, humidity, or if you are on steroid
therapy or has a weakened immune system
* patches are most noticeable in the summer
Treatment usually includes the use of dandruff shampoo on the
skin. The shampoo is left on the skin overnight and washed off in
the morning. To be effective, the shampoo treatment may be
required for several nights. Tinea versicolor usually recurs,
requiring additional treatments. Topical creams or oral antifungal
medications may also be needed. It is also important to know that
improvement in the skin may only be temporary, and a recurrence of
the condition is possible. The treatment will not bring the normal
color back to the skin immediately. This will occur naturally and
may take several months.
Infection of the major skin surfaces
Skin must be kept clean
Neem is best for
preventing fungal skin infection
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