FUNGAL INFECTIONS

Who is at risk of fungal infection?

Fungal infections can be treated easily if the right treatment is given and followed. The following people are at a greater risk of infection:

• Diabetic patients
• Those taking antibiotics and have a weakened immune system
• People undergoing cancer treatment

General symptoms include:

• Persistent itching
• Reddish and scaly skin

What are the types of fungal infections?

Yeast infection

Excessive growth of Candida Albicans in the vagina leads to vaginal yeast infections. This causes an imbalance of bacteria and yeast in the vagina. Factors that can cause this infection are hormone imbalance, antibiotics, poor diet, and stress.

Candida can also cause diaper rash and fungal toenail infection.

Symptoms of vaginal yeast infection

• Swelling and redness of the vulva
• Persistent vaginal itching
• Severe pain during sex and when urinating
• Soreness of the vagina
• Development of rashes over time
• White vaginal discharge that is thick or watery

If not treated, the yeast infection can get worse.

Diagnosis of yeast infection

It is easy to diagnose a vaginal yeast infection. The cervix and vaginal wall will be examined by a doctor to check for signs of infection.

The doctor will take cells from the vagina for further testing. Also, the patient's sexual medical history will be studied, including any antibiotics they have been taking, to fully identify if there has been a yeast infection or STI in the past.

Treatment of yeast infection

This includes suppositories, cream, over-the-counter medications, and tablets sold online or prescribed by a healthcare provider. But the type of treatment to be given depends on how serious the yeast infection is. Severe yeast infections will need more serious treatment.

Prevention of yeast infection

• Eating a balanced diet
• Maintaining good hygiene
• Washing underwear in hot water
• Wearing fibre-made clothes
• Non perfumed feminine products

TineaCruris

Also known as jock itch. Tineacruris is a common fungal infection that is found on wet or damp body parts such as the buttocks, genitals, and inner thighs. This fungal infection is contagious and is passed on via direct contact with an infected person.

Symptoms of tineacruris

• Redness of the buttocks, thighs, and groin
• Itching, irritation, and burning sensation of the affected area
• Circular red rash on the affected area of the skin
• Flaking, cracking, or peeling of the skin on the affected areas

Prevention of tineacruris

• Do not share towels or clothes
• Wear loose-fitting clothes produced from natural fibres such as cotton
• Avoid direct contact with an infected person

Diagnosis of tineacruris

A physical examination to identify tineacruris and a skin sample of the infected area will confirmed by a doctor.

Treatment for tineacruris

Over-the-counter antifungal ointments and creams are used to treat te infection.  Keeping the affected area clean and dry will help clear the infection.  Our doctor may prescribe a medication in severe cases of jock itch.

Conclusion

These infections are very common and can be prevented by practising good personal hygiene. Over-the-counter creams and ointments can be used to treat fungal infections, but when the infection is severe, our doctor may prescribe additional medication.