Do you have a fungus like this on your skin? (Skin Fungus) Let's talk about this!

Have you ever had red, itchy, flaky patches on your body? Sometimes we call them eczema or psoriasis, but most of the time these are fungal infections of the skin. This is very common, but if you are aware and get treatment, you can get rid of it quickly. Let's talk about this in more detail today, okay?

What is this fungus? Why does it get on our skin?

Simply put, fungi are a very small group of organisms. They are like molds. They are everywhere - in the air, in the water, and on our skin. But not all fungi bother us. However, there are some harmful fungi . If such harmful fungi enter your skin, an infection can develop there. That's when things like red spots and rashes appear on your skin and start to itch. Just think, there are so many small things in our environment that we can't see, right?

Who is at higher risk of developing this fungal infection?

In fact, anyone can get these fungal infections. It is estimated that about 20-25% of the world's population has these superficial fungal infections of the skin and nails at any given time. Imagine, sometimes even a healthy person can develop something like 'athlete's foot'.

However, some people are more likely to develop these. Let's take a look at who they are:

• People with weakened immune systems : This means that they have a reduced ability to fight off disease. For example, people who are taking immunosuppressant medications , people with a disease that weakens the immune system (such as HIV ), or people who are undergoing cancer treatment (such as chemotherapy ). Because their immune systems are weak, fungi can easily enter and grow in their bodies.
• People who use harsh antibiotics for a long time: This kills the good, beneficial bacteria in our bodies, allowing fungi to grow more easily. Just like weeds, fungi grow where there are no good plants.
• People who are overweight (obese): Sweat accumulates in skin folds and skin folds, creating a good environment for fungus to grow. For example, underarms, groin, and belly button.
• People with diabetes:Diabetes causes high blood sugar levels, which can help the fungus grow. Also, diabetes can sometimes cause nerve damage, so skin wounds are not immediately noticeable, so infections can spread easily.
• When using a new skin care product: Sometimes, if a new cream or soap doesn't work for your skin, it can damage the skin's natural protective layer and lead to fungal infections.
• Constantly wet, urine-like situations: Like small babies getting ``diaper rash``. This condition can also occur in adults when they can't control their urine. Moisture is like an invitation for fungi.
• People who sweat a lot: Sweat is a paradise for fungi. Because it's both moist and warm, this can be a problem, especially in hot, humid climates like ours.
• Women during pregnancy: Due to hormonal changes and natural changes in the immune system, they may be more susceptible to fungal infections during this time.

What does this fungal infection look like?

The appearance of a fungal infection on the skin can vary slightly from person to person. However, it often appears bright red and can spread over a large area. Other symptoms may include:

• Darkening along the edge: This means that the red spot may have a darker red edge around it than the center. It looks like a ring. This is what is often seen in a condition called "ringworm."
• Excessive peeling along the edge: As the center of the rash heals and spreads outward, the skin at the edge may become dry and flaky.
• Small blisters (pustules) appear around the edges of the rash: Sometimes you can see small, clear fluid-filled blisters around the red rash. If these break, the infection can spread further.

Where on the body do fungal infections occur most often?

These fungal infections can actually occur anywhere on your body. They can even develop under your nails. However, they are most common in areas where the skin folds or folds . Think of the groin, buttocks, between the thighs, under the armpits, and in women, under the breasts. Because those areas tend to be sweaty and less ventilated, they provide the perfect environment for fungi to grow. They are also very common on the feet, especially between the toes.

What are the types of fungal skin infections?

In medical terms, fungal skin infections are called ``tinea''. There are several types of ``tinea''. Let's look at the most common types:

• Athlete's foot (tinea pedis):This is a common type of fungal infection. It is often contracted by walking barefoot in public bathrooms, swimming pools, gym changing rooms, etc. The skin between your toes turns white, starts to peel, and sometimes cracks. It is very itchy. It can also affect the soles of your feet. In our country, it can also develop when you walk barefoot in water in temples and shrines.
• Nail fungus (onychomycosis): This is also very common, especially in the toenails. The nails become yellow, thick, and brittle, and there may be a buildup of debris under the nail. This can take some time to treat.
• Jock itch (tinea cruris): This is an itchy red rash that appears in the groin area, that is, on the inner thighs. It is more common in men than women. It can occur in people who wear tight underwear and sweat a lot.
• Scalp ringworm / tinea capitis: This is most common in children. It causes hair loss in patches, sometimes causing flaking and redness in those areas. However, if treated properly, hair will grow back. Sometimes, it can be spread from one school child to another through sharing combs and hats.
• Ringworm / tinea corporis: This name is used for rashes that do not belong to other types and appear on other parts of the body (face, hands, trunk). The specialty of this rash is that, as the name suggests, it is often circular, like a ring. The edge may be raised, red, and scaly, and the center may look like normal skin.

How do these fungal infections occur?

It's very simple. This infection occurs when your skin comes into contact with a harmful fungus. For example, if you borrow a pair of shoes from someone who has ``Athlete's foot'', that fungus can get on your feet and infect you too.

Most importantly, these fungal infections can be transmitted from person to person, and sometimes from animals to humans, through direct contact.

This means that you can get it if you touch the skin of someone who has the infection, if you use items such as towels, clothes, or combs that they have used, or if you touch an animal such as a dog or cat that has a fungal infection. Therefore, you should be careful about personal hygiene and sharing things with others.

What are the symptoms of a fungal infection?

