Fungal infections are notorious in the natural world, the rise in temperatures mingled with humid conditions being the driving factors for their occurrence. They are caused by dermatophytes and yeasts which belong to the fungi group. While normally considered harmless, it is important to have in-depth knowledge about these infections in order to keep them at bay.
Causes of Fungal Infections
Fungal skin infections can affect any part of the body because they feed off keratin, a protein that makes up your hair, nails and skin. Both humans and animals can be victims of a fungal infection. Conditions which can make you more vulnerable to fungal skin infections include:
- A weakened immune system
- Diabetes
- Sweaty body
- Direct skin contact with an infected person
- Obesity
- Walking barefoot in public areas
- Skin surface is cut
- Cancer
Let us now look at the common types of fungal skin infections:
- Tinea Corporis (Ringworm of the body)
Ringworm occurs when the fungi invade the exposed parts of the body like face, neck or arms. This kind of infection appears like a red ring-shaped rash and can be transferred from one person to another by sharing clothes, combs and other personal belongings. Canine also carry fungi that causes ringworm infection. However, the condition can easily be treated by applying a top quality antifungal cream for ringworm.
- Tinea Unguium (Nail infections)
It is the fungal infection which affects either toenails or fingernails and takes a long time to develop. It can be painful and discomforting, and may even lead to discoloration, splitting or loss of nails.
- Tinea Cruris (Ringworm of the groin)
It is another common fungal infection, more popularly known as Jock itch. The fungi which causes jock itch thrives in moist and warm areas of the body, such as groins, thighs or butts. It can cause redness, irritation, or burning in the infected areas. You can apply the best antifungal cream for jock itch to get rid of this infection.
- Tinea Pedis (Ringworm of the feet)
Also known as athlete’s foot, this infection is caused by a fungus that makes your skin itchy, scaly and red. It causes cracks to appear between your toes and around the feet, and can be picked up from walking barefoot in public areas. Applying a skin fungal infection treatment cream can be an effective treatment for this condition.
- Yeast Infections
It is a fungal infection that can affect various parts of the body in different ways. For instance, Intertrigo affects the top layer of the skin where two skin surfaces rub together and cause chaffing. Common symptoms of yeast infections of the skin are rash and itching.
Once the diagnosis is done, the treatment for ringworm or any other fungal infection becomes relatively easy. But you should always keep an antifungal ointment with you to instantly treat any fungal infection.
