Fungal Infection: Symptoms, Causes & Treatment

What is a fungal infection?

If you are curious about what is a fungal infection, then here’s a simple explanation. A fungal infection is a skin condition triggered by fungus. Numerous fungal species exist on the earth, including in soil, plants, household surfaces, and even your skin, and individuals regularly inhale or encounter fungal spores without falling ill. There are various types of fungal infection and in certain cases, they can contribute to skin issues like rashes or raised bumps.

How is a Fungal Infection caused?

Following factors can contribute to fungal infection. This includes:

1. Recent antibiotic course

Prolonged systemic antibiotic use can raise the risk of yeast or fungal infections. Women and men may experience vulvovaginal candidiasis and balanitis, respectively, after broad-spectrum antibiotics.

2. Certain personal habits

Inadequate hygiene practices, such as infrequent handwashing, not showering after exercise, or wearing damp clothes, can contribute to fungal infections like jock itch, ringworm, and tinea cruris.

3. Weather Related

Fungal infections are more common during summer and monsoons in moist and humid conditions.

4. Type of Occupation

Professions involving exposure to fungal spores, like gardening or working with animals, can increase susceptibility.

5. Other Health Conditions

Diabetes Mellitus or uncontrolled diabetes can lead to fungal infections in the genital area, skin, oesophagus, or gastrointestinal tract. Similarly, advanced cancer weakens the immune system, making patients more prone to systemic fungal infections.

6. Different age groups

Newborns and elderly individuals with developing or weakened immune systems are susceptible to fungal infections.

Fungal Skin Infections Symptoms

• Irritation

• Scaly skin

• Redness

• Itching

• Swelling

• Blisters

How to Control Fungal Infections

Preventing fungal infections involves adopting proactive habits, such as —

1. Hygiene Practices

Following proper hygiene practices, including regular hand wash with soap and water, and keeping skin and nails clean and dry, is a good way to fight off against fungal infections.

2. Footwear Choice

Opting for breathable shoes and moisture-wicking socks reduces chance of fungal growth on feet.

3. Avoid Sharing Personal Items

Sharing items like towels, razors, and shoes can facilitate the transmission of fungal infections.

4. Use Natural Oils

Coconut oil and tea tree oil are both recognised as antifungal agents that help to get rid of toenail fungus and yeast infections. 

How to increase immunity against fungal infection?

There are lifestyle choices that can naturally boost your immune system to fight fungal infections.

1. Include Probiotic rich foods

Incorporating probiotics into your daily diet through yoghurt, fermented foods, or supplements helps foster healthy fungi that combat fungal infections while promoting gut health.

2. Eat Vitamin C-Rich Foods

Consume vitamin C-rich foods like citrus fruits (like lemons and oranges) to bolster your immune system and fight-off the fungal infection effectively.

3. Incorporate Ginger in food

This is because ginger has antifungal properties that offer protection against infections like candida.

4. Include Turmeric in your diet

Turmeric’s potent antifungal property offers protection against fungal infections. Apart from adding it in your daily food, you can also drink turmeric milk or water daily to gain benefits. You can also create a turmeric paste for topical application to inhibit growth and promote healing.