Fungal infection of mycosis is a type of skin infection that occurs due to fungus. It can infect anyone and can appear on various body parts. A few common fungal infections are athlete’s foot, jock itch, etc. In women, vaginal yeast infection is also very common. Fungal infections can be contagious and can spread from person to person. Sometimes, you can catch fungi from infected animals or even from contaminated soil.
Common types of fungal infection
Athlete’s foot
This fungal infection also known as tinea pedis affects the skin of the feet, hands, and nails. Athlete’s foot is caused by dermatophytes that can grow in the humid and warm areas between the toes.
Symptoms
The symptoms of an athlete's foot depend from person to person. Some of the common symptoms of athlete's foot are
Itching
Burning sensation
Discoloration and blisters
Peeling or cracking skin
Treatment for athlete’s feet
Several OTCs are available to treat athletes' feet. You can use antifungal medications to treat this medical condition. If the OTC medicine or cream is not providing any relief from the condition then you can ask a doctor for help.
Ringworm
Ringworm is a type of fungal infection that mainly affects the skin and scalp. This fungal infection is caused by dermatophytes. It mainly appears on damp and humid parts of the body. The symptoms of ringworm infection are similar to psoriasis. You should visit a doctor to diagnose your skin infection. If you are facing Psoriasis then you need good treatment as it is a chronic type of skin condition. Get a psoriasis treatment Pennsylvania and manage the symptoms. However, if you have a ringworm infection then you don’t have to worry a lot.
Symptoms
The skin becomes patchy and itchy
The patches are often covered with scales
You can see ring-shaped patches that may spread into several rings. The ring may appear brown or red from the outside. Ringworm infection is highly contagious and can transmit from contact with pets
It can get transmitted from objects like brushes, towels, clothes, etc
People can get infected by contaminated soil or mud.
Treatment for ringworm
Various OTC and ointments are available to treat ringworm infection. If the person is facing severe ringworm infection issues then you need to visit a doctor. The doctor will prescribe certain medications to treat the infection.
Jock Itch
This infection is also known as tinea cruris which can affect the skin of the groin area, buttocks, and inner thighs. Jock itch can mainly occur in males but females can also develop this infection.
Symptoms
The skin of the groin or buttocks can appear red and flaky. You may get rashes that appear brownish
Irritation
Chafing
Itching
Burning sensation in the infected area
Treatment of jock itch
Jock itch has a particular appearance and you can easily identify it. In case the appearance is uncertain then the doctor may ask you to take a skin sample test for a proper diagnosis. You can use topical antifungal ointment gels to treat jock itch. In most cases, this infection can easily be treated with OTC medications. Although, you may need a prescription for certain medications. You have to clean the affected area regularly and need to keep it dry. You can prevent jock infection by wearing loose-fitting natural fibers clothing like cotton.
Yeast infection
This is a type of fungus that can infect your mouth, skin, urinary tract, genitals, and gastrointestinal tract. Having a small account of candida albicans in the body is normal. But when they multiply, they can cause a yeast infection.
Symptoms
If the infection appears in the mouth then it is known as thrush. You can see white patches in the mouth and throat. This can appear in people who undergo long antibiotic therapy. Women often face vaginal yeast infections. Common symptoms of vaginal yeast infection are:
Pain
Clumpy discharge
Swelling
Redness
Itchiness
Treatment of yeast infection
For diagnosis, the doctor may use a throat swab to rub the infected area. The swab will be sent to the lab for diagnosing the infection. For vaginal yeast infections, the doctor may perform a pelvic exam. The treatment depends on the type of yeast infection. It can easily be treated with antifungal medications. In case the woman has a vaginal yeast infection then OTC medication canbe used. The doctor may prescribe antifungal medications in the form of pills, creams, or vaginal suppositories.
Risk factors for fungal infection
Dampness and humidity: People who sweat often or work in humid environments can grow fungal infections.
Menopausal status: After menopause, the hormonal changes reduce the acidity in the vagina which makes it more vulnerable to getting a yeast infection.
Nail and skin infection or injury: Any kind of skin injury can lead the infection to grow under the skin and cause fungal infection.
Certain medications: Medications reduce the body's immune system to fight infections. People may get fungal infections after chemotherapy.