Most people have experienced skin infections caused by fungi. Fungal infections of the skin can occur in all age groups, men and women, and are the most common skin infections. Come on, identify the causes and ways to treat fungal skin infections.
Fungal skin infection is a disease that we often encounter, maybe even we have experienced. Mild fungal skin infections generally cause a rash on the skin. The rash is harmless, but can be itchy and unobtrusive.
Fungi are primitive organisms that live around our environment, such as air, soil, and even water. Several types of fungi can live in the bodies of animals and humans. Most fungi reproduce by spores that can be dispersed in the air. That's why, fungal infections most often attack the outside of our body, such as the skin and nails.
People who are active and sweat more often get fungal skin infections, especially if they are not careful about personal hygiene. Diabetics are also a group that is susceptible to fungal skin infections. In addition, fungal skin infections are also often found in infants and toddlers who use diapers. But in general, anyone can get fungal skin infections.
Types and Symptoms of Skin Fungal Infections You Need to Know
The following are the most common types of skin fungal infections:
- Dermatophytosis (ringworm). A red, itchy circular rash on the skin. The red color at the edges is more pronounced, looks like a ring, and is clearly demarcated. ringworm It can be contagious, but is usually not severe. It can be found on the scalp, face, neck, or other parts of the body.
- Tinea pedis or ringworm of the feet (athlete's foot). Symptoms include peeling and cracked skin on the legs, blisters and red skin, itching and burning. This fungal infection is commonly found on the feet of athletes who are often wrapped in socks and damp. Usually occurs between the toes.
- Tinea cruris (jok itch). Tinea cruris appears in areas of moist, warm skin folds, such as the buttocks, groin, and genitals. The infected skin will appear red and itchy or sore. It often occurs in men in their teens and adults, or people who often wear tight pants.
- Skin candidiasis. This infection is caused by the fungus candida, and can appear anywhere on the body, but is usually more common in warm, moist areas, such as the groin and armpits. Infected skin looks red and feels itchy.
How to Overcome Skin Fungal Infections with Anti-fungal Drugs
The main treatment for fungal skin infections is with antifungal drugs, especially topical antifungals (oles), such as creams or ointments. Antifungal drugs work by destroying the cell wall of the fungus so that the contents of the cell come out and the fungal cell dies, or by inhibiting fungal cells from growing and multiplying.
Several types of antifungal drugs are commonly used to treat fungal skin infections:
- Topical antifungal (oles) - applied directly to the skin, hair, or nails.
- Oral antifungals - in capsule, pill, or liquid form. Given if the fungal skin infection is widespread and cannot be treated with topical antifungal drugs.
There are a wide variety of topical antifungal medications available in various forms, brands and strength levels. But in general, antifungal drugs contain clotrimazole, miconazole, nystatin, ketoconazole, or a combination of these ingredients. On the drug packaging, you can see the type of drug content in it and how much of the ingredient is in the drug, usually written in the form of a percent (%). Make sure the drug content is strong enough but also not harmful.
Use the drug in accordance with the recommended use, do not exceed or less than the required amount of use. The drug must be used for several days after the rash on the skin disappears, to kill any remaining fungal remnants.
Topical antifungal medications are available over-the-counter in pharmacies and stores, and can be purchased without a prescription. If after using topical drugs for 1 to 2 weeks there is no improvement, immediately consult a doctor for further treatment. Do not forget to tell your doctor about other medicines you are taking, to avoid side effects that may be caused by interactions between drugs.
How to Avoid Skin Fungal Disease
Keeping your skin clean is the key to preventing fungal skin infections, especially for those of you who are active, like to exercise, or often do outdoor activities. Here are things you can do to avoid getting a yeast infection:
- Keep skin clean. Use soap when bathing.
- Dry skin immediately if it is wet or sweaty.
- Change underwear and socks every day.
- Dry the shoes in the open air and keep the inside of the shoes from getting damp.
- Do not share towels, underwear and clothes with other people.
- Use clothes that easily absorb sweat during exercise.
- Avoid wearing pants that are too tight.