Skin Fungus Treatment
In Vancouver BC
Skin infections are any skin rashes, pigmentations, or lesions caused by any of the numerous fungal microorganisms that live in our bodies and on our skin. Most of these fungi are harmless as long as their population is limited and they do not multiply abnormally. Once they overgrow, they tend to penetrate the skin or infect the epidermis, causing itchy and painful rashes and growths.
All fungi flourish in warm, humid environments. Hence, people who live in such areas are more prone to developing any fungal infections. However, anyone worldwide can develop such conditions when their body is excessively warm, moist, and uncleaned for a long time.
Most skin fungi do not cause any serious problems, and their infections are easily treatable. However, fungal infections are contagious and can quickly spread through physical contact, shared objects, frequently touched surfaces, or even from animals.
Who Is More Prone To Develop Fungal Skin Infections?
Fungal infections are more common in people who:
- sweat excessively due to their work or health conditions like hyperhidrosis
- avoid hygiene and don’t bathe regularly
- frequently wear tight-fitting clothes and footwear
- frequently share their clothes, accessories, vehicles, or other objects with others
- work closely with animals
- have a weak immune system due to systemic disorders such as cancer or HIV
What Are The Main Types Of Fungal Skin infections?
Ringworms:
Ringworms of the body or tinea corporis is characterized by ring-shaped, itchy, red, scaly, and slightly raised rashes that start small and gradually expand outward. Their shape is surprisingly circular and usually develop in damp and warm areas anywhere on the body.
The skin inside the circular patches usually appears to be healthy and covered with scales and small lesions.
Based on the area they infect, ringworms are typically classified into the following categories:
- Ringworm of the scalp (tinea capitis): here, the ring forms in the scalp and affects the hair shafts. It is mostly observed in kids and develops irritable localized bald patches.
- Jock Itch: the rings erupt in the groin area, mostly in adolescent men. The main jock itch symptoms include a small rash in the groin that worsens after exercising and becomes flaky or cracked.
- Athlete’s Foot: this is a condition of the feet where the toe gaps or the soles develop flaky, dry scale patches which cause severe itching, burning, or stinging sensations.
Tinea Versicolor:
It is caused by the overgrowth of a bodily fungus called Malassezia. Its infection causes small oval discolored patches on the back, chest, and upper arms.
The patches can be dark or light tone of red, pink, tan, or brown color. Tinea Versicolor is known to be a recurring condition where the discolored patches keep becoming scaly and itchy.
Onychomycosis (tinea unguium):
This is a fungal growth that infects the nails, making them thick, brittle and discolored. If the infection becomes too severe, either a part or the entire nail is permanently removed.
Cutaneous Candidiasis:
The Candida fungi, when overgrown over the body, causes these skin rashes in parts that are mostly moist and poorly ventilated, such as under the breasts, between the buttocks, or the armpits.
Fungal Acne:
One may develop infected hair follicles caused by yeast overgrowth. The follicles look like pimples or whiteheads and become significantly itchy.
It should not be confused with acne vulgaris and requires unique antifungal treatments.
How Does Dr. E Treat The Various Fungal Skin Infections?
Most skin infection conditions are easily treatable with antifungal medications. For the past several years, Dr. Ebrahim has suggested the best combinations of the latest antifungal creams, pills, sprays, and shampoos for treating unique skin fungi. The aim of these topical and oral medicines is to either eliminate fungi or prevent them from proliferating.
Though most skin fungus medicines are over-the-counter, Dr. Ebrahim suggests that you must consult an experienced doctor who can help you identify your exact fungal type and prescribe suitable medicines for quick relief.
Take Your First Step
If you think you may have developed any of the above fungal infections and need to discuss your symptoms, you can directly reach out to Dr. Ebrahim on 236-878-7002 or at info@dredermatology.com and get the best suggestions for antifungal creams and medications.
Patients Before & After Consulting Dr. E
Patient Testimonials
