| Almost all fungal infections are caused by a type | | | | making the skin scaly and sore. The first sign is a |
| of parasitic fungi known as dermophytes that | | | | rash. Athlete’s foot should be treated quickly |
| infect the skin, hair or nails. Fungi are microscopic | | | | because its makes the skin more prone to |
| organisms consisting of cells such as mould, | | | | bacterial infection. |
| mildews and yeast. They are saprophytes that | | | | - Nail ringworm causes the infected nail(s) to look |
| absorb nutrients from the skin. Fungal infections | | | | thick and dull. Toenails are more susceptible to this |
| are not uncommon and are mostly easy to treat. | | | | infection than fingernails. The infected part of the |
| Fungal infections of the skin are also known as | | | | nail may break off from the rest of the nail. |
| ringworm and are of several types, including body | | | | - Scalp ringworm causes an itchy scalp and hair |
| ringworm (tinea corporis), jock itch (tinea cruris), | | | | loss in the infected parts. |
| athlete’s foot (tinea pedis), face ringworm | | | | How to Treat Fungal Infections? |
| (tinea faciei) and nail ringworm (tinea unguium). | | | | Proper diagnosis is very important for detecting |
| How do Fungal Infections Spread? | | | | fungal infections. This may be done by scraping a |
| Fungal infections dwell in warm, moist areas of | | | | tiny piece of skin from the affected area to |
| the skin, such as in the underarms, in the groin | | | | examine under a microscope. This will determine |
| and between fingers or toes. Most fungal | | | | the type of fungus. Fungal infections can be |
| infections spread quite easily, carried by various | | | | treated by applying an antifungal cream on the |
| modes like towels, combs, pillows and pets. | | | | affected area. Scalp ringworm can be treated |
| Contact of the infected area can also cause the | | | | with special shampoo. Jock itch infected persons |
| fungal infection to spread. | | | | should wear loose fitting clothes and avoid soap |
| What are the Symptoms of Fungal Infections? | | | | on the affected area. Antibiotics may be |
| The symptoms of some of the most common | | | | prescribed if the infection has advanced |
| fungal infections are as follows: | | | | significantly before treatment begins. |
| - Ringworm appears like a ring-shaped, pink or red | | | | Chemistdirect.co.uk is a registered online pharmacy |
| rash, with a very clear center, and itches a little. | | | | that has a wide range of health and beauty |
| - Jock itch looks like a red ring-shaped rash that | | | | products. It offers a lowest price guarantee and |
| appears around the groin area. It can be | | | | services such as drug refill reminders. Counseling is |
| extremely itchy and painful. | | | | available through mail or phone. |
| - Athlete’s foot appears between the toes, | | | | |