Nowadays, fungal infections are just common. Fungi are all around. They live in plants, water, air, and soil. While most of these fungi do not harm, some fungi can cause major infections on our bodies. Do you know the root cause of fungal infections in humans? In a human body, a fungal infection occurs when an infecting fungus retains an area of the body that is excessive for the immune system to deal with. Plus, some fungi are present naturally in the human body.
Like any other microbes, there are both harmful as well as helpful fungi. If a harmful fungus invades into your body, then it becomes difficult to kill them, as these fungi tend to survive in the environment which directly re-infect you. Calm down!! In this article, we will help you to know who is at risk of procuring a fungal infection as well as what all are the symptoms & treatments for some common types of fungal infections.
How does Fungal Infection Exactly Spread?
While most of the fungal infections spread through direct skin contact with both humans and animals, some are just indirectly spreading from harmful particles in the soil or on the floor. Those shared washrooms and changing rooms are a common source of fungi which can result in tinea. One really needs to be careful as some infections are also transmitted by sharing objects like a towel. We all shed small pieces of skin every time and when these pieces contain fungus, then it further survives in the environment causing infections in other people.
A fungal infection can develop anywhere in your body however commonly, it starts on the skin. They cause major discomfort such as itching & redness on the skin. Sometimes skin infections don’t heal and worsen instead, likely causing sepsis. However, you do not need to panic as there are some easy & effective treatments to cure fungal infections. So, continue reading!!!
Symptoms Of Fungal Infections
Fungal Infections
Before knowing the treatments, take a look at some of the symptoms of fungal infections: Usually, fungal infections are limited to particular parts of the human body:
1. Beard and Scalp
This infection often starts as a small pimple that further spreads outwards. This leaves a rough hairless patch. Finally, these infected hairs turn brittle & easily break off.
2. Fingernails and Toenails
This infection occurs in nails of the hands & feet, mostly the feet). In this infection, nails normally thicken, discolors (white/yellowish) as well as brittle. A cheesy material is also formed below the nails and sometimes nails become chalky & break down.
3. Skin
Other than the scalp, beard areas, as well as feet, skin infection, emerge as a flat and ring-shaped lesion that keeps spreading. Normally, the edge becomes red, dry, scaly or crusted and moist. However, the center of the patch still appears to be normal skin.
4. Foot-Tinea and Athlete’s Foot
This infection appears as cracking or scaling of the skin, particularly between the toes. This infection is often extremely itchy.
Treatments for Fungal Infections
You can find a list of specific anti-fungal therapies. While some of these therapies can be applied directly to the skin, others are taken directly by mouth. There are numerous therapies for both humans as well as animals. Depending on your infection, the treatment may vary from person to person. Sometimes, the anti-fungal treatment continues for more than a month.
Prevention is always better than cure!! So, here some measures for you to prevent a fungal infection:
- Try to avoid direct contact with individuals with fungal infections.
- Adopt good laundering, handwashing as well as certain techniques to keep your area clean.
Note- Vacuum your floors daily.
- Wash your pets using antifungal washes
Conclusion
Fungal infections can be easily treated with over-the-counter and even prescribed creams. But remember, some infections may need extra methods to heal. Take preventive actions!!! Most fungal skin infection cases can be effectively treated with the help of a doctor. Hence, it is always recommended to consult a physician at the very first symptom of infection in order to refrain from difficult complications.
