6 Ways To Prevent Fungal Infections On The Skin

Who doesn’t like checking themselves out in front of the mirror? 

It’s one of the most natural things we do and it’s a good thing too because it serves a purpose that is far more important than just fueling vanity.  It allows you to spot changes in your skin and body that can be early warning signs of health problems that may be brewing under the surface.  White or light brown patches and itching skin, for instance, could be indicative of fungal infections.  While these can be a tad uncomfortable, you need not be alarmed. Fungal infections are common and, if you’ll forgive the turn of phrase, often mushroom when the weather changes and humidity increases.  

Fungal infections happen when different varieties of bacterias start to grow on your skin. One of the main reasons behind fungal growth is itchy skin. Fungal growths could attack keratin, a protein that makes up your skin, hair, and nails, and could develop in the dead cell leading to serious medical conditions like bacterial pneumonia, meningitis, blood infections, and lung infections. Some of the common forms of fungal infections include ringworm, nail infections, intertrigo, Athlete's foot, and more.

There are different ways of preventing the onset of and protecting yourself from fungal infections:

Most Common Causes of Fungal Infections: 

• Warm and humid environments are generally a breeding ground for fungal infections. Thus excessive sweating and wearing tight garments makes you susceptible to itchy skin and infections. 
• Poor immunity is one of the many reasons why some of us are susceptible to bacterial infections like diabetes, HIV, fungal infections, and more.  
• Lack of personal hygiene is also one of the many reasons why you could suffer from bacterial infections.
• Wearing dirty undergarments like smelly socks, used underwear, and bras can prompt fungal infections. 
• Wearing clothes that are too tight that do not give you breathing space can also lead to bacteria accumulation in sweat and lead to fungal growth.
• Another factor that could cause fungal infection is weight. If you are overweight then chances are you may have sweat accumulated in skin folds, further giving a favourable condition to parasites to grow. 
• Stress could affect your body’s response and a low immune response could also make you susceptible to fungal infection. 
• Hormonal changes during pregnancy can prompt vaginal yeast infections. 

Fungal infections can on occasion be confused with other skin diseases, for instance, psoriasis and dermatitis. Fungal infections can bring about skin conditions like rashes, redness, swelling, and itchiness. The bacteria not only affect a single area, but they could also reach other parts of your body. If you get a fungal infection in your scalp, you may lose your hair. 

How To Prevent Fungal Infections:

Below we have some ways in which you can protect your skin against itchiness and fungal infections.  

1. One of the first tips is to dry your skin after a shower. Make sure you are using a clean towel and you pat dry sensitive areas on your body. Make sure you are not sharing hairbrushes, towels, or brushes since they can breed bacteria easily. In case someone in your family faces a problem like a scalp ringworm, avoid using items like caps, brushes, pillows, or scissors that might be used by them. 

2. Another easy breeding ground for fungal bacteria in your shoes. You do not give an adequate chance to dry your shoes inside out by keeping them in the sun every few days. Due to the dampness from the skin, your shoe sole could give favorable conditions for these fungal bacteria to grow which could lead to fungal infections and itchy skin. You need to make sure you are washing your socks regularly. 

3. Try wearing more loose undergarments and use products that are made of pure cotton or other breathable materials to make sure the sweat is drying out naturally. You should also make sure that all your bedding material, undergarments, and maintain optimal personal hygiene to make sure you are giving the fungal bacteria favorable breeding ground.  

4. In case you have diabetes make sure to monitor your glucose levels regularly. A sudden increase in blood sugar levels can delay healing that could turn a simple fungal infection into a serious medical condition. If you have patchy skin or ringworm that remains untreated for a long time, you might need to consult a dermatologist, whether it could be solved with medicine or if you need surgery. 

5. Avoid using harsh and chemical-based cleaners to clean garments. You need to also avoid using scented personal hygiene products like vaginal cleaners, pads, bathing salts, and more.  

6. It is advisable to wash the affected region around 2 to 3 times each day with lukewarm water. Lukewarm water helps in managing the intensity of fungal development. Keep the affected region as dry as possible. It is also recommended to avoid scathing hot water for warm compresses and bathing as it allows the fungal organism to develop. 

When To Visit a Specialist for Fungal Infections? 

• No home remedy has been effective. 
• The fungal disease recurs, reoccurs, and repeats. 
• The contamination begins spreading to other areas.
• If you experience fungal infections while pregnant. 
• If you are diabetic with an untreated bacterial infection.
• Fungal disease is accompanied by fever, pus, pain, and flaky skin.  

Conclusion: 

Most fungal infections can be treated with home remedies within a week. However, if you are experiencing other symptoms with infection, then you need to go to the doctors for additional treatment.