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Fungal infections may occur in any part of your body. Sometimes the infections may result in redness and itchiness. When the fungus goes inside the body, the symptoms may get worse. Mostly, fungal infections occur on the skin. Before diving into the treatment, let us first examine some common types of fungal infections

Woman looking between her toes at her athlete's foot

Types of fungal infections

  1. Ringworm

When a red or silver rash appears on any part of the body then it is ringworm. When any part of our body is infected with this rash, it causes itchiness and redness. Fungus trichophyton rubrum is responsible for ringworm and may be found anywhere on grasslands or damp places. 

  1. Athlete’s foot 

Athlete’s foot is a type of fungal infection in which the feet become scaly and itchy. To treat this infection, many creams and lubricants are easily available from stores and chemists. They contain soothing ingredients to get rid of itchiness. You must keep your feet dry after washing them daily to prevent this infection. 

  1. Fungal nail infection

Also known as Onychomycosis, this infection occurs in the toenails of our feet. When the toenails or fingernails become clumpy, brittle, and discoloured then it means that fungus has infected the nails.

  1. Jock itch

This infection mostly happens to men as it occurs in the groin. When the area remains damp mostly then the fungi hit the groin. It may happen to women as well. There are a number of creams and moisturisers that are available in the form of over-the-counter lubricants from pharmacies. 

  1. Cutaneous candidiasis

This fungal infection occurs in the folded parts of the skin in infants mostly. Mostly regarded as a nappy rash, it can happen in the groin of babies. People with obesity or diabetes may also become the victims of this infection. Oral thrush and vaginal infections also come under this category. 

Prevention

Although it is almost impossible to stay away from fungi as they are everywhere, we can incorporate some minor lifestyle changes to prevent these infections. 

  1. Wear new socks daily
  2. Wash your feet daily and pat them dry
  3. Take a shower every alternate day 
  4. Soak yourself in the sun to take in Vitamin D
  5. Stay hydrated
  6. Moisturise your hands and feet after coming back from the shower
  7. Follow a strictly personal and oral hygiene 

When to see a GP?

If you have any type of fungal infection and it does not appear to be serious then you should purchase some over-the-counter anti-fungal creams to apply to the rash. However, if the infection is getting worse every passing day then it is time to visit your GP. The GP may take a sample of the infection to rule out any other underlying cause. When the sample is sent to the laboratory to run tests, only then a proper treatment can be started.

Effective treatment and prevention tips for common fungal infections, from athlete's foot to ringworm.

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