What Causes Fungal Infections and how it can Affect Skin Health?

Fungi are microscopic organisms that thrive in warm and moist environments. There are millions of different species of fungi existing in plants, soil, on household surfaces, and even on the human skin. Among them, only a few can make humans sick. Typically, fungi that reside on the human skin are harmless until they start multiplying faster or invade the skin through a wounded site. Sometimes, fungi can result in skin issues like red rashes or bumps, shares Best doctor for fungal infection in Delhi, Dr. Rajat Kandhari at Dr. Kandhari’s Skin and Dental Clinic.

 

Fungal infection also referred to as mycosis is a skin condition that is caused by a fungus that develops on sweaty or damp areas of the body where airflow is limited. The common body sites include the groin, feet, and folds of the skin. Mostly, a fungal skin infection looks like a skin discoloration that is often itchy or a scaly rash. It can only spread through direct contact of a healthy individual with fungi present on personal items, on an infected animal, or an infected person. If one is searching for Fungal Infection Treatment in Delhi, they can get a consultation from the best dermatologist Dr. Rajat Kandhari at Dr. Kandhari’s Skin and Dental Clinic.

Common symptoms of fungal infection:

• Irritated skin

• Scaly skin

• Inflammation

• Itching

• Blisters

• Redness

Experiencing these symptoms, contact Dr. Rajat Kandhari, the Best doctor for fungal infection treatment in Delhi to get healthy infection-free skin.

Who is prone to get fungal skin infections?

Anyone can have a fungal skin infection. But it is most likely to infect people with a weakened immune system. Especially, people suffering from HIV/AIDS, cancer patients, organ or stem cell transplant patients, individuals who intake immunosuppressive drugs or undergo chemotherapy, and hospitalized patients are considered as high-risk groups for fungal skin infections. 

The chances of developing a fungal rash are also more in pregnant women, diabetic people, obese individuals, and people who experience excessive sweating, incontinence, or have tried a new skincare product.  

Most common types of fungal skin infections:

• Ringworm of the body (Tinea corporis): It affects mainly the torso and limbs. It is characterized by a ring-shaped skin rash that has slightly elevated (winding and worm-like) edges and normal middle skin. It is an often itchy, flat sore which can spread in a warm and humid environment. 

• Jock itch (Tinea cruris): It occurs in the upper inner portion of the thighs and groin area and is most commonly found in teenage boys and men. This shows symptoms of an itchy red, circular rash and a scaly, cracked, or flaky skin with a darker and slightly raised border. After any physical activity or exercise, the fungal rash may worsen and even spread to the abdomen and buttocks.    

• Athlete’s foot (Tinea pedis): It majorly occurs on the soles of the feet or toes. Typically, it is associated with itching, stinging, or burning sensation and an appearance of dry, red, scaly, flaky, cracked, or blistered skin. The fungus causing this skin infection mainly lives in the dead tissue of outer skin layers, toenails, and hair. Further, it can be of various types like interdigital (toe web infection), moccasin (on the entire sole of feet and even its sides), and vesicular (rare form, having fluid-filled blisters). 

• Ringworm of the scalp (Tinea capitis): It affects the skin of the scalp and the hair shafts. Mostly, it occurs in young children. The common symptoms include bald patches that may appear red and scaly, itchy, and be associated with pain or tenderness. 

• Cutaneous candidiasis: Candida is a normal microflora within the body. It can overgrow in a warm, poorly-ventilated, moist environment and result in a fungal skin infection. Mostly, it occurs in the folds of the buttocks or under the breasts. It appears as small red pustules and an itchy, red skin rash. 

• Tinea versicolor: It is a skin infection characterized by oval, discolored (lighter or darker) patches which can be scaly, itchy, or flaky. Mostly, it appears on the chest, upper arms, and back. It is specifically caused by the overgrowth of a type of yeast/fungus called Malassezia.

How is skin fungus treated?

Antifungals can either directly kill the fungus or prevent them from thriving or growing. One must take the help of a skin doctor to get effective treatment for the infection.

The condition if left untreated can cause more damage to the skin. The treatment options for fungal skin infections provided by Dr. Rajat Kandhari, Fungal Infection Doctor in Delhi, India are:

• Topical antifungal creams (either over-the-counter or prescribed by a skin doctor). It can be available in a variety of forms like shampoos, creams or ointments, powder, pills, and sprays.  

• Antifungal drugs.

• Oral antifungal medications (for severe fungal skin infections). 

At home, one can also prevent the spread of fungal skin infections by keeping the infected area dry and clean and allowing the skin to breathe by wearing loose garments or shoes. 

To know more, book a consultation with the best skin clinic in Delhi at Dr. Kandhari’s Skin and Dental Clinic.

