The goal for many, if not most, is to remain healthy as often as possible. Being sick or having some kind of infection can range from a minor inconvenience to a major health incident. Having more information is always a good thing, allowing better treatment options and action plans.
Fungal infections can be quite gross to deal with but can also happen in a variety of manners. There are different fungal infections, some common and others rare. Getting to know more about them is a good place to start so let’s take a look at what they are and how to handle them.
What are Fungal Infections?
Fungal infections are as they sound – an infection on or in the body that forms a fungus. A fungus is an organism, similar to a plant or bacteria, but they can include different species of fungus. As of now, scientists have named roughly 150,000 different species of fungus but it is estimated that there may be millions more yet to be discovered.
For the most part, fungi are harmless to humans. We even eat some of them, including mushrooms and yeast. That said, fungal infections can have an impact on your nails, skin, hair, sinuses, lungs, and other parts of the body. The most severe infections can cause severe illness and, if not treated, even death.
What are the Types and Causes?
There are many different kinds of fungal infections to contend with. The majority of them are mild, requiring nothing more than an over-the-counter medication to treat. The most common fungal infections are nail infections, which impact roughly 14% of anyone with a fungal infection.
There is ringworm (which includes athlete’s foot), vaginal yeast infections, yeast infections of the mouth (thrush), and so much more. If you show signs of a fungal infection, see your physician sooner rather than later. Most of the time, it is going to be a minor issue that can be remedied in no time. But on the off chance that it is something more, you will be receiving the proper care every step of the way.
How to Treat Fungal Infections
In order to get a fungal infection treatment, you must first know what the official diagnosis is. With things like ringworm or yeast infections, it is imperative to see a physician first. They will properly diagnose the problem and prescribe something like fluconazole, clotrimazole, or whatever standard medications are recommended for these issues.
Some severe infections can carry with them bigger consequences. It is possible to require help with breathing or even IV antifungals. In the rarest of cases, some fungal infections may even require surgery. Always seek professional help with fungal infections even if you know what you are dealing with. Overestimating the problem is a much safer process than underestimating them.
How to Reduce Fungal Infections
Having good hygiene is the best way to reduce the possibility of a fungal infection. If you play close contact sports, make sure to shower following practice and games. Keep uniforms and gear clean and avoid sharing equipment with any other players.
To avoid things like nail fungal infections, keep toenails and fingernails short and clean. Reducing mouth or throat yeast infections is done by flossing and brushing often. Basic hygiene tips like changing socks and underwear, keeping hands and feet clean (and try), wearing shoes in communal areas, and refraining from sharing clothes, sheets, towels, and other personal items. While it is possible to still come down with a fungal infection, taking simple common sense steps will go a long way towards prevention.
