Fungal Skin Infections - Types, Symptoms, and Treatment

Ringworm, tinea cruris, tinea corporis, tinea anguvam, jock itch, etc., are all highly contagious. They spread very fast. They spread directly by skin to skin contact, contact with infected clothes, animals, sharing of combs, bedsheets, poor hygiene, etc. It is a prevalent condition, and more than 10 million cases are being reported per year in India. If the patient takes proper treatment at the beginning with adequate hygiene, it can be curable easily, but if the patient ignores it in the beginning, then it takes time to cure completely.

What Are the Types of Fungal Skin Infections?

The common name for infection is Tinea. As per the location, it has different names:

1. Tinea Cruris - Fungal infection in genitals, inner thighs, and buttocks.
2. Tinea Corporis or Ringworm - Superficial fungal infection.
3. Tinea Pedis - Fungal infection between toes.
4. Tinea Capitis - Fungal infection in scalp, eyebrows, and eyelashes.
5. Tinea Unguium - Fungal infection in nails.

What Are the Causes of Fungal Skin Infections?

Fungus is the cause of the all above conditions. A tiny fungus is known as a dermatophyte. They live on superficial skin, and when the situation is favorable, they cause rashes. Sometimes it can also happen because of:

• Wearing tight clothes with improper aeration.
• Too much sweat can make the body part humid and moist, which ideal for the growth of fungus.
• Living in a crowded area result in increased humidity.
• Contact sports like wrestling, rugby, soccer, etc.
• Low immunity.

What Are the Symptoms of Fungal Skin Infections?

• In Tinea Unguium, nails become thick, brittle, and sometimes redness with swelling and pain. The nail becomes yellowish.
• In Tinea Pedis, scaly rash with burning, stinging and itching. It is contagious. Can be spread by contaminated floors, towels, bedsheets, clothes, etc.
• In Tinea Cruris, redness with burning, itching, and rashes.
• In Tinea Capitis, brittle hair, painful scalp, low-grade fever, and in severe cases, crusty swelling which can lead to pus formation.
• In Tinea Corporis or ringworm, the most common sign is raised red rash on any part of the body. Margins are elevated, and the central part is clear mostly. It usually occurs on the arms and legs but can occur on any part of the body. Sometimes the rash can be dry and scaly.

How Can Fungal Skin Infections Be Prevented?

• Wear loose clothes with proper aeration.
• Wash hands after handling animals, soil, and plants.
• Keep proper hygiene while playing sports.
• The fungus prefers warm, moist temperature, so keep skin dry.
• Take a bath properly. You can add neem leaves to the water and take a shower. Any antiseptic liquid like Dettol or Savlon can be added to the water.
• Do not touch the affected part of anybody's body.
• Do not share bed linen, hairbrush, underwear, combs, etc., with an affected person.
• Wash clothes of affected person separately.

Along with these points, you can take homeopathic medicines, as they do not have harmful chemicals and steroids.