Fungi is the most resistant kingdom comprising millions of species currently inhabiting the Earth. It can grow in moist soil, air, water, and land. Moreover, it can withstand high solute, sugar concentrations, and other extreme environmental conditions.
Fungi can be both beneficial and harmful. Yeast is the common cause of many human infections out of many fungal species despite its multiple advantages. They cannot be eliminated unless treated by natural treatment for yeast infections or via synthetic anti-fungal medications.
Here are some common fungal infections. These are not only problematic but also require immediate treatment to restrict rapid fungal growth.
Athletes Foot
Medically it is also known as Tinea pedis. It is an infection caused by several fungal species, mainly affecting the toes of feet. The primary causative agents are Epidermophyton floccosum, trichophyton rubrum, and T. mentagrophytes.
Since this type of fungal infection is more common in sportspeople and athletes, it is known as Athlete’s foot. Such people experience this discomfort due to their feet’ moist and humid environment covered with socks and shoes.
However, all individuals are susceptible to this infection in warm, humid, damp weather conditions. Such a situation is easily identifiable by the common signs and symptoms. These include redness, itchiness, skin flaking, peeling or cracking, tenderness, and burning sensation.
Diagnosis:
Your physician will tell you whether the itchiness in the feet is Athletes’s foot or not. Such a diagnosis involves observing the peeled away piece of infected skin under the microscope. Fungi can grow very fast, so it is essential to treat the infection on time.
Treatment:
You can go for a home remedy like soaking the feet in warm water infused with clove oil. Clove oil is highly beneficial as its principal chemical constituent, “Eugenol,” is an excellent anti-fungal agent. Moreover, keeping your feet in an open environment to help them breathe properly can alleviate the symptoms.
Over the counter, anti-fungal ointments are also available in the market that you can topically(on the skin) administer repeatedly about four times a day. Severe fungal infections also require oral medication prescribed by the physician.
Candidiasis:
Candidiasis is the yeast infection caused by the fungal species Candida albicans. It can mainly affect the mouth, vagina, gut, and throat. Also, common ones are diaper rash and toenail infections. The outgrowth of the fungus disrupts natural flora present in the mucous membranes, e.g., vaginal. Consequently, it results in an imbalance of the pH.
In the case of oral candidiasis, white to yellowish colored fungi grows on the tongue. It gives the tongue a velvety appearance, more mucus formation, and difficulty in swallowing food.
Symptoms of vaginal candidiasis include itchiness and swelling of the inner lining of the vagina. Burning sensation accompanied by pain during urination or sexual intercourse. Moreover, the sticky yellowish to grey discharge from the vagina that can be irritating too.
The primary cause of such type vaginal fungal infection is sexually transmitted diseases ( STDs). Fungal infections should be treated immediately to restrict the spread and further complications.
Treatment:
Treatment depends on the severity of the infection. Sometimes over the counter, anti-fungal ointments are generally prescribed. They should be applied around the vaginal walls. Severe cases involve the use of pessaries that are inserted inside the vaginal cavity. Oral medications are helpful in the treatment of oral candidiasis. The Goodbye Company is making natural serums to fight this type of infections.
Ringworm:
Medically known as Tinea corporis, the dermatophyte species cause these types of fungal infections.
Maybe the same fungal species that cause Jock itch and Athletes foot. It mainly affects skin, hair, and nails.
Visibly infection forms a ring that contains a white circular ring surrounded by redness; that is why we call it ringworm. Multiple rings may also develop.
Diagnosis is much more comfortable and visible by the presence of red scaly rings.
Treatment and Preventions:
Tinea corporis is a highly contagious infection. So avoid sharing your hygiene products like towels. Also, prevent touching pets like dogs that are affected by this condition. Removing the damp clothes and avoiding wearing wet dresses can eliminate this situation and its further progress. Over the counter, anti-fungal topical ointments are best to treat ringworms. However, ringworm of the scalp that is a severe condition requires medical assistance.