What is a Fungal Infection?
Infection in simple terms means germs or pathogens growing and also invading a living organism or host body. Furthermore, these pathogens or germs can be any type of yeast, fungi, viruses, bacteria, or other microorganisms that are capable of using the host body for their growth and nourishment. Moreover, fungal infection is a medical condition that occurs in or on the skin of the host. Also, this term is known as mycosis. There are various types of fungi that you may find on plants, dirt, and household surfaces, but if they infect a human then it can lead to mycosis.
We face fungus on daily basis during breathing or touching any surface or plant. Our body’s immune system is responsible for fighting off those fungi on daily basis but if your immune system is weak for several reasons then fungal infection can occur. Many fungal infections occur when they get such an opportunity to get into the weak immune host body. Fungal infection generally stays not more than 1 or 4 weeks but if it persists longer than that and the symptoms of fungal infections worsen then you need to visit your doctor soon. Do not ignore the signs of fungal infection as it can also lead to permanent damage to certain parts of the body and severe damage can lead to death as well.
What are Some Common Fungal Infections?
There is various fungal infection that can persist in a host’s body that is capable of spreading, growing, and feeding off of the host’s body parts. Furthermore, fungal infections usually occur externally on the host’s skin. Moreover, here is a list of common fungal infections as follows:
- Ringworm- Also known as tinea corpses and a person who got this infection has a ring shape with a winding appearance along with worm-like edges. Additionally, this fungal infection is contagious.
- Yeast infections- Also known as cutaneous candidiasis which is a non-contagious fungal infection that can happen in moist, creasing, and warm areas of the body like armpits and genital areas.
- Jock itch- A mildly contagious fungal infection that usually occurs in warm and humid areas such as the thigh, buttocks, or groin.
- Athlete’s foot- Also known as tinea pedis that can affect hands, nails, and feet that a person catches from public lockers, showers, etc.
- Onychomycosis – Also known as toenail fungus or tinea unguium can affect nail beds, toenails, and fingernails.
What are The Signs of Fungal Infection?
Fungal infections such as jock itch, ringworm, athlete’s foot, yeast infection, and toenail fungus show signs such as:
- Irritation on skin
- Scaly skin
- Red spots on the skin
- Skin itches properly
- Swelling on skin spots
- Blisters on skin
- Rashes of skin shape
- Red scaly skin
- Itchiness and scaly appearance in groin and thigh areas
- Oval patches on chest back, arm, skin
- Brittle nails
- Toe or fingernails changes color
- The nail appears to be thick and scaly
- Burning sensation on a particular region of skin
- Peeling or cracking skin
- Chafing in tighs or groin areas
- Pus
- Pain in that region
- Bumps on the skin like a pimple
- Patches that release a clear fluid
- White patches on cheek or tongue
- The vagina discharges unusual white or yellowish fluids that may or may not smell
What are The Causes of Fungal Infection?
The main root cause of any fungal infection to occur in humans is a weak immune system. Our bodies fight off these fungi on daily basis persistently but due to other underlying causes like illness and medicine, the immunity system is damaged. Such situations make also an individual prone to fungal infection.
Other causes of fungal infection involve:
- Traveling to places where there is huge exposure to fungi
- The outbreak of fungi in construction, public toilet, and bathroom sites
- Entering new fungi problems in a certain environment
- Being or touching mushy and moist areas
- Not maintaining genital and body hygiene
- Living or visiting hot and humid climates
- Too much sweat concentration in your body
- Wearing unclean clothes
- Not being in a clean environment
- Obesity leads to moisture in skin folds
- Stress affecting your immune system
- Hormonal changes
- Patients who have diabetes
What are The Treatment Methods for Fungal Infection?
Home Remedies for Fungal Infections
- Taking extreme care in public shower and toilet areas
- Wear breathable shoe materials
- Wash your body with soap and water during the bath properly
- Use dry and clean towels always
- Also, change clothes frequently and wash them properly, including socks and underwear
- Eat probiotic-rich food like yogurt
- Also, use Apple Cider Vinegar
- Apply tea tree, lemongrass, or coconut oil
- Additionally, consume turmeric
- Also, apply Aloe Vera
- In addition, consume garlic and ginger
- Apply or consume oregano oil or neem leaves
- Eat vitamin C-rich foods or also other supplements
- Apply baking powder or hydrogen peroxide
- You can also consume honey
- Also, take grapefruit seed extract
- Apply licorice power
- Maintain weight
- Moreover, keep yourself dry if you are sweating
- Additionally, avoid sugar and high-fat meals
Medicines to Treat Fungal Infections:
- Anti-fungal topical medicines
- Clotrimazole
- Miconazole
- Terbinafine
- Suppository medication
- Anti-yeast medicines
- Econazole
- Ketoconazole
- Hydrocortisone
- Tioconazole
- Amorolfine
- Itraconazole
- Fluconazole
- Posaconazole
- Voriconazole
- Nystatin
