What are Fungal Infections?
Fungus exists in the air, in soil, on plants and in water, only half of all types of fungi can be harmful. Fungal spores are tiny and can be inhaled or land on your skin, causing a fungal infection. There are numerous types of fungal infections based on the affected area of the body. There are 3 common types;
Nail infections Nail infections usually affect the toenails, but can appear on finger nails too. It develops slowly, causing deterioration, thickening and distortion of the nail.
Athlete's Foot It is a rash caused by fungus, usually between the toes, feeding on dead skin cells. It should be treated at the earliest as it is fast spreading to other parts of the body as well as other people.
Ringworm A common fungal infection that causes ring-like rashes on the skin, usually affecting the arms and legs, but can appear anywhere. While it is not serious, it is highly contagious. You are more likely to get a fungal infection if you have a weakened immune system.
Symptoms present differently, depending on the type of infection and where it is located on the body.
Nail infection A fungal nail infection doesn't usually result in any symptoms at first. Progressively the nail becomes thick and hurts when pressed on the inside of a shoe. Eventually it results in discolouration and distortion, the nail begins to crumble and pieces break off and the skin nearby might also start to crack.
Athlete's Foot Athlete's foot, affecting the skin between the toes or on the bottom of the feet result in dry, white, scaly and cracked skin. The skin area can be itchy and sore, covered in small blisters.
Ringworm Ringworms result in ring-like red or silvery rashes. It causes the skin around the affected area to become scaly, itchy and inflamed. In severe cases, rings may multiply and grow bigger, and also cause blisters and pus-filled sores around the rings.
Fungal infections are common, unpleasant to deal with and extremely contagious.Nail infections in particular are hard to diagnose as they do not present with distinct symptoms. However, over a long period of time it causes distortion, discolouration and thickening of the nails. We recommend getting tested for a fungal infection at the earliest signs to avoid spreading it to other parts of your body and other people.