When a fungal infection occurs , the skin mainly becomes red, itchy, and sometimes inflamed. Not only that, but it can also cause red, swollen, pimple-like blisters. Or the skin can become dry, flaky, or crusty. For some people, scratching is so bad that it keeps them awake at night. Scratching can damage the skin and lead to bacterial infections.

How does a doctor accurately diagnose a fungal infection?

When you notice a change in your skin, a doctor can often tell if it's a fungal infection by looking at it and asking you about your symptoms.

However, sometimes, to be sure, your doctor will scrape a small piece of your skin and look at it under a microscope. This is called a ``KOH preparation'' test. This can check for the presence of fungus. This is a very simple, painless test.

In other cases, especially if the infection is severe, or if you want to know exactly what type of fungus it is and choose the best treatment, a ``fungal culture test`` may be done. This involves taking a small piece of skin (biopsy) or taking a small amount of fluid from a blister (aspiration) and culturing it in a laboratory. This can help identify the exact type of fungus. In some severe infections, a blood test may also be done.

What are the treatments for fungal skin infections?

There are several main treatments for fungal skin infections:

• Antifungal creams: You can buy many of these over-the-counter at a pharmacy. However, it is best to use one that is prescribed by a doctor, as not all creams work for all fungal infections.
• Prescription-strength medications: Sometimes, your doctor can prescribe stronger creams and lotions that heal faster than over-the-counter creams.
• Oral medicines: If the infection is severe, seems to be spreading throughout the body, or if the infection is in areas such as the nails (where cream alone is not enough), a doctor may prescribe antifungal tablets. These should be taken as directed by the doctor, for a specific period of time.

Can these fungal infections be treated at home?

This is a very important question. Especially if this is the first time you've had a rash like this, it's best to see a doctor. The doctor can diagnose it and tell you the best treatment for you.

Another important thing is that some anti-itch creams contain steroids. If you apply a steroid cream to a fungal infection, it can make the infection worse, spread the fungus further, and make it harder to treat. Therefore, do not go to the pharmacy to buy medicine on your own without consulting a doctor. It may not be what you think it is, but what you really have.

How long will this skin cream last?

The time it takes to recover from treatment can vary from person to person. It depends on the severity of the infection, your overall health, and whether you are taking the treatment properly. It usually takes a few days to a few weeks for the infection to clear up. However, sometimes these fungal infections can come back.Therefore, it is very important to talk to your doctor and find out what ways you can prevent this from happening again.

How do you prevent these fungal infections from coming back?

For some people, these fungal infections can come back even after treatment. This may be due to genetic factors - meaning that your body is more susceptible to these infections. However, there are things you can do to prevent these infections from coming back, or at least reduce their occurrence in the first place:

Good personal hygiene

• Change your socks regularly and wash your feet daily. It's also important to dry them thoroughly after washing, especially between the toes. Don't wear wet socks.
• Avoid wearing shoes that don't breathe like plastic. Choose shoes and socks that are made of breathable materials like cotton. Go barefoot as much as possible when you're at home.
• Avoid walking barefoot, especially in wet places like gym showers, public swimming pools, and public baths in temples. If you go to such places, wear something like a pair of rubber slippers.
• When cutting your toenails, cut straight across. If you have an ingrown toenail, you may need to see a podiatrist. Most importantly, if you have a fungal infection on one of your toes, do not use the same nail clipper that was used to cut that nail to cut your healthy toenail. Doing so can spread the infection to the other toenail.
• If you sweat, dry your body thoroughly after bathing, especially in areas where the skin folds. It's also a good idea to use talcum powder.
• Do not use other people's towels, clothes, or combs.

Using medicine correctly

• If your doctor gives you a cream (or tells you to get one from a pharmacy), use it for the exact amount of time it says. Sometimes, even after the rash disappears, the fungus can still be present in your skin. So, don't stop using the cream until your doctor tells you to. Otherwise, the infection may come back.
• Sometimes, your doctor may ask other people in your household to take the same treatment. This is because these infections can spread between people who live together. Only by treating everyone can you be sure that the infection is truly gone.
• Talk to your doctor about whether you should regularly apply an antifungal cream to your feet and nails to prevent infections.
• For some people, applying an antifungal powder inside their shoes daily can help prevent athlete's foot.

When should I see a doctor about eczema?

Most skin rashes are not serious. However, it's always a good idea to see a doctor if you notice any new changes to your skin, such as rashes or spots.The doctor can then recommend a treatment to help you feel better, or check for any underlying conditions.

However, if you have any of these symptoms, see a doctor immediately or go to an emergency room:

• If the rash has spread all over the body.
• It starts suddenly and spreads very quickly.
• If it is painful, has watery blisters, or looks like it is oozing (that is, if it looks like it is oozing pus)
• If the rash comes with a fever.
• If there is no improvement after two weeks of home treatment.
• If you have another medical condition like diabetes.

So, what are the most important things we need to remember from this story?

Fungal skin infections can be a bit annoying and itchy, but they are very treatable. If you notice any changes in your skin, such as a rash, don't panic and see a doctor. Usually, an antifungal cream (either over-the-counter or prescription) will clear up the rash and reduce the itching.

Also, don't forget to talk to your doctor about ways to prevent this problem from recurring. Cleanliness, proper use of medication, and following your doctor's instructions are your best weapons in the fight against this fungus! Stay healthy!

` Fungus, skin diseases, infections, itching, eczema, tinea, athlete's foot, ringworm, fungal infections