Fungal infection types & increases in its cases during summer

About 300 out of millions of fungi species can cause infections in human. Fungi are microscopic organisms found everywhere including in plants, soil, air and on the skin. These species aren’t any harm to the body, unless they multiply faster than normal. The infections appear as a scaly rash or discoloration, that is often itchy.

Causes of fungal infections

A fungus called tinea can cause fungal infections like, athlete’s foot, jock itch, and ringworm. While, a fungus called Candida albicans, causes yeast infections, such as vaginal thrush, oral thrush, and fungal gastroenteritis. Fungus can also cause fungal infections of the lungs due to inhaled fungal spores.

An overgrowth of fungus in the body may occur due to certain factors or conditions. These include:

·         Murdering healthy bacteria- Antibiotics can kill off healthy bacteria in the body, as well as bacteria that cause disease. When antibiotics kill the healthy bacteria, the normal balance of microorganisms in the mouth, vagina, intestines, and other places in the body is altered, resulting in an overgrowth of Candida albicans or other fungi.

·         Having a weakened immune system- due to certain conditions, such as HIV/AIDS or taking steroid medications or chemotherapy

·         Down on immunity- due to certain conditions, such as HIV/AIDS, organ transplant recipient, or taking steroid medications or chemotherapy

·         Having high blood sugar- due to diabetes, which provides food for Candida albicans and encourages its overgrowth

·         Mom to baby- Fungal infections can also be passed from a pregnant woman to her infant during vaginal delivery or breastfeeding.

Types of fungal infection

Some very common types of fungal infections caused by tinea are:

·         Athlete’s foot

·         Jock itch

·         Ringworm

Common yeast infections, also called candida and candidiasis, can infect other areas of the body such as:

·         Esophagus

·         Digestive tract (gastroenteritis)

·         Lungs

·         Mouth (oral thrush)

·         Urinary tract

·         Vagina (vaginal yeast infection, vaginal thrush)

Symptoms of fungal infection

Depending on the type and severity of the infection, the area of the body affected, and individual factors, symptoms of fungal infections differ.

Athlete’s foot

·         Itching of the feet

·         Scaling and flaking of the skin of the feet

Jock itch

·         Itching of the groin area

·         Red, scaly rash in the groin area

Ringworm

·         Red, itchy area on the scalp, often in the shape of a ring

·         Hair loss in the affected area

Fungal infections that affect the mouth (oral thrush)

·         Lesions or sores that are raised, are yellow-white in color, and appear in patches in the mouth or throat and/or on the tongue

·         Sore, bleeding gums

·         Patches or lesions that become sore, raw and painful, making it difficult to eat or swallow

Fungal infections that affect the vagina (vaginal thrush)

·         Thick, white vaginal discharge that has a texture similar to cottage cheese

·         Vaginal irritation

·         Vaginal itching

·         Burning with urination

Fungal infections that affect the digestive tract (fungal gastroenteritis)

·         Diarrhea

·         Difficulty swallowing (esophagus)

·         Nausea

·         Vomiting

Recurrent fungal infections

·         HIV/AIDS

·         Diabetes

Fungal infection and summer

Summer is the prime time for fungal problems, which bring itchiness, rashes and other symptoms. This is because, people sweat more and hot, moist environment promote fungi growth. 3MEDS, the best healthcare service provider in India, explains on how to prevent and treat fungal infections in summer.

Treatment methods

Over- the- counter treatment includes,

·         An OTC antifungal shampoo, soap, or cream that contains selenium sulfide or pyrithione zinc (Denorex and generic)

·         Some other OTC cream, spray, or powder include, clotrimazole (Lotrimin AF and generic) or tolnaftate (Tinactin and generic)

·         An OTC treatment such as clotrimazole (Gyne-Lotrimin and generic) or miconazole (Monistat 3 and generic)

Medication

·         Antifungal cream (such as generic ketoconazole) or an antifungal pill (such as generic fluconazole)

·         Applying a small amount of Vicks VapoRub to affected nails daily with a cotton ball

·         Terbinafine (Lamisil and generic) or itraconazole (Sporanox and generic) for nail infection

·         Single oral dose of the antifungal medication fluconazole (Diflucan and generic) and/or stronger vaginal suppositories

The above mentioned medications can be bought at online chemist shop with doctor’s prescription.

Prevention methods

·         Wear loose, light clothing in breathable fabrics, such as linen or cotton, which will minimize sweating

·         Wear flip-flops or sandals when walking around pools or gym locker rooms because wet, moist areas are breeding grounds for fungal infections

·         For closed-toe shoes, always wear socks; fungus spores commonly collect in shoes

·         In case of living with an infected person then, don’t share towels, and if you’re sleeping in the same bed, have them wear socks at night to avoid spreading the infection

·         Change your underwear right after work out or if have been sweating a lot

·         Change out of wet or sweaty clothes such as bathing suits or workout gear immediately

·         Stick with cotton underwear and limit wearing pantyhose, which can trap heat and moisture

Ending note

Fungal infections are common discomfort experienced one or other point of time in life. It’s because the fungal species are found everywhere in the environment. They tend to multiply and infect more during hot and moist season or summer. Treat and prevent the fungal infections as soon as possible to further avoid complications.