Top 4 Treatment Of Fungal Infections Of The Skin
Our body can be a host and home to several fungal organisms, especially when we sweat a lot. Fungal microorganisms live and thrive in moist and humid areas of the body. Some parts of our body, like areas between the fingers of the feet, genitals, and lower part of the breasts, are more vulnerable than others to these organisms. They cause unpleasant sensations and irritate the skin once they develop.
Tinea and yeast infections are two of the most common skin infections due to fungus. They do not go away on their own unless you undergo treatment for fungal infection. People living in humid areas who wear tight clothing are more likely to develop these infections.
Treatment for fungal infection aims to provide relief from itching and irritating sensation by inhibiting the growth of fungi and preventing the infection from recurring. But before you seek treatment for fungal infection, you need to get a proper diagnosis from your healthcare provider to avoid misusing medications. A formal diagnosis helps your physician identify the type of fungal infection you have to prescribe the correct medication.
What Is The Best Remedy For Fungal Skin Infection?
You may get a few antifungal products without a prescription, but chances are it may not work as you expect if your skin problem is severe. Over-the-counter medications are often the first-line treatment of skin fungal infections for mild cases. If your symptoms have not improved in 2-4 weeks, you need to meet your physician to receive a professional diagnosis and a prescription.
Treatment of fungal infections is available in the form of creams, sprays, ointments, and powders. Discuss with your physician to choose the right product to follow the treatment protocol without trouble.
1. Antifungal Cream To Treat Fungal Skin Infections
Antifungal creams are effective in the body and can be used with minimal irritation on the folds of the skin. The topical application of antifungal creams and lotions is the first-line approach for treating fungal infections. They are especially beneficial in treating candida infections. Terbinafine and imidazoles (ketoconazole, miconazole, clotrimazole, etc.) are the most commonly added antifungal ingredients to creams and lotions.
2. Powders And Sprays For Fungal Infection Of The Skin
Powders and sprays work well for an athlete's foot, where fungal infections appear in the feet due to prolonged sweating. The athlete's foot occurs due to continuous wearing of shoes and socks, which paves the way for fungus to develop. It produces unpleasant skin reactions like peeling, itching and stinging, sometimes causing severe blisters.
Sprays are more effective for treating fungal infections in the interdigital skin regions, like the area between the fingers of the feet, because they dry quickly. It stays on the skin for a reasonable amount of time. Twice a day application is highly recommended. You can use powders to treat fungal infections if you need to wear socks or shoes, as using creams or ointments may not be suitable.
3. Antifungal Shampoos To The Rescue
Shampoos are often recommended for ringworm which can cause scaly patches and redness on the scalp. Contrary to its name, it is a fungus and not a worm. Some people with this condition may experience patchy hair loss.
Shampoos are also effective against seborrheic dermatitis, this is a condition of severe dandruff. When a normal shampoo does not wash away your dandruff, the chances are that you may be having seborrheic dermatitis, where only medicated shampoo can get rid of your 'flakes.' Refer to the patient information leaflet attached to the product you purchase. Apply the shampoo and rub till it forms a lather. Allow this lather to stay on your scalp for the recommended duration, and wash it off thoroughly. Ensure that you sanitize your hands before and after using the shampoo.
4. Antifungal Medications - Oral And Injections
Oral antifungal treatment with terbinafine, ketoconazole, itraconazole, fluconazole or griseofulvin is often the second-line treatment of skin fungal infection. This is often prescribed when the topical mode of treatment does not seem to work. Usually, fungal skin infections go away with the proper use of antifungal creams or sprays. But in some cases, they may spread to other areas of the body and lead to more infection. In severe cases, your physician might even prescribe antifungal injections.
Even in the case of scalp infections, your physician might recommend antifungal medications as topical antifungal creams, lotions, and shampoos alone do not penetrate the skin and hair shaft. Griseofulvin and terbinafine are the two most frequently used medications. Along with this treatment, you may also use shampoos containing selenium sulfide or ketoconazole.
Prevention Of Recurrence
Preventing the recurrence of fungal infections is more crucial than treating them. Once you have a fungal infection, you must be more cautious to prevent it from recurring. You can do this by following certain practices in your daily life.
Use separate towels to dry your body and the affected area of the skin. Clean the affected part daily with soap and water and pat dry to remove unwanted moisture. Before going to public places, make sure that you wear protective clothing and slippers that do not irritate your skin. At home, clean your showers, taps, and other utilities regularly. Change your clothes before going to sleep. Change your mattresses frequently, and do not share your personal products with others.
