Fungal Infection

Pityriasis versicolor

About Skin Fungal Infections

Fungal infections are the most common of all skin infections. They are particularly common in hot and humid climates.

Causes

There is a higher risk for fungal infection of the body if you

Live in damp, humid or crowded conditions
Have close contact with an infected person or animal
Share clothing, bedding or towels with someone who has a fungal infection
Sweat excessively
Participate in contact sports, such as wrestling, football or rugby
Wear tight or restricted clothing
Have a weakened immune system
Obese
Steroid overuse

Some of the commonly encountered fungal infections

PITYRIASIS VERSICOLOR –

Pityriasis versicolor occurs more frequently in hot and humid tropical climates like Mumbai.

Areas:

It commonly occurs on the upper part of the body and shoulder areas, and also affects the face, scalp, and below the breasts.

fungal-infection-1

Signs and Symptoms:

The rash presents as multiple white, pink to brown oval to round patches with mild, fine scales. The characteristic of the fungus is that it leaves areas of white patches (hypo pigmentation) that can take up to 12 weeks to return to their normal colour after disease clearance.

RINGWORM

Symptoms

The symptoms include

Itching
Ring-shaped (therefore called as a ringworm) areas
Red, raised and scaly patch with a red border and a clear or normal-appearing centre

Depending on the areas involved the various areas where infection can occur are:

On the scalp and Hair
On the face and beard area
On the foot and hand
On the body
On the groin and pubic area
On the nails

CANDIDIASIS –

Candida is capable of producing infection of skin and mucous membrane (such as mouth, penis, vagina) infections.

Symptoms and signs:

Candidiasis is generally a red rash, with a variable degree of itching and soreness. The area may appear moist red in colour with a periphery of tiny raised lesions and pus filled tiny boils.

In the mouth, the Candidiasis appears as whitish area/ plaque that leave a raw bleeding surface if removed.

Diagnosis of Fungal Infection

Ringworm is usually diagnosed by a dermatologist based on assessing the individual’s medical history and a physical examination. The clinical presentation is unique.
Nail clippings are required to examine ringworm in the nails.

Treatments at Skin & You Clinic for Fungal infections

Depending on the type and the site of the infection the treatment is modified. Anti-fungal medications are the main line of treatment are usually given for longer duration for complete recovery

Prevention – This is possible by applying powder containing clotrimazole, miconazole to areas prone to fungal infection after bathing.
Topical Anti-Fungal – Various anti-fungals such as clotrimazole, miconazole, Ketoconazole, terbinafine, ciclopiroxolamine can be applied to the lesions generally twice daily.
Systemic Anti-fungal – Such as Fluconazole, Terbinafine, Itraconazole are given orally in combination with the topical anti-fungal medications.
Duration of the Treatment – This depends on the site and severity of infections. Because fungi can live indefinitely on the skin, a recurrence of infection is possible if treatment schedule is not followed as advised.

Why Skin & You Clinic for treating Fungal Infection?

We, at Skin & You Clinic, assess, examine and treat all dermatological conditions with utmost care.