Fungal Skin Infections: Treatment and Prevention
A blog covering the symptoms and remedies of fungal skin infections.
Antifungal creams are a popular treatment for fungal skin infections. Fungal infections are caused by fungi that can either be parasitic or saprophytic in nature. Some of the most common types of fungal infections include yeast infections, ringworm, jock itch and athlete’s foot.
Antifungal creams are not just limited to treating fungal infections on the skin but they can also treat fungal infections on the nails, hair and scalp. Different antifungal creams have different active ingredients and these ingredients vary according to the type of infection that needs to be treated. Some of the most common antifungal cream ingredients include miconazole, clotrimazole, ketoconazole, terbinafine and ciclopirox.
Fungal Skin Infections: Treatment and Prevention
Fungal infection is a common skin problem that causes redness, itching and flaking of the skin. These infections can occur anywhere on the body, but are most commonly found in warm, moist areas such as the feet or groin. Fungal infections are typically caused by an overgrowth of yeast or fungus on the skin that can be easily prevented with good hygiene.
Antifungal creams are available without a prescription and are used to treat fungal infections that affect the skin including ringworm, athlete’s foot and jock itch. Antifungal creams work by killing or inhibiting yeast or fungi that cause these skin conditions. Some even prevent future outbreaks by inhibiting growth.
If you have an active fungal infection, your doctor may prescribe an antifungal cream along with another type of treatment such as an antifungal powder or spray. This may help prevent secondary bacterial infections from occurring which can happen when your skin is cracked or irritated from scratching. Once the infection has cleared up, it’s important to keep your skin clean and dry to prevent future outbreaks.
Fungal Skin Infections: Treatment and Prevention
Skin is the largest organ in our body. It is the first line of defence against infection and injury. There are many types of fungi that live on the skin all the time. They generally don’t cause problems, but sometimes these fungi can multiply and cause an infection.
Fungal infections can affect any part of the body, including the skin, scalp, nails, feet and genital area. Fungal infections are very common. Some fungal infections are mild but others are severe and even life-threatening.
Antifungal medicines are used to treat fungal infections, which most commonly affect your skin, hair and nails. You can usually treat mild infections yourself with some antifungal medicines available over the counter from pharmacies.
Fungal Skin Infections: Treatment and Prevention
Fungus is a primitive organism that has been on this planet for centuries. It is a microscopic organism that can be found all over the earth, particularly in soil, plants, and animals. The growth of fungus can be controlled by antifungal medicine, but it can never be completely eliminated.
The different types of fungus, fungus infections, and their treatment are discussed below.
Types of Fungus
Ringworm: Ringworm is a fungal infection that causes a ring-like red rash on the skin. It is caused by a group of fungi called dermatophytes. The fungi grow best in moist, warm areas of the body such as the groin and between the toes. Ringworm can also affect the scalp (causing bald spots), beard area (causing red pimples and scaly patches), nails (causing them to thicken and change color), or anywhere else on the body where there are hair follicles.
Tinea versicolor: Tinea versicolor is a common fungal infection that causes small, discolored patches on the upper arms, neck, chest, and back. It occurs when yeast grows out of control on the skin’s surface. The
Fungal skin infections are very common and include athlete’s foot, jock itch, ringworm, and yeast infections. Most fungal infections respond well to these topical agents, which include:
* Clotrimazole (Lotrimin AF)
* Miconazole (Monistat Derm)
* Selenium sulfide (Selsun Blue)
* Terbinafine (Lamisil AT)
* Tolnaftate (Tinactin)
CanesOral® is proven to cure most athlete’s foot with one pill a day for seven days. You can find CanesOral® in the footcare aisle of your favorite store.
Fungal infections of the skin are very common. They often cause itching and may also cause pain and burning. That’s why it’s important to have them diagnosed and treated promptly.
Athlete’s foot is a fungal infection that causes scaling, flaking and itching of the affected skin. It most commonly occurs between the toes, but can also affect the bottom or sides of the feet or toenails. Athlete’s foot can also spread to other parts of the body, including the groin (jock itch) and underarms.
If you have athlete’s foot, try using an over-the-counter antifungal cream, lotion or powder (most come in all three forms). There are many products available; try different ones until you find one that works for you. If your athlete’s foot does not improve with over-the-counter treatment, see your doctor for prescription antifungal medication.
A fungal skin infection can be caused by a variety of factors. The most common culprits are dermatophytic fungi, which is the same kind of fungus that causes athlete’s foot and ringworm. This type of fungus is able to live off the dead tissues found in hair, nails, and outer layers of skin.
Most people who have fungal infections are not immune compromised, meaning their immune system is working properly. But certain conditions make people more susceptible to the infections:
•Diabetes
•Peripheral vascular disease
•Weakened immune system (such as from HIV/AIDS or taking immune-suppressing drugs)
•Old age
•Moist skin (such as from sweating)