Overview

Fungus is a word that is perhaps familiar to most as it is very much a part of all things living. It can be present everywhere around us because it can thrive in plants, water, air, and soil. Some even live in our bodies. There are good fungi as well as bad.

When too many harmful fungi invade the human body and attack a specific area making it too difficult for the immune system to control, fungal infection happens. It is not easy to eliminate fungi because they can thrive in the environment and infect the person again who is trying to recover from the illness.

There are many different kinds of fungal infections, and in this article, some information about the symptoms, as well as how each type can be treated, will be mentioned. Those who are at a higher risk of getting infected will also be accounted for.

Symptoms

Each type of fungal infection has its symptoms, but even some common ones include:

• Itching
• Changes in the skin which includes cracking or peeling of the skin and redness

Types

The conditions that will be mentioned are some of the common kinds of infections caused by a fungus.

Athlete’s Food

This type of fungal infection, which is also known as tinea pedis, affects the foot. Though Athlete’s foot is linked with athletes and sports, this kind of infection can affect anyone. It was associated with athletes and sports because the fungus thrives perfectly in moist and warm environments like sports equipment, locker rooms, shoes, and socks.  

With this kind of environment, the fungus can multiply rapidly. So then as long as the environment is suitable for them, they will be able to live, which then means that it is not just limited to locker rooms or sports equipment and shoes and socks. This type of fungal infection is more common during the summer months and in warmer climates, where the temperature and condition are most conducive for them to multiply.

Symptoms

Symptoms of athlete’s foot differ for every person, but the common signs are the following:

• You will feel stinging, itching or some burning sensations in the infected part
• There is peeling off or scaling in the skin
• The affected part may have blisters or redness
• There may be cracking or peeling of the skin
• Layers of the infected part of the skin may begin to break down or maybe soft.

Diagnosis, Treatment, and Prevention

When your feet feel itchy, though, it does not always mean that you have an athlete’s foot. You need to be assessed by the doctor to confirm if you have this fungal infection. To diagnose, the doctor will scrape the scaling skin off then check it under the microscope to see if there is a presence of fungus.

Different types of fungi may cause athlete’s foot, and because of this, the infection’s reaction is dependent on the type of fungus that caused it.  

Treatment for an athlete’s foot is usually a topical antifungal ointment that can be purchased online or over- the- counter. But if the infection becomes severe, other oral medications may be added. Part of the treatment is caring for the feet. They must be kept dry to eliminate the fungus.

Athlete’s foot can be prevented by maintaining the feet’s cleanliness and keeping them dry at all times. Allow them to breathe. If going to public showers or locker rooms, it is best to use sandals.

Yeast Infection

Candida overgrowth in women is the common cause of having vaginal yeast infections. The kind of fungus that is responsible for this infection is called Candida Albicans.  

Having too much of this fungus disrupts the normal balance of the yeast and bacteria in the vagina, which then results in an infection. Factors such as poor eating habits, stress, antibiotics, hormonal imbalances, etc. lead to the imbalance of bacteria.  

Infections caused by candida albican also result in diaper rash and fungal toenail infections.

Symptoms

Yeast infection has the following symptoms:

• A woman may experience an unusual vaginal discharge, which can be something like a watery discharge or may also be gray clumps that look like cottage cheese.  
• There are swelling and itching around the vagina
• Feeling pain or burning sensations while urinating or during intercourse
• Development of rash over time in some situations
• There are soreness and redness around the vagina

Yeast infections should never be left untreated as the condition can lead to becoming severe. As soon as you experience the symptoms, see your health care provider right away.

Diagnosis, Treatment, and Prevention

Yeast infection is not difficult to detect as it can easily be identified through its symptoms. During the consultation with the doctor, you may be asked about your medical history, and if you have had yeast infections before, or if you have had an STI or sexually transmitted infections. You will also be asked if you had taken some antibiotics within a certain period.

Some procedures may be done to check for infections, and this will include taking cells from the vagina and examining the cervix and the vaginal walls. This may be done only when necessary so that the doctor can make an accurate diagnosis.

The type of treatment for yeast infections will be based on its severity, but the usual treatment prescribed are suppositories, tablets, or creams that can be purchased online or over- the- counter. If the infections are more severe, other complex treatments are done.

Yeast infections can be avoided by maintaining proper hygiene as well as having a well- balanced diet. Loose-fitting clothes that are made of natural fibers can also prevent you from having this type of infection. Another tip to avoid having yeast infections is by washing the underwear using very hot water and changing feminine products always to avoid the growth of fungus.

Jock Itch

Another common fungal infection that affects the skin is jock itch or also known as tinea cruris.  

Jock itch thrives in environments that are warm, damp and humid, and is common during the summer period. These types of fungi live in the moist part of the body, like the inner thighs, groin, and buttocks.

This kind of condition is slightly contagious and can be spread via direct contact with a person who is infected with it or can also be through an object that has the fungus.

Symptoms

Jock itch may be recognized through its symptoms as well as its visible appearance. It looks like a red rash that is usually circular, and it is itchy. For the symptoms, these are:

• Dry peeling, flaking or cracking of the infected area of the skin
• The appearance of redness in the thighs, groin, and buttocks
• Red rash that is circular and has raised edges
• There is irritation, itching, burning or chafing in the affected area of the skin

Diagnosis, Treatment, and Prevention

Jock itch can be identified through its appearance; however, if the health care provider is not sure, a skin sample may be taken so that the diagnosis can be confirmed.  

Treatment for this type of infection is generally a topical antifungal ointment and accompanied by proper hygiene, which includes cleaning the infected area and making sure that it is dry. Medications for jock itch may either be over- the- counter medicine or a prescription, but any of the two usually improves the condition.

This infection can be avoided by not sharing items like sports equipment, towel, and the like. It will also help if you avoid contact with people that you know are infected and wear loose-fitting clothing that is made of natural fibers.

Ringworm

Ringworm is the fungus that is responsible for having an athlete’s foot and jock itch, but when it grows in any other part of the body, it is just called ringworm.  

Ringworm thrives on dead tissues in the body like nails, skin, and hair.

Symptoms

This type of skin infection is also easily distinguished through its appearance. It looks like a red patch that may be scaly then will turn to look like a raised, ring-shaped patch of skin. Ringworm can be itchy and may spread out into more rings.

This infection is highly contagious, and transmission is through skin contact, or can also be through contact with pets. This fungus can also live on objects like brushes, clothes, and towels; and can also infect mud and soil.

Diagnosis, Treatment, and Prevention

To accurately diagnose ringworm, the doctor takes a skin sample to study the fungus. And when the diagnosis is confirmed, it is only then that the doctor can prescribe a treatment.

Generally, medicated ointments and creams are used to treat ringworm, but if the condition is severe, prescription medicine is required.

Proper hygiene can help avoid this condition, and also by wearing sandals when going into locker rooms or public showers, and never share towels or other shared items.

Diagnosis and Treatment

To diagnose fungal infections, skin scrapings or cultures are usually done.

Risks of Having

Those who have a weakened immune system, or taking antibiotics are more susceptible to get fungal infections. Though it is common in humans and not serious, it should be treated immediately to prevent it from becoming severe.