A fungus is an organism which lives in soil, in water, on plants and… in the human body. Only about 50% of all types of fungi are harmful, but most of them are really hard to kill. Some fungi are resistant to anti-fungal drugs, there are bacterial contaminations that no longer respond to antibiotics.
Causes
The infected skin has flakes and if other skin contacts flakes’ spores, there is a probability a new fungal infection to be developed. Public spaces like swimming pools, toilets, saunas and showers are places where fungal infections can strike up.
Here are the most common reasons for fungal infections:
- Diabetes
- Weak immune system
- Steroid use
- Overweight or obesity
- Antibiotics
- Have suffered from fungal infections on previous occasions
Types
The most common types of fungal infections are jock itch, athlete’s foot, and ringworm that can affect any part of the skin. Other wide-spread diseases are candidates (that can infect the vagina, mouth, and urinary tract) and onychomycosis that affects the nails. The seriousness of a fungal infection may vary from individual to individual.
Diagnosis
Fungal elements are sometimes hard to find, particularly if the tissue is extremely inflamed, so a negative result does not discover a fungal infection. Early fungal diagnostics are critical for effective treatment. Your GP will examine the infection and ask you about your symptoms. To confirm or establish the diagnosis of a fungal infection, hair, nail and skin tissue is collected for microscopy and mycology. For persistent infections, several other tests may be used for monitoring and diagnosis.
Treatment
Many patients suffering from fungal infection are using natural treatments. Unfortunately, there are some disadvantages from the usage of these home remedies. It is proved that their effectiveness is much lower than the one of chemical products and many people do not have the patience in order to complete the natural treatment. On the other hand, drugs used for systemic infections usually include highly toxic ingredients. It is essential to read the information leaflet that comes with your medicine for a full list of possible side-effects and cautions.
In conclusion, the best advice you can get is from a specialist. He will tell you the pros and cons of virtually every method of treating fungal infection. This way you will choose the safest method for your problem.