Fungal Infections
Last Updated on by Sophie
Fungal Infections
White spots is superficial infection of the skin, and it is relatively common. The medical term is Pityriasis versicolor or Tinea versicolor.
What is white spots?
White spots is superficial infection of the skin, and it is relatively common. The medical term is Pityriasis versicolor or Tinea versicolor.
It usually affects male adults during hot weather due to excessive sweating. It is itchy and causes also the appearance of scalable rash that is white, pink or brown in color, it usually appears on the face, neck, chest, shoulders, limbs and the back .
What is Ringworm?
Ringworm is common term for superficial fungal infection of the skin which is scalable, red in color and round in shape, similar to a ring.
It is known as Tinea Capitis or Ringworm of the scalp, and affects mainly children and can cause hair fall. it is treatable but but my result in skin pigmentation.
What is Athlete’s Foot?
This is known as Tinea Pedis and is one of the most common fungal infections of the skin. The skin on the sole and toe webs becomes very scaly and peels easily.
It is itchy and occasionally small blisters may appear. The infection can also affects the toenails.
What is Moniliasis or Candidiasis?
This is a yeast infection that often affects moist area of the skin like skin folds, armpits and groins. It can appear also in genitalia and can cause vaginal discharge in women’s.
It is more common in people with diabetes mellitus and it is itchy and red in color.
How to prevent superficial fungal infections?
1- When the skin area is sweaty and the weather is hot Fungi will appear on the skin in areas like toes, groin and armpits. Keeping your skin dry is the first preventive measure you can take
2- Do not walk bare footed in wet areas like common showers, gyms, public toilets and swimming pools.
3- Avoid sharing personal napkins, towels, combs and hair brushes as they may be infected.
4- Wear cotton socks to keep you feet and toe always dry and change them daily.
5- Avoid wearing damp shoes.
How to treat superficial fungal infections?
1- Apply anti-fungal cream on the affected areas 2-3 times a day for 4 weeks.
2- Do not stop using the medication when the rash has cleared, and continue using it for at least 7 days after the infection the spots disappear and seemed cured.
In the case of white spots, the white color will remain after treatment and it will take time before disappearing.
3- Oral anti-fungal medication are needed when large area of the skin is affected and this will be decided by the dermatologist.
These medications include clotrimazole, ketoconazole, andmiconazole. Over-the-counter dandruff shampoos applied to the skin for 10 minutes each day in the shower may also help treat the skin.