Fungal Skin Infections
- Posted on: Jun 30 2019
When it comes to skin, complications can occur in various shapes and sizes. Some may be harmless, like a little beauty spot above your lip. Others could be a sign of something more serious, such as a mole that is changing in shape. Our skin is a protective shield, keeping pathogens and harmful chemicals from getting into our systems. But, our skin isn’t perfect. And, when there are issues going on inside, our skin can show us what is going on. If you’ve ever gotten hives from an allergic reaction, you know what we’re talking about. Keep reading to learn more about fungal infections, and how we can help you treat them.
What is a fungal infection?
Fungal infections are very common and can occur on several areas of the body in various patients. We see and treat many types of fungal skin infections. If you have a stubborn rash, lesion, or even acne, it could be influenced by a fungal infection.
What leads to fungal infections?
Our bodies harbor fungal organisms or yeast that live in the dead top layer of the skin. You could get a fungal infection from the gym, from sharing a hairbrush, or even using an older shampoo that has been compromised.
How do I know if it’s fungal?
Many skin conditions are actually fungal, rather than bacterial. They are not scary, though they can be annoying and even cause you to feel self-conscious. Common fungal infections include:
- Ringworms, which appears as circular rings on the skin.
- Athlete’s Foot, which is often transferred via locker rooms, especially near swimming pools and other moist environments.
- Candidiasis, which is caused by candida, a fungi that lives on all surfaces of our bodies. These occur when yeast on the skin grows more actively and causes a red, scaling, itchy rash on the skin.
- Fungal Nail Infections, which is when a fungus attacks a fingernail, a toenail, or the skin under the nail.
- Fungal Acne, or Malassezia Folliculitis, which is often mistaken for acne vulgaris. Though it may look like acne, it is impervious to common acne treatments, as it is not bacterial.
How can I treat my fungal infection?
Many fungal skin infections can be treated with topical creams. In extensive or extreme cases, an oral medication may be prescribed to help your body fight the fungal overgrowth.
If you want to learn more about how we can help you treat your fungal infection, give us a call today at 303-761-7797.
Posted in: Blog Post, Fungal Infections