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.