What is a fungus?

Fungus is a germ that can be found anywhere on our body, hair, skin and nails. Fungi live in warm, moist areas. Children are most susceptible to developing fungal infections, as they love to share things and hug each other.

What are the types of fungal infection?

Types can be classified according to location:

• Tinea capitis (scalp).
• Tinea corporis (body).
• Tinea unguium (nail).
• Tinea pedis (foot) or known as ‘athlete’s foot’.
• Tinea cruris (groin).

What factors increase the risk of developing fungal infections?

• Overcrowding in a humid or moist environment.
• Unhygienic lifestyle – sharing towels, wearing wet clothes, repeatedly using the same socks or stockings, long nails, walking barefoot in damp public places.
• Underlying medical problems – Uncontrolled diabetes mellitus, HIV, or on long-term treatment with medication that weakens your immune system (e.g: cancer treatment).

What are the signs and symptoms of fungal infections?

On the body and groin:

• Shows as red and scaly edge with normal looking skin in the center.
• May also present as rashes in circles.
• Is itchy.

On the scalp:

• Presents as itchy, red areas.
• Causes hair to become brittle.
• Leads to bald patches.

On the fingernails:

• Brittle.
• Thick.
• Flat or dull in colour.
• Distorted in shape.

On the feet:

• Occurs between the toes and other areas of the feet.
• Is itchy and red within wet areas, with cracked skin.

The itchiness is more obvious when at rest.

How can fungal infections be treated?

Consult a doctor for accurate diagnosis so that correct treatment can be given. Management includes

• Proper hygiene and personal care.
• Antiseptic-such as KMNO4 (Potassium permanganate) solution helps in wet or weepy lesions.

Antifungals

• Medications which may be given by injections or taken by mouth.
• Topical applications (eg creams/gels).

How can fungal infections be prevented?

• Lead a hygienic, healthy lifestyle.
  • do not share combs and towels, change socks and stockings frequently.
  • do not go outdoors barefoot, keep nails short and clean.

• Pay special attention to drying moist areas on the body (e.g. armpits, groin, in between toes).
• Wash feet at least once daily.
• Do not wear tight-fitting shoes.
• Leave your shoes out to dry overnight.
• Wear loose clothing to avoid sweating.
• Avoid contact with infected pets.