Fungal Skin Infections
Fungal skin infection can be of several types – the most common are athlete’s foot, ringworm, jock itch, and candidiasis. Athlete’s foot (or tinea pedis) is a fungal infection that usually attacks the areas between the toes. The infection happens when the feet are subjected to warm and humid condition for a long time – for example, wearing shoes for a prolonged period. The moistness trapped inside the shoe is helpful for the fungus infection. The chances of infection are even more if your feet sweat a lot. Proper hygiene is necessary to keep athlete’s foot at bay. Be careful to wipe your feet completely dry after a wash or a bath. Do not wear the same pair of socks or shoes repeatedly. Use antifungal powder on your legs if you see signs of infection. Apple cider vinegar, tea tree oil, and spirit can also be used on the infected skin.
Ringworm (or tinea corpis) is a fungal infection of the skin that is commonly seen in warm tropical environments. The fungi responsible for this infection survive by feeding on the dead cells from the epidermis (which is the top layer of our skin). The ringworm appears like a lesion in a circular shape. The ringworm infection can be diagnosed with and treated with proper medical methods. However, there are some preventive steps you should take to avoid ringworms in the first place – maintain proper hygiene, avoid wearing damp or unwashed clothes, and do not share items of your personal use (for example, clothes and toiletries) with others.
Jock itch (or tinea cruris) is a fungal infection of the skin around the groin. This type of fungal infection is observed more in men than women. The warm and moist area around the groin is a natural breeding ground for fungi. Therefore, lack of proper hygiene or care of this area can soon result in a fungal infection. The infection is more likely to happen in hot humid environments where more sweating happens. The common symptoms of jock itch are rashes on the inner thigh, with itchy and inflamed skin. The treatment is easy and with the use of proper antifungal medicine the infection can be cured completely. However, without proper hygiene and care the infection can return. As a preventive measure, dry yourself completely after a bath and wear clean loose-fitting clothes.
