Kinds of fungal infections

There are a wide variety of fungal infections that affect humans. Here are some of the more common ones:

Tinea Versicolor

This is one of those fungal infections that primarily affect the skin. Most people tend to confuse this type of infection with other common skin rashes. The infection gets caused by the yeasts Pityrosporum ovale and Pityrosporum orbiculare. Actually these yeasts are normally located on the skin's surface. However these yeasts have a strong reaction with oil glands. Many times causes like excess sebaceous gland secretion, immune system suppression, malnutrition etc. can result in the pathogenic type of the yeast called Malassezia furfur that ultimately results in the rash.

Intertrigo

This is another kind of fungal infection that occurs in the folds of the skin. Areas of the body like armpits, fat folds, under the breast tissue as well as groin are the most susceptible areas to get infected. The skin disease is caused by the yeast Candida albicans that can often grow out too much and result in the infection. Various factors like humidity and heat in the climate, poor personal hygiene or tight underclothing etc. can all be conducive for this disease to form.

Ringworm

This condition is also known as Tinea Corporis and is actually caused by a fungus. Most people think it is caused by a worm but this is untrue. It primarily affects the body and face regions of a person and is most common in tropical climes and is found in both women as well as men. The fungi that cause this condition primarily thrive on dead keratin cells of the skin. The skin infection is characterized by a scaly flat portion that has a raised border too. The border soon becomes red and results in fine scaling.

Jock Itch

This condition is also known as Tinea Cruris and it is primarily found in the groin region. The moist and warm temperatures here are conducive for the fungus to grow. Wearing sweaty or tight clothing especially during the summer season is primarily a cause for the spread of the skin disease. Even in winter season wearing too many layers of clothes can also cause this disease to spread. Mostly men are affected far more than women. The rash is characterized by a red scaly growth and in time turns into a deep red brown color. If the condition is severe it can travel down into the inner thighs as well.

Athlete's Foot

The feet are some of the most common areas of the body to get infected by fungal infections. Most children who haven't reached puberty yet are most commonly susceptible to the infection. Usually it is a weak immune system that results in the condition. Unless the person takes precautions the person can easily get the condition. This fungal infection is very susceptible and infectious and the person carrying the disease is more prone to giving the disease to other surrounding persons as well.

Prevention and cure

While fungal infections may be very irritating and seem to spoil the skin, you can certainly learn to cure them or prevent them from occurring if you wish. Here are some common cures and preventive precautions for each kind of fungal infection.

Athlete's foot

Whenever you are changing make sure to wear flip flops to prevent your feet from being suffocated. Make sure to also use antifungal powder or spray on your feet and also dry the space in between toes in order to prevent the fungal infection from spreading to other parts of the foot. If you reside in a warm climate then make sure to avoid wearing footwear that is too tight. You also need to change your socks and wear cotton socks in order to prevent foul odor.

Jock Itch

In this condition make sure to wash and dry the area thoroughly on a regular basis. Make sure to ensure proper personal hygiene and wash your towels on a regular basis.

Ringworm

This condition can easily spread from other animals or from another part of the body. So make sure to avoid too much contact with animals as that can result in spread of the disease.

Scalp infection

This is quite infectious and can easily spread to other people around such as family members etc. So make sure to never share combs or headgear with others otherwise it can easily spread to others.