Fungal infection is a common yet annoying skin problem that most people suffer from. Doctors say fungal infections can be contagious. They can quickly spread from one person to another by direct skin contact, sharing clothes, or using common washrooms.
Fungal infections can be transmittable until the spores on the skin die. These spores can live on your skin for at least 12 to 20 months. That said, it is essential to disinfect them as early as it starts.
Causes of Fungal Infection
There are thousands of fungal species that can cause different types of infections. For instance, the fungi living in the water can infect swimmers and others using the pool. Similarly, candida, a kind of fungus, can cause yeast infections. Fungal infections mostly occur on the vulva, the vaginal areas, ear lobes, and upper thighs. Athletes can get an infection on their feet and nails. People who sweat a lot may also face a similar issue.
Sitting for a long time, not maintaining proper hygiene, not bathing regularly, poor eating habits, and weak immunity can also cause the infection. The rate of spread of the infection is more in females, especially if they are pregnant. During the pregnancy, they can get infected around the breasts and pubic parts due to hormonal imbalance during the menstrual cycle.
4 Treatments That can Cure Fungal Infections
The treatment usually depends on the type of fungal infections and the fungi causing it. However, here are the most standard treatment plans that a doctor would recommend.
1. Medication
Different types of fungal infections need different medications. Hence, it is suggested that you do not use any medicines without a consultation with a trusted dermatologist. This can have side effects, leading to another problem for you.
The course of medication is usually of a month or two which should not be neglected. However, the medicines can also take longer than two months if the patients do not maintain proper hygiene along with the medication.
2. Anti-fungal creams
Creams are prescribed depending on your condition and the spread of infection. You can get certain creams over the counter to treat mild infections. However, if the infection is not mild or does not stop spreading, it is best to visit a medical practitioner. The creams must be applied 3-4 times a day after a shower or as prescribed by the doctor.
Applying the cream for at least a week more is recommended even if the infection is cured. This ensures that the infection does not start growing again once you stop applying the cream.
3. Shampoos and soaps
When suffering from a fungal infection, avoid using your regular soap as it can soar the condition. Instead, you should be using soaps that are specifically created to disinfect the spores and fight fungi. Use the prescribed soap until the infection is completely cured.
Fungal infection also occurs in the scalp, which is highly contagious and may cause hair fall issues. It can also lead to an itchy scalp with red patches. If that’s the case, the skin specialist will prescribe you shampoo with some medications to clear the patches and help your hair regrow.
4. Injections
While a few fungal infections are mild and non-fatal, a few others can be extremely dangerous. If the fungal infection is severe and has affected your ear, mouth, lungs, or any other organs of your body, doctors would prescribe anti-fungal infections. These injections work by retarding the growth of the fungus inside your body.
How to Prevent Fungal Infections
Some standard precaution and prevention measures to prevent fungal infections include:
- Avoid direct body contact with an infection
- Do not wear tight-fitting clothes that can lead to excess sweat
- Do not share towels or any clothes
- Maintain proper hygiene
- Do not wear clothes or apply ointments to your wet body
- Take a shower if your body has too much sweat (after the gym or a sports session)
- Avoid using public toilets that lack hygiene
- Wash your sweaty socks regularly
- Try consuming less packaged foods
- Vegetables such as eggplant and okra must be avoided
- Avoid consuming sugary food
Fungal infections can be stressful and can take longer to be cured sometimes. It can be very irritating at times, especially if you have a severe infection that causes continuous itching. Hence, it is best to learn about it and follow the prevention measures to avoid being infected. However, if you get infected, try not to stress out more because it might weaken your immune system, and your body will find it difficult to fight the infection.
You must try to maintain a healthy diet, that’s the best way to cure the infection quickly. If your heart and blood circulation is good, you will be able to fight fungal infection easily.
