Fungal infections are caused by yeasts, which are forms of fungi. Fungi are also responsible for athletes’ feet and ringworm. These are two of the most common types of fungal infections. If you are concerned that you may have contracted a fungal infection, you may be wondering how to treat it. The good news is that these infections are easy to get rid of with over-the-counter medication, but they do require patience and diligence on your part to ensure that they are eliminated completely.
Causes of fungal infection
A fungal infection can occur in any part of your body. Most commonly, these infections develop on dry areas of skin, especially between your toes and under fingernails. But they can also affect moist parts of your body like the mouth or vagina.
While the most fungus is harmless (such as those that cause athlete’s foot), other fungal infections can be life-threatening in rare cases.
For example, candidiasis occurs when yeast spreads throughout your entire bloodstream. It is fatal in approximately 5 per cent of cases. Candidiasis typically occurs in people with weakened immune systems, like those living with HIV/AIDS or cancer patients receiving chemotherapy.
Types of fungi
There are two primary types of fungi:
- Dimorphic fungi – Dimorphic fungi grow in either mycelial (mold) or yeast form, depending on temperature. Mycelial fungal infections cause systemic symptoms such as coughing and fatigue.
- Yeast – yeast infections usually present with skin and/or oral lesions.
Types of dimorphic fungi include:
- Blastomyces dermatitidis
- Histoplasma capsulatum
- Coccidioides immitis
- Paracoccidioides brasiliensis
Yeast is commonly referred to as Candida albicans. Some Candida species reside on human skin without causing any symptoms at all. Others can be pathogenic in response to antibiotic use or disruption of microbial balance in a person’s body.
How to Treat a Fungal Infection
If you have a fungal infection, you are not alone. From athlete’s foot to vaginal yeast infections, there are all kinds of fungal infections that can flare up due to changes in the body or environment. In this guide on how to treat a fungal infection, we explore the most common types of infections and how to get rid of them as quickly and painlessly as possible.
Get your medical diagnosis
The first step in effectively treating a fungal infection is getting your medical diagnosis. You might think you have an athlete’s foot or jock itch, but don’t be so sure.
The signs and symptoms of these ailments are very similar and knowing what it is you are dealing with will allow you to determine how best to treat it.
For example, if you have been diagnosed with an athlete’s foot, consider talking with your doctor about an over-the-counter antifungal cream or treatment for yeast infections (like fluconazole) if symptoms persist or worsen. If not, see a dermatologist who can properly diagnose and treat your condition.
Follow your doctor’s instructions
If you are diagnosed with a fungal infection, your doctor will likely suggest that you take over-the-counter (OTC) medications.
While OTCs are generally safe. They can have side effects, so follow your doctor’s instructions closely. If your symptoms persist or worsen after treatment, it might be time to consider something stronger.
Antifungal medications like Candiforce and naftifine are prescription drugs that come in tablet form. They are usually effective at treating superficial infections and may also be prescribed for foot and nail fungus, though some people report experiencing unpleasant side effects.
Read candiforce 200 mg capsule uses for further information.
Get relief from itching and burning with over-the-counter treatments
If you want to get relief from itching and burning caused by fungal infections, over-the-counter treatments can help with mild cases.
You can find anti-fungal medications at your local pharmacy or health and beauty store. These medicines are effective in treating different types of fungal infections, so be sure to read product labels carefully.
Topical medications include creams, ointments, sprays and suppositories that you insert into your vagina or anus if you have an infection in those areas.
You will also be able to purchase oral anti-fungals, but these may have stronger side effects than topical treatments so talk with your doctor before trying them out on your own.
Use prescription antifungals
Treatment will depend on what type of fungal infection you have. For example, most fungal infections of nails can be treated with over-the-counter topical antifungals. More serious infections may require prescription medication that your doctor can administer by injection or orally.
It is important to complete your course of treatment even if you feel better, as it is likely that some fungus remains in your body and is continuing to grow. A new round of treatment will help kill it off completely so you won’t experience future fungal growth.
Get relief from chafing with hydrocortisone cream
Hydrocortisone cream, available over-the-counter, is an effective and inexpensive treatment for athlete’s foot that is helpful in treating and helping relieve chafing.
Chafing occurs when the skin on an area of your body comes into prolonged contact with another area. It causes skin cells in that area to rub together. This rubbing irritates your skin and causes discomfort.
In addition to using hydrocortisone cream, make sure you properly dry off after taking a shower or bath by patting yourself dry rather than towelling off vigorously.
Apply antifungal powders
Fungal infections can be difficult to treat, but there are steps you can take to treat them effectively.
If you find that fungus is growing on your skin, particularly in warm and moist areas like your groin or between your toes, apply an antifungal powder like Zinx OTC Powder or Lotrimin powder after showering or bathing can help kill off excess fungi.
You will also want to try wearing breathable, cotton underwear and socks. As synthetic fabrics trap moisture and allow the fungus to thrive.
Moreover, make sure you dry yourself thoroughly after bathing and shampooing so excess moisture doesn’t grow more mold in other parts of your body.
Practice good hygiene and keep your feet dry
Maintaining good hygiene and keeping your feet dry are two things that can go a long way toward preventing fungal infections.
It may seem counterintuitive, but if you want to keep your feet healthy, always make sure they are dry. While you probably don’t need to take off your shoes at work every time you step into your office building, if you exercise outside or play sports, try changing out of sweaty socks as soon as possible. In addition, consider changing out of damp shoes and socks during and after activities.
Conclusion
In conclusion, it is possible to get rid of your fungal infection at home. This can be done by using natural methods. These methods are applying honey onto your skin and bathing in apple cider vinegar mixed with water.
You should know how to treat a fungal infection because they are difficult to get rid of and can be easily spread when living in close quarters. These tips should help you but if they do not work after seven days or you start developing other health issues, you should see your doctor immediately.
