Fungal infections

We will focus on few FAQs that will give us all the necessary information on fungal infections. 

1.What does the word fungus mean?

The word fungus derives from the latin word fungus for mushroom. These  are saprophytic ( derive nutrition from dead or decaying matter) and parasitic (depend on other organism/substance for food and cannot produce their own food) spore-producing eukaryotic typically filamentous organisms formerly classified as plants that lack chlorophyll and include molds, rusts, mildews, smuts, mushrooms, and yeasts.

2. Why and how do humans get fungal infections?

Millions of Fungal spores are present in the environment. When they get a good habitat they can grow and establish their colonies. This happens due to humidity, warmth and occlusion. These 3 factors are the most important in enabling colonization and propagation of fungus on human skin. Humidity depends on the climate in the region with tropical areas like western, Eastern and Southern parts of India especially coastal areas are more humid than rest of the country. On the human body certain areas are dry but areas like armpits, thighs, groins and other folds trap moisture as air is not able to circulate here and sweat does not evaporate. Warmth depends on the climate in the region. When sweat evaporates it reduces the temperature of the skin. Hence the exposed areas are dry

and cooler but areas which are in folds or enclosed in occlusion clothing will remain warmer. Hence we come to occlusion which is the third most important factor predisposing to fungal infections in humans. Due to increased use of synthetic and tight clothing there is increased incidence of fungal infections like jock itch. 

3. What are the other factors increasing risk of fungal infections?

Apart from above 3 factors following are other important reasons for increasing incidence of fungal infections especially in India.

a. Hygiene habits:  failure to bathe atleast twice a day followed by drying oneself with a clean towel. Failure to bathe immediately after exercise or strenuous work.

b. Work hours and traveling time and mode of travel.

Long working hours and sitting for prolonged periods especially on synthetic chairs prevents aeration of buttock and thigh regions . In addition if occlusion clothes like leggings,  jeggings, jeans or synthetic mix / wool mix trousers are worn this doubles one's chances of getting fungal infections. If one is traveling long distances especially via public transport then one tends to sweat and this sweat will accumulate in the inner clothing. So even if one later sits in an AC office one is predisposed to getting fungal infections. 

c.  Wearing occlusive clothing during and post exercise or even at leisure times.

Clothing made of spandex or lycra is not recommended in humid environments for exercise. These are mainly recommended for performance sports.

d. Using OTC creams: There is no single cream to treat all skin diseases. The Dermatology branch of medicine is a vast subject of specialization and no two skin conditions can be alike in terms of causation, patient profile, medication required or tolerated. These so called creams given by medical stores and suggested by friends and relatives comprises of strong steroids combinations which on one side makes one feel paradoxically better while on the other side increasing the spread of fungus. So eventually one gets widespread fungal infection and keeps reapplying the cream in a futile attempt to treat oneself. During this time patients spend a lot of money buying all sorts of medications without complete relief and also increase the chances of resistance development and development of side-effects to medications. One must visit a board certified Dermatologist having any of the following degrees for accurate diagnosis and treatment of their skin condition and avoid treatment from non certified persons/ online disease search or directly buying creams from medical stores or online pharmacies who may give free/ cheap consultation without in depth history or examination of patient. 

e. Presence of zoological source:  Contact with pets who are suffering from fungal infection can act as a source of fungal infections.

 

To know more about skin diseases you can visit our website www.skinnsculpt.com. Do follow and connect with us on Instagram @skinnsculpt and Facebook @ Skin'N'Sculpt clinic or what's app us on 9769112573 or email@ skinnsculpt@gmail.com.  

We are based in Andheri east and we do not have any branches elsewhere.

Keep looking out for our next blog on symptoms and signs of fungal infections. 

Do leave us a comment or query and we will be happy to answer. We can however not give any treatment advises. 

Disclaimer: This blog is only to create awareness on skin issues and does not substitute a doctors consultation or opinion. Please get in touch with a qualified Dermatologist for consultation in case of any skin issues. Searches done online depends on the knowledge of the person who is searching hence lay persons find themselves in complete confusion when they search medical issues. These are best left to experts.