Is Eczema Caused by Stress?

Eczema (also referred to as atopic dermatitis) is a common skin problem that is characterized by dry, itchy, rough, flaky, and inflamed skin appearance with a red rash. The severe cases of this condition are usually associated with scaly and thickened skin, red or brownish-grey patches, intense itching, and the presence of small, raised, fluid-filled bumps that ooze out its contents when scratched or pricked. Sometimes, the skin may have crusty patches with dried yellowish ooze that could mean an infection. When one or more of these symptoms appear on the skin, it is called an eczema flare-up. Eczema can cause extreme itching and also increase the risk of getting secondary skin infections. One can contact the Best Skin Doctor Expert for Eczema in Delhi at Dr. Kandhari’s Skin and Dental Clinic to get healthy skin.

Eczema can affect any part of the body but usually, it occurs at the back of the knees, cheeks, scalp, arms, and the inner side of the elbows. It should not be considered a contagious disease. Mostly, it happens in children having weak immune systems due to health issues like hay fever or asthma and may become less severe with increasing age. Best Treatment for Kids Eczema is provided by Dr. Rajat Kandhari, the best skin allergy specialist in Delhi. The possible causes of eczema are believed to be a problem with an immune system, a genetic mutation that impairs the synthesis of filaggrin (a skin protein that does not let the skin become dry), or a dry, sensitive skin type that is susceptible to allergens and irritants. Sometimes, it may appear due to an unusual response of the body’s defense system to the self-proteins of the body.  

Many triggers can lead to an outbreak of red, itchy rashes (the eczema flare-ups). These include harsh household chemicals found in shampoos, body wash, detergents, or any cosmetic products which dry out the skin, garments made up of synthetic fabrics that rub against the skin, raised body temperature, excessive sweating, sudden changes in weather like a drop in humidity, food or drug allergies, stress, and upper respiratory infections. Hence, one must also check up for the triggers and contact a doctor immediately to prevent the worsening of the condition.

Relation Between Stress and Eczema

Stress does not cause eczema, but it can surely provoke its symptoms. It is one of the most common triggers for eczema that is difficult to be managed. After a flare-up of eczema in a stressed individual, it becomes really hard for the skin to bounce back to its normal appearance. This is because of the inability of the individual to recognize the source of the stress. 

When the body is under stress, there is a sudden spike in a hormone called cortisol (also termed as the stress hormone). This hormone acts as an immune system regulator and results in changes in the various types of immune responses by the body, thereby increasing the number of cell signaling molecules responsible for promoting inflammation. Thus under prolonged or severe stress, the rise in cortisol levels may make the skin appear abnormally oily. It can also dysregulate the immune system which in turn can trigger an inflammatory response in the skin shares Dr. Rajat Kandhari, Best Eczema Specialist in Delhi. 

An outbreak of eczema can last longer in a stressed person which could even result in emotional stress. This can lead to an endless cycle. 

Moreover, during pregnancy, if a woman suffers from eczema as well as stress, she could pose a high risk of eczema in her child who is in the first year of life. 

Anxiety and depression can also have a worsening impact on eczema. These mental issues can lead to chronic inflammation in the body and during stressful events, they can act as an eczema trigger. A specific type of eczema known as dyshidrotic eczema possesses the main triggers like stress. It commonly manifests as small, itchy blisters on the hands and feet. 

How can eczema be managed?

The best way to reduce the symptoms of eczema is to try to manage stress. Here are some of the tips to get the stressful life under control:

• Have proper sleep at night: Getting a healthy amount of sleep is typically needed by the body to be able to function properly.  

• Look for support groups for eczema: Chronic skin issues resulting in itchy or irritated skin can lead to daily emotional stress. It is better to talk with other people who have the same problem and know what they are going through. Good mental well-being is really important. They might advise on trying out new things to make feel better. 

• Relax the mind and soul: This includes deep breathing, yoga, and mediation. 

• Indulge in daily exercises: It is one of the best stress-busters. Walking, swimming, playing tennis and other physical activities can keep the person in good overall health. But if sweat is a trigger for eczema, take a cool or lukewarm shower soon after a workout. 

• Let out stress by talking with close ones: Sometimes just talking about problems in life with someone can help. Spend much of time with loved ones. 

• Take medications to relieve depression and anxiety: A mental health professional can prescribe medications to help with stress and anxiety.

Carry out leisure activities: Do anything which comes under enjoyment like playing sports, reading a book or any other hobbies which could help make mind off stress and feel good.

Dr. Kandhari’s Skin and Dental Clinic is the best skin clinic in Delhi, where treatment for all types of Skin Allergy is provided by an experienced dermatologist by working on the root cause of the concern. To know more contact the expert now at Dr. Kandhari’s Skin and Dental Clinic.