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Fungi can live anywhere including soil, air, water, and other plants. Others also exist naturally in the human body. Even though some fungi are harmful and may cause serious infections, others are actually helpful. In the event that the harmful fungus invades the body, it is very difficult to terminate them and bring the body to its normal state. This is because they are able to survive in the environment and proceed to infect the individual trying to recover. This article focuses on the treatment of fungal infections. To properly understand the treatment of the infection, it is important to know the population at risk of being infected.
Who is at risk?
Fungal infections usually attack humans. They don’t pose a notable threat to the health of an individual when treated just in time and in the right manner. If you have an immune system that is generally weaker than a normal person, then consider yourself vulnerable to fungal infections. Same applies to individuals using antibiotics. Furthermore, it has been proved that diabetes and cancer treatments also exposes and individual to fungal infections.
Common fungal infections and how to treat them
- Athlete’s foot
Otherwise known as Tinea pedis, athlete’s foot is one of the most common fungal infections today. This condition is mostly associated with athletes and sports since warm and moist environments provide a haven for the growth of the fungus. Such environments are sports equipment, socks, and even shoes. However, that is not to say that anyone else cannot be affected by athlete’s foot. You will find most cases of athlete’s foot in warm climates since it multiplies quickly.
Symptoms
The symptoms of athlete’s foot exhibit a variation from individual to individual. Some of the commonest symptoms however include:
- Scaling and peeling away of the skin
- Stinging, itching, or burning sensation in the affected regions
- Cracking and peeling away of the skin
- Redness and blisters on the affected area.
- Softness of the infected skin.
Treatment and prevention
Note that not all itchy feet mean that you are suffering from athlete’s foot. There is a whole list of conditions which have itchy feet as a symptom, and as such you must not rush to conclude. To find out if there is fungus on the skin, doctors scrub out the scaling skin off the feet before inspecting it under a microscope.
Topical antifungal ointments do the treatment of athlete’s foot. However, when you are severely infected, you may need oral medication too. Besides, you will also need to keep your feet dry so that the fungi can die.
- Jock itch
This is yet another common fungal infection though not as common as the athlete’s foot. They also thrive in warm environments which hasten their multiplication. They are mostly found in the regions groin, inner thighs, and even buttocks. It is mildly contagious and can be spread to another individual through contact.
Diagnosis and Treatment
Often times, you can identify jock itch by its appearance since it is very particular in its looks. The doctors can also scrap a part of the skin to confirm their diagnosis.
The treatment of jock itch is majorly using topical antifungal ointments and observing proper hygiene. Most cases are however improved by over the counter medication. Some may also require prescription medication, so avoid sharing objects like towels.
The above are some examples of fungal infections and how you can treat them. Noteworthy, is the fact that you should consider preventive measures rather than waiting to treat the infection altogether.