Fungal Infection and Treatment

The incidence of fungal infections has increased globally. A fungus is a tiny organism, such as mold or mildew. Fungi are everywhere - in the air, water and on the human body. About half of fungi are harmful. If one of the harmful fungi lands on skin, it can cause a fungal infection  and  develop a rash or feel itchy. There are many types of  Fungal infections. Among them the commonest one- Scalp ringworm (tinea capitis), Ringworm (tinea corporis), Athlete's Foot (tinea pedis), Jock Itch (tinea cruris), Nail Fungus (onychomycosis).  The  diagnosis can be confirmed by examining scrapings of the scale that can be identified through  microscope (KOH preparation). In some cases it needs to do the skin (biopsy) or fluid (aspiration) test and for severe infections, it  may need a blood test.
Factors that increase risk of developing a yeast infection include: prolonged uses of antibiotics, Increased estrogen levels in blood, Uncontrolled diabetes, impaired immune system etc.
Treatment for skin fungus includes: Antifungal creams, many of which are available over-the-counter. Oral uses of Medicine  require when the fungal infection is severe. Clotrimazole, econazole, miconazole, terbinafine, fluconazole, griseofulvin  amongst the common medicines used to treat fungal infection.
 

Author(s): Saikat Gupta

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