Fungal infection is an infectious skin condition leading to irritation, scaly skin, redness, itching, swelling, and blisters. It can take place anywhere on the body. Once fungal infection is acquired, it takes quite some time to get rid of it.
Fungus usually grows in places like fingers, toes, and other folds in the body. It can also occur in the nails, and is very common in the intimate areas. It usually occurs because of the daily routine, and certain lifestyle mistakes can aggravate this condition.
Fungal infection usually starts as a small patch. The skin may dry up eventually and become flaky. People with a weak immune system can get fungal infections easily. It can spread easily and affect extensive areas of the body. Most fungal infections are superficial and mild though persistent and difficult to eradicate.
Dr. Nivedita Dadu’s Dermatology Clinic is one of the best clinics for the treatment of fungal infection in Delhi.
Common mistakes that aggravate fungal infection are:
1. Airtight shoes and socks
Someone who is prone to fungal infection must not wear shoes and socks that lock the feet into an airtight pool of sweat. One must make sure to wear thin cotton socks and open shoes as often as possible. Sweaty socks must not be repeated as they increase the chances of infection. Carrying an extra pair of socks is highly beneficial and it prevents individuals from getting or making the condition severe and worse.
2. Wearing sweaty or wet clothes
Sweating after exercise can't be helped but wearing the same clothes post-exercise can aggravate fungal infection. Even when the clothes have dried up after a few hours the damage has already been done. Fungus can easily spread through sweaty or wet clothes and can cause extensive infection. It is highly recommended to change clothes after swimming, jogging, and even after one is caught in the rain. Taking a shower before changing into fresh clothes is even better.
3. Sharing common things
The chances of picking up fungal spores from someone else in the pool is higher than expected. Public pools must be avoided if a person has a fungal infection to prevent it from spreading to others. Wearing infected clothes or using a common towel at the gym, spa, or pool also increases the chances of fungal infection.
4. Poor diet
Immunodeficient or immunosuppressed patients, obese people, patients with poor circulation are more prone to fungal infection. People with a poor immune system must avoid sugar, starch, yeast and alcohol. These foods can aggravate a fungal infection. One must consult a dermatologist for better guidance about what to consume and what to avoid.
5. Poor hygiene
Someone with poor hygiene like not taking showers regularly or not changing their clothes frequently especially in summer and monsoon is more likely to catch a fungal infection. If someone is already dealing with a fungal infection, it becomes all the more important to practice personal hygiene.
6. Avoid over the counter creams as they mostly contain steroids. These creams soothe the skin and relieve itching for a while, but increase the spread of fungus and also make treatment longer and difficult.
Skin problems often become intense when not treated in time. So, one must not neglect them as these can turn from mild to severe in no time. Meet the best dermatologist near you to find effective skin treatments.