How can we get infected with fungus?
- By contact from an infected person- person to person.
- It also occurs on pets like dogs, cats and cows and can be transmitted from these infected animals like rodents.
- The infection can also occur on contact with infected personal things like combs, bed linen, towel etc.
- Very rarely fungi can spread from soil contact.
How does fungal infection present itself?
The symptoms begin after 4-10 days of contact with the fungus. There is a slightly red raised ring shaped rash on the body with clearing in the centre of the rings. It starts spreading at the borders. The borders can merge together and form big patches. Severe itching is a common feature. There can be blisters and pus filled lesions in the rings. Nowadays highly resistant forms of fungal infection are becoming more common.
Is fungal infection curable?Yes, but use of over the counter medicines like steroid combinations, incomplete treatment, failure of in time follow up with the treating doctor are the main reasons for resistant fungal infections.
What are the treatment modalities available
Being one of the best hospital for fungal infection treatment, we provide various treatment option as follows:
- Tinea can be treated by topical antifungal creams in mild infections.
- Oral medications (antifungal drugs) with topical antifungal creams are required for moderate to severe forms.
- Antifungal soaps and dusting powder can be used as add on therapies.
How to apply?
- Apply the cream on the rash and also around 2 cm surrounding the rash daily as advised by your doctor for at least 6-8 weeks as specified.
- The rash starts decreasing, but continues to use the creams covering the entire rash as before.
- Do not stop the treatment in between and till your doctor tells you to stop..
When to expect results?
- Itching would come down in 2 to 3 days, but the disease per se takes more than 4 to 6 weeks.
- Infections of hands and feet take a longer time. Nail infections take 3-6 months.
- The resistant forms of tinea infection need to be treated for a longer duration.
What is the end point?
- Itching starts reducing in a week or two, sometimes in a couple of days.
- Then the flakiness, redness decreases. The activity in the margins stops.
- Pigmentation clears at the end of 2-3 months
How to prevent it? These infections are more common in those who sweat more, obese individuals, diabetics, athletes and immunocompromised individuals. We have the best skin specialists for fungal infection to provide comprehensive treatment for all types of fungal infection under one roof. Our highly experienced specialists are supported by specially trained clinical staff, ensuring the best care for you.