Fungal infection: Causes, types, symptoms and treatment
Fungal skin infections are caused by different types of fungi, including dermatophytes and yeasts. Fungi invade and grow in dead keratin. Keratin is a protein that makes up your skin, hair and nails.
Common fungal skin infections are caused by yeasts (such as Candida—see Candidiasis) or dermatophytes, such as Epidermophyton, Microsporum, and Trichophyton (see Overview of Dermatophytoses (Ringworm, Tinea)). Many such fungi live only in the topmost layer of the epidermis (stratum corneum) and do not penetrate deeper.
How do you get foot fungus?
It causes peeling, redness, itching, burning, and sometimes blisters and sores. Athlete’s foot is a very common infection. The fungus grows best in a warm, moist environment such as shoes, socks, swimming pools, locker rooms, and the floors of public showers. It is most common in the summer and in warm, humid climates.
What increases the risk of Vaginal fungal infection?
Many things can raise your risk of a vaginal yeast infection, such as:
- antibiotics (they lower the amount of lactobacillus, or good bacteria, in vagina)
- pregnancy.
- uncontrolled diabetes.
- weak immune system.
- douching.
- poor eating habits, including a lot of sugary foods.
- hormonal imbalance near your menstrual cycle.
- stress.
- Lack of sleep.
- Poor eating habits, including eating extreme amounts of sugary foods.
- Taking certain medicines, including birth control pills, antibiotics, and steroids.
Symptoms:
Fungal infection Requires a medical diagnosis by a skin specialist.
Symptoms depend on the area affected, but can include skin rash or vaginal infection resulting in abnormal discharge.
People may also experience darkening of the skin, loss of color, peeling, rashes, or small bump. itching or vaginal discharge is also common.
Treatment of fungal infection:
Antifungal creams, liquids or sprays (topical antifungals) These are used to treat fungal infections of the skin, scalp and nails. They include clotrimazole, econazole, ketoconazole, miconazole, tioconazole, terbinafine, and amorolfine.
Diet during fungal infection:
Eat a healthy balanced diet – limit your intake of yeast and sugar and drink plenty of water to help clean your system of impurities. Eat yogurt – Yogurt contains active cultures that can help restore the good bacteria your body requires. Coconut oil, garlic, ginger, onion and lemon juice also helps body in fighting fungal infection.
