What Is A Fungal Skin Infection?
According to Medical News Today, a fungus is “one of a wide range of living organisms, some of them beneficial to health, others less so.” Members of the group of eukaryotic organisms, fungi exist as molds and microorganisms, yeasts and mushrooms. Fungal skin infections on humans are common, and include yeast infections, athlete’s foot, jock itch, ringworm and other conditions.
” Yeast Infections
Cutaneous Candidiasis is another name for a fungal attack of the skin more commonly known as a yeast infection. The candida fungus creates an itchy, red sometimes scaly rash on the skin. As with most other fungi, candida prefers warm, moist, dark areas. This is why it is usually found in the armpits or around the groin. If you are obese, have diabetes or are taking antibiotics, your risk of a yeast infection is elevated.
Candida can create diaper rash in infants, and a common yeast infection of the mouth or throat is called oral thrush. The most common yeast infection is found in the vagina, but this type of fungal attack of the skin can occur anywhere on the body. An itching or burning sensation may accompany bumps that resemble pimples, swelling, pain, pus, or infected areas that ooze a thick, clear fluid. Yeast infections of all kinds are effectively treated with medicated creams, suppositories, and in the case of oral thrush, with a lozenge or mouthwash.
” Athlete’s Foot
Tinea Pedis is better known as athlete’s foot. This fungal skin infection got its name because it prefers moist, warm environments, and athletes participating in sports for extended periods of time are prime candidates. Their feet sweat is as they experience physical activity, and since socks and shoes are worn sometimes for hours in many sports, the feet of casual and professional athletes frequently develop this condition.
Locker rooms, swimming pools and the floors of public restrooms and showers are breeding grounds for Tinea Pedis if not cleaned and sanitized frequently.
Symptoms include blisters, redness, an itching and burning sensation, and cracking of skin on the feet. The most common athlete’s foot occurs between your toes. Athlete’s foot is easily remedied with antifungal medication which can be purchased over-the-counter. In extreme and rare cases oral drugs may be prescribed.
” Jock Itch
Clinically referred to as Tinea Cruris, the more common name of this fungal skin condition is jock itch. The word jock is another name for athlete, and like athlete’s foot, this infection of the skin is common for those who participate in sports frequently. This fungus prefers warm, moist areas of the body. It causes an itching sensation which is usually a found on the inner thighs, around the genitals and on the buttocks.
Jock itch shows up as an itchy, red rash and is more frustrating and discomforting than actually being a serious health concern. Flaking, cracking and peeling skin is sometimes present. Similar in behavior and treatment to athlete’s foot, jock itch responds well to antifungal sprays, powders, creams and medications.
” Ringworm
Not a very serious health condition, Tinea Corporis is not a worm at all, but rather a fungal infection. It can show up anywhere on your skin and appears as a red, circular, flat sore. Scaly skin is sometimes present. The exterior of the sore may be raised while the skin in the center looks normal. This condition can be spread through direct contact, and is more effective as a contagion when heat and humidity levels are high. A topical application of antibiotic creams is usually all that is needed to clean up the problem.