What are Fungi?

Fungi are microscopic plant organisms that consist of cells such as mould, mildews and yeast. They cannot produce their own food; thus behave as either parasites or saprophytes, absorbing nutrients from organic matter such as humans and animals.

Fungi are infections.

What are the types of Fungal Infections and how to prevent them?

1. Althletes foot

- Wear flip-flops in changing areas.
- Use antifungal sprays or powders in shoes and feet.
- Dry the feet and between the toes last after a shower to prevent spread to other parts of the skin.
- Avoid tight or closed footwear especially in warm climates.
- Change socks daily. Cotton socks keep the feet cooler.
- Wash towels daily.

2. Jock itch (Groin infection)

It is commonly seen in boys and men whose anatomy allows for a warm, moist environment which is ideal for fungal growth. It is often itchy and occurs in the groin creases (the scrotum is rarely affected), although it may spread to the upper inner thigh, buttocks and sometimes the lower abdomen.

Jock itch is shows as red-brown scarly rash, sometimes with small blisters or pustules at the edge. Sometimes the skin may show a thickened appearance result from rubbing and chronic scratching.

To prevent it:

- Wash the groin daily. Dry the skin carefully after bathing.
- Do not dry the feet before the groin to reduce the risk of spreading fungus from the feet.
- Change underwear daily.
- Wash towels daily.

3. Ringworm (skin infection)

Ringworm causes red scaly patches that are typically ring-shaped. It generally appear on the upper body, or the hands and feet. Beware that ringworm is sometimes inadvertently treated with topical cortisone creams, which change the appearance of the rash and may worsen the condition.

To prevent it:

- Ringworm on the body can either spread from fungus elsewhere on the skin or from animals. - - It can also spread from contact with others.

4. Nail infections

- An infected toenail is common but there won't always be symptoms.
- You may see a thickening of the nail, which can be uncomfortable when it rubs against footwear.
- You may also see an infection of the skin, especially the web space between the outer toes.

5. Scalp infections

- An infection of the scalp would show an increase of fungus.
- It can be spread to others in the same family, or at school.
- There is no need to keep children out of school but combs and head wear should not be shared with other children.
- There is always a risk of the infection being spread from pets.

Type of treatment drugs

1. Clotrimazole
2. Ciclopirox
3. Ketoconazole
4. Terbinafine Hydrochloride
5. Itraconazole
6. FLuconazole

Anyone can get a fungal infection and today's active lifestyles can make it easier to become exposed. There are several effective treatment regimens available, depending on the condition, getting rid of an infection can take several weeks and not rely on several days.