Fungal Infection

Fungal Infection

What is a fungal infection?

Fungal infections are not only common in India, but also throughout the world. Our immune system saves us from much of the troubles caused by microbes, bacteria, etc. However, a fungal infection occurs when an area of our body is overtaken by an invading fungus, the capacity of which becomes too much for the immune system to handle. The fungus grows best in a warm and moist climate which increases the cases of fungal infections in summers & rainy season.

Infections involving Tinea (name of a group of diseases caused by a fungus) are usually not serious, however, they can be pretty uncomfortable. The types of tinea include ringworm, athlete’s foot & jock itch. The seriousness of fungal infections varies from one type to another.

Causes of fungal infection

Fungal infections are contagious and can be caused due to a variety of reasons like-

• Touching an infected person
• Damp climate
• Wearing tight clothing and tight shoes
• Using community baths and pools

Symptoms

A fungal infection can make the affected area red, itchy, raw, dry or inflamed. It can also result in the peeling of the skin and can cause a burning sensation.

Some types of Tinea infections

• Tinea cruris: Also known as ‘Jock Itch’, Tinea cruris mainly affects the genitals, groin or upper thigh. It is characterized as a red rash with raised borders that may be scaly. These rashes are usually accompanied by burning and itching. Wearing close-fitting underwear (chaffing) can worsen the problem.
• Tinea Corporis: Tinea corporis usually occurs on the skin with fine hair. It mostly affects areas like- trunk, arms, and legs.
• Tinea Capitis: Tinea capitis occurs on the scalp. It can result in itching and scaling on the infected area.

General care & precautions for patients with Tinea infections

1. Wash your clothes, bed sheets, towels, and caps separately. Don’t share any of these articles with others.
2. Always wear washed and sun-dried clothes.
3. Wear loose clothes and garments.
4. Wear cotton clothes.
5. Avoid wearing jeans/denim. However, if you do need to wear one, make sure it’s washed.
6. Wash your clothes in hot water preferably.
7. Avoid using public toilets.
8. Avoid coming in contact with pets and street animals.
9. Avoid taking hot water baths.
10. Even if your body shows improvement, don’t stop taking your medicines regularly in order to avoid the reoccurrence of infections.
11. Being a contagious disease, fungal infection can be caught even after you have been cured completely. So make sure if any family member is also suffering from fungal infection, they are treated simultaneously.