Identifying Fungal Infections

Fungal infections are easy to treat if attended to promptly but equally persistent and troublesome if neglected. Very often fungal infections may also be confused with, or misdiagnosed as another skin condition. For this reason it’s important that you are aware of the symptoms and are easily able to identify a fungal infection.




There are different types of fungal infections, and their symptoms vary. Some are scaly and cause discoloration or redness, while some may infect only a limited area of the body, while others may spread or infect several parts of the body.  No matter how serious or advanced the infection there are a few warning signs that you should look out for.

• The appearance of ring shaped, reddish brown or pinkish patches that are itchy and have a clear center would be an unmistakable sign of ringworm.

• If you find itchy and painful blisters in the groin, appearing in a ring like red rash, you most probably suffer from jock itch.

• Itching and scaly skin between the toes on the other hand is a clear indication of Athlete’s foot.
  
  
  There may also be peeling and cracking of the affected skin, and soreness  This also makes the area susceptible to bacterial infection.

• Dullness and thickening of the nails could be a sign of nail ringworm. The infected portion may be crumbly and seem to separate from the rest of the nail.

• The appearance of dark patches on light skin or light patches on dark skin could indicate a yeast infection termed as Pityriasis versicolor.

• Thrush is another yeast infection caused by the candida fungus These fungi normally exist harmoniously in our system but under certain circumstances multiply and cause an infection  The infection is called thrush and you will notice the appearance of small white patches in areas with moist folded skin and mucous membranes like the mouth, tongue and vagina  Itchiness and a thick white vaginal discharge are symptomatic of vaginal thrush.

• A painful reddish rash on the penis can also be indicative of thrush.

• Fungal infections that affect the beard or scalp can also lead to hair loss, and may be hard to recognize.

There are also certain factors that put you at greater risk of infection that you should be aware of. Antibiotic medication used to treat illness also kill off healthy bacteria that normally control fungi. The decrease in healthy bacteria leads to unchecked multiplication and consequent fungal infections The use of corticosteroids may also increase risk because of a decreased immune response. Diabetics, cancer patients, and other patients suffering from conditions that affect immunity are vulnerable to such infections. Environmental factors, like moist warm conditions, as in locker rooms or public showers, and sweaty socks also favor fungal growth and infection.