Introduction

The skin is the largest organ in our body and is also one of the most vulnerable as it is constantly exposed to heat, injury and infections. Although seldom life threatening, skin disorders can be uncomfortable and may cause chronic disabilities. In addition, because the skin is so visible, skin disorders can lead to psychological stress.

 
Common Skin Infections

Among the many types of skin disorders, skin infection is one of the most common. Skin infections may affect any parts of the body and may be due to fungal, bacterial, viral or parasitic infections. Fungal infection of the skin is the most common. Other less common infections of the skin include cellulitis (inflammation on the skin), folliculitis (infections of the hair follicles) and boils (due to bacterial infection) or cold sores (due to viral infections). If you have a break in the skin, you would be at risk for infection.

In this article, we will focus on the fungal infections of the skin.

 
Common Fungal Infections of the Skin

Among the most common types of fungal infections of the skin are candidiasis and ringworm that affect the foot (athlete's foot) and groin (jock's itch).

Candidiasis commonly affects women, with symptoms of white or yellow discharge from the vagina; itching; redness in the external area of the vagina and a burning sensation.

Candidiasis affecting the mouth (oral thrush) usually affects young children and infants, producing white patches on the tongue and sides of mouth that sometimes can be painful.

If you have red scaly ring-shaped patches with clearing centers, you could be having ringworm infection. Your chances of contracting ringworm infection are higher if you're malnourished; have poor hygiene; have had contact with other persons or pets already infected or if you have low immunity due to disease or medications. Being in a tropical country like Malaysia, the risk of contracting ringworm is also increased.

Athlete's foot (tinea pedis) commonly affects teenagers and adult males. Contributing causes include sweating, not drying the feet well after swimming or bathing, wearing tight socks and shoes, and warm weather conditions.

Symptoms of athlete's foot may be whitening of the skin between the toes, scaling of the feet, itchy rash and occasionally blisters on the feet.

Jock itch (tinea cruris) is more common in males and occurs more often during warm weather conditions. Symptoms may include red ring-like patches in the groin area, itch and occasionally pain. It seldom involves the scrotum.

 
Prevention and Treatment

One of the most important steps to prevent fungal infections of the skin is personal hygiene. It is necessary to dry our body thoroughly after a bath or after a physical workout to prevent moist areas especially under the armpit, the groin and in between the toes. It is also advisable to use your personal towel instead of sharing with another.

Treatment of fungal infections of the skin depends on the area that is affected. This is best determined by your doctor and may include the use of lotion or cream, shampoo or oral medications. Treatment may take from as long as four to eight weeks and sometimes include the use of steroids. Recurrence can happen.