Fungal infections of the skin are common and are also known as ‘mycoses’. Fungal infections are caused by fungi which are parasites or saprophytes that live off organic matter.
Yeasts are a subtype of fungus that naturally lives on the skin and is harmless unless it grows out of control and leads to an infection.
Symptoms
Areas of the skin that are moist, like folds in the skin or between the toes tend to get fungal infections as yeast easily multiplies in such conditions. Fungal infections can be prevented by keeping skin clean and dry. Common types of fungal infections:
Athlete’s Foot
Ringworm
Yeast Infection
Treatments
Most fungal infections are effectively treated with medicated antifungal topical applications. These medications may also be combined with oral antifungal medications and prescription-strength corticosteroids in some cases.
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If your fungal infection cannot be controlled, it is advisable to seek help from a dermatologist. A dermatologist can diagnose fungal skin infections with a simple skin examination or by scraping a small amount of skin from the affected area and examining it under a microscope.