Complete Guide to Fungal Infections, Its Types And Preventions

By Mr Micheal John.
Fungus is so common that you won’t even come to know that they even live on your skin harmlessly. But if they get optimum and conducive conditions then they can get transformed into deadly to mild fungal infections.

Types of Fungal Infection

Candidiasis or Yeast Infection

caused by yeast (a type of fungus) infecting the skin or attacks the mucous membrane. Often dark, warm and moisture are driving forces for this fungal infection. They live in the body but are not active or dominant. It is only when they get the optimum conditions, do they multiply and get converted into Candidiasis.

Symptoms: Include rashes, pus filled patches, pimples and extensive itch on the infected area

Tinea Versicolor 

Its occurrence is more often in adults’ and adolescents. A rather chronic fungal infection causes skin discoloring and occurrence of reddish and brown patches on the skin. The other names of this fungal infection are Dermatomycosis furfuracea, Tinea flava and Pityriasis versicolor.

Symptoms: Include rashes on the body which aren’t itchy at all and reddish tan colored patches which become more noticeable in summer.

Tinea Infections or Ringworm Infection 

is often misinterpreted to be worm where as it is fungal infection, which causes a reddish ring to form. This fungal infection occurs mainly due malnourishment, poor hygiene and moisture with warm climate. Chances are high to get this infection from an infected person.

Symptoms: Includes itchy ring like scaly patches which later forms pus filled blisters on skin. If it occurs in nail then the nails get crumpled, discolored and thick and if in scalp one can loose scalp hair and get bald patches.

Subcategories of Ringworm Fungal Infection

a) Athlete’s foot (Tinea Pedis or Foot Ringworm) – it is a fungal infection which affects the feet. Athlete’s foot causes the skin to get whitened between the toe with itch and rashes. Mostly seen to occur in Athletes and adults male due to moisture, sweat and unhygienic conditions in socks and shoes.

(Tinea Pedis or Foot Ringworm) – it is a fungal infection which affects the feet. Athlete’s foot causes the skin to get whitened between the toe with itch and rashes. Mostly seen to occur in Athletes and adults male due to moisture, sweat and unhygienic conditions in socks and shoes.

b) Scalp ringworm (Tinea Capitis) – very contagious fungal infection which affects children in age group from 2 -10. This infection occurs in head and scalp region.

c) Nail ringworm (Tinea Unguium) – occurs in the nails and finger due the conducive conditions found there. It is again a very itchy fungal infection.

d) Body ringworm (Tinea Corporis) – Can occur anywhere on skin which is accompanied with ring like formation.

Measures to Prevent Fungal Infection

1. Avoid walking bare foot on beaches, locker rooms and swimming pool.
2. After a shower, completely dry all body parts to avoid moisture which could lead to fungal infection.
3. As a rule for preventing fungal infection never ever share personal products and items with anyone.
4. Wash your hands with a good antifungal soap regularly before meals and after touching contaminated places and articles.
5. Eat a healthy and wholesome diet.
6. Drink plenty of water to detoxify your body – approximately 8 -10 glasses is a must.