It is not uncommon to find germs, bacteria or fungi growths on your skin and even inside your body. These microbes are harmless residents for as long as their population is kept in check. However, due to several factors, the population of some types of fungi can grow into dangerous proportions and cause minor skin irritations and problems. Red rashes, scaly skin, extreme itchiness and even bad odor are some of the symptoms of the most common fungal infections that affect the human skin.
Although these skin diseases are minor and are often cured by over-the-counter medication, you should not let them proliferate and grow. Fungi overgrowth, when left unchecked for a long period of time, can spread and cause embarrassment, pain and discomfort.
Types Of Common Fungal Infections
Skin, scalp, genitalia and nails are the usual areas that get affected by fungal woes. The symptoms of each problem vary depending on the location of the infection and the type of fungi that causes it. It is also important to note that fungal infections spread easily. Even the slightest brush to someone else's affected area or things that come into contact with the infection could easily infect you. Lastly, you can also get some fungal infections from animals and pets.
Tinea Corporis
This skin problem, more commonly known as ringworm of the body, usually affects the torso, arms and legs but can also infect any exposed parts of your body. This infection is characterized by uncontrollable itchiness on the affected area. You will know that you have ringworm if the affected skin forms a red patch, with a clear or whitish center and a raised red scaly edge. Ringworm, which can affect anybody, is more common in places where the weather is warm.
Tinea Capitis
Basically, tinea capitis has very similar signs and symptoms with tinea corporis except for the fact that it only affects the scalp. This kind of skin infection, also called as ringworm of the scalp, is more common in toddlers and young children. It is important to note that hair loss is possible if this condition is left untreated.
Tinea Cruris
Jock itch, or what is scientifically called tinea cruris, is an itchy skin problem located in the crotch or groin area. This particular problem was called jock itch because it is more common in men who sweat profusely, much like those who are engaged in sports. According to experts, this infection occurs three times more in men than in women. If you have this problem, be sure to wash your hands immediately after scratching because the fungus responsible for this condition can be contagious.
Tinea Pedis
People who have stinky feet usually suffer from tinea pedis, more commonly known as athlete's foot. Although the symptoms of this infection only include burning feet and itching, many people who have tinea pedis have smelly feet because odor-causing bacteria can inhabit the cracks in the skin caused by this fungal problem. If left untreated, athlete's foot can spread easily and bring about bleeding, breaks on the skin and even extreme pain.
Onychomycosis
Basically, onychomycosis is just nail fungus or infection. Nail deformity, discoloration, thickening and crumbling are just some of the symptoms of this condition. Usually, people who have nail fungus only have one problematic nail. However, if you leave the infected nail untreated, the other nails can be contaminated and affected.
Although it is more common to see nail fungus on toenails, especially with people who have athlete's foot, fingernails are not spared from this infection. Nail fungus is quite difficult to treat, so you need to choose your medication or treatment properly. One product that you can rely on with regard to nail infections is Somasin. Read more about this treatment on its website,
Bacterial And Fungal Infections
Summer is a time for fun because the weather is hot and the sun is shining ever so brightly. But aside from people, organisms that seem to love summer are fungi. Fungi can thrive in damp places such as your armpits and crotch area during the summer because of the heat and sweat. When this happens, there is a big possibility that you may catch a fungal infection if you are not careful enough.
Here are some tips on how to avoid fungal infections this summer:
Keep Your Skin Dry
Fungal infections, such as ringworm and jock itch, usually flourish in areas of the skin that are moist. Thus, after taking a bath or shower it is imperative that you dry your skin properly before you wear your underwear and clothes. Since people sweat a lot during summer, it is also best to constantly change your clothing after exercising or getting wet. You don't want itchy patches of skin to develop in areas like your crotch, armpits and skin folds.
Don't Wear Very Tight-Fitting Clothes
You may feel sexy in skinny jeans but make sure that you are providing the skin underneath some space to breathe. It would be best, at least during warm seasons, to wear loose undergarments and clothing. Moreover, you should also choose a garment that is breathable, just like cotton.
Change Your Socks And Undergarments Everyday
If you don't want to battle with itchy and annoying fungal infection, you should not forget to change your underwear and socks daily. Aside from being hygienic, regularly changing your socks, tights and underwear can prevent fungal infection. If you are already suffering from one, then changing your clothing daily, especially those that directly touch your skin, will not only prevent the infection from spreading to other parts of your body, but it will also stop the exacerbation of your condition.
Don't Share Personal Belongings
Towels, combs, tooth and hair brushes are things that you should not share, even with your spouse or partner. As mentioned earlier, skin infection can spread easily even by merely coming into contact with personal belongings used by an infected person. For example, a fungal problem known as ringworm of the scalp can develop; hence hairbrushes, combs and other hair-styling equipment must not be shared with others.
Alternate Your Shoes
One of the reasons why more men are affected with athlete's foot than women is due to the men's propensity of wearing the same shoes everyday. To prevent this foul-smelling foot problem, you need to let the insides of your shoes dry properly before using them again. It would be best to avoid using the same pair of shoes everyday. Instead, try alternating the use of different pairs of shoes.
Check Your Blood Sugar
People who are diabetic or have high blood sugar levels are also prone to getting fungal infections. It seems that these microorganisms also love sugar. Thus, you must be careful with what you eat and try to maintain a normal blood glucose level so that you won't have a problem with fungus. Anyway, skin problems are the least of your worries if you have diabetes because if you don't keep your blood checked, you will be prone to developing complications, such as blindness and heart disease.
Try Dry Fit
If you are into sports, you may want to wear clothes that are made from synthetic fibers that bring the sweat away from the body. Major sports apparel stores offer this kind of fabric so just ask the sales guy. This type of fabric will help keep your skin dry.
Stop Biting Your Nails
One fungal infection that is very hard to eliminate is nail fungus. People who love to bite their nails usually develop nail fungus because such fungus can enter any crack or wound in the nail bed and surrounding areas.
Since ordinary ointment may not work immediately in banishing nail fungus away, you may want to use a strong-acting anti-fungal system like Somasin for your nail fungus problems. Learn more about Somasin by clicking
Janet Martin has sinced written about articles on various topics from Womens Health, Pregnancy Problems and Asthma. Janet Martin is an avid health and fitness enthusiast and published author. Many of her insightful articles can be found at the premiere online news magazine
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