Fungal Infections

We are facing an epidemic of fungal infections in the metro cities, and even people maintaining proper hygiene levels are having these fungal infections. The leading cause for increasing infections is increasing migrant population like labour and emergence of stronger strains of the fungus along with resistance to conventional antifungals medications due to unsupervised usage of combination steroids prescribed by quacks or medical stores.

What is a fungal infection?

The fungal infection spreads in a warm and moist climate, which increases the cases of fungal infections in summers & rainy season. Superficial fungal infection(ringworm) – occur in the groin area, the foot and the face, scalp etc. These infections are red and round patches and itchy. These fungal infections also involve nail and cause thickening discolouration, brittleness and crumbling of nails, which is commonly seen in elderly people. Candidal infections occur commonly in the genital area and the mouth. They present with cuts and whitish patches, mostly prevalent in diabetics and old age.Such infection of the nails are common in females involved with parlour manicures and pedicures and in farmers. They present with discoloured, thickened and crumbly nails. Fungal infections are entirely treatable with medical treatment and require a consult with a dermatologist.

Is fungal infection serious?

Most of the fungus infections are not dangerous and serious, but few types are serious to health. Mild fungal skin diseases look like a red rash and are very common. Fungal diseases in the lungs are often serious.

What causes fungal infections?

Fungal infections are contagious and can be caused due to a variety of reasons like-
  • Sharing shaving razors, towels of infected persons
  • Hot and humid climate
  • Tight clothing and tight shoes
  • Using community swimming pools
  • Poor hygiene and overcrowding at living or workplace

Symptoms 

Red, itchy, moist patches with distinct borders

Types of fungal infections

  • Tinea cruris: It is also known as ‘Jock Itch’, Tinea cruris mainly affects the groin or upper inner aspect of the thigh. It is characterized as a red scaly rash with raised borders, accompanied by burning and itching. Wearing close-fitting clothes and denim can increase the infection.
  • Tinea Corporis: It mostly it is seen on trunk, hands, and legs.
  • Tinea Capitis: it affects the head.
  • Tinea Mannum and pedis on hands and foot.

How do you get rid of fungal infections? And how do you permanently cure a fungal infection?

General care & precautions for patients with fungal infections
  1. Wash your clothes, bedsheets, towels in hot water separately. Don’t share these things with others.
  2. Wear loose cotton clothes. Avoid wearing jeans/denim, nylon clothing
  3. Avoid taking hot water baths in summers.
  4. Don’t take your medicines without the supervision of skin specialist and take them regularly to avoid the reoccurrence of infections.
  5. Avoid usage of over the counter available steroid creams like Betnovate N, Quadriderm, Fourderm, Itchguard,Derobin ointments.

What is the best medication for fungal infections?

Antifungal creams, liquids or sprays (also called topical antifungals) These are used to treat fungal infections of the skin, scalp and nails. They come in various different brand names.