In one of our previous article, we have looked into bacterial skin infections in detail, in this article we will look into some common fungal, viral and parasitic skin infections in brief.
Fungal Skin Infections
Dermatophytosis or otherwise called as ringworm is one of the most commonly found fungal infection. It mainly occurs in space between thighs, nails, legs, fingers and space between fingers. Dermatophytes are the fungus responsible for this infection. It looks like a ring, hence the name ringworm. Places of this infection feel itchy. It mainly occurs in places that sweat a lot. It also affects nails and sole part of feet.
Pityriasis Versicolor or Tinea versicolor is another fungal infection. It appears as white or pale in color. It doesn’t feel itchy. The upper layer of this infection sheds off easily. This can be cured using cream, powder, and anti-fungal tablets. It can be easily prevented by using washed and clean clothes and maintaining personal hygiene. Not changing the underwear frequently can lead to this infection.
Candida is also a fungal infection. Hormone imbalance and low immunity can lead to this problem. It will be itchy. It appears reddish. For women, candida will lead to yogurt-like white fluid secretion in their reproductive organ. It can be sexually transmitted so men can have the same infection in their reproductive organ. It appears as scratches in men’s reproductive organ. The same infection can appear in the mouth and it appears as white patches. This could also be a symptom of AIDS. So it’s better to get the blood checked for HIV. Other people can consult a dermatologist to find out the kind of infection and get it treated accordingly.
Viral Skin Infections
Wart is a kind of viral infection that appears in hands and legs. It needs to be removed immediately. It can quickly spread to other people.
There are many types of pimples. Some pimples are smooth and shiny. This appears in the face. Human papillomavirus is responsible for this infection. Radio frequency and creams or ointments with salicylic acid are good remedies for this problem.
Some type of pimples can appear as blisters. Some pimples have a rough surface on its top. These pimples should not be disturbed or plucked. Doing so it can spread to other places on the skin. Some people treat this by tying a long hair in its bottom part, this stops the blood flow to pimples and in a few days the pimples will become dry and fall off by itself. But this type of treatment is not recommended by Doctors as it can lead to bacterial infections. Treating this with neem leaves and turmeric should also be avoided. It needs to be treated by a Dermatologist and removed safely.
When this infection happens in sole part of the foot, it is called as foot corn. This infection spread by not wearing foot-wears while walking outside, swimming in unhygienic pools, wearing foot-wears of person who is already infected. This infection can be treated with ointments, cryo, radio frequency, and laser treatments. There are also vaccines available to prevent this infection.
Herpes Simplex is also a viral infection. While we are young viruses that cause chickenpox or smallpox stays back in our nerves after its cured. These viruses will express itself when we are stressed and affects our lips. This needs to be treated immediately.
When this infection appears in the face, it can affect the nerves. It can also appear in eyes. When left unattended it can even cause blindness. This infection needs to be treated with antivirus tablets and pills. Otherwise, it can mature into Herpetic Neuralgia, which can cause severe pain, swelling and irritation.
Molluscum contagiosum is a common viral infection that mainly affects babies and kids. It appears like a white pearl that is stuck over the skin surface. Doctors will easily treat it with sterilized needle and cure it.
Parasitic Infections
Impetigo is one of the major parasitic infection. This usually happens with people who stay in groups. It occurs in private parts. It feels very itchy during night times and its one of the main symptom of this infection. As this appears to people who stay in groups, it can easily spread to others. So entire group of people needs to be treated for this problem. This is treated with creams. Everyone in the team or group should take bath in warm water and needs to wash their clothes, bedsheets, pillow covers etc in warm water after the commencement of treatment. Not taking proper care of this problem can lead to bacterial infection.
Another problem that arises due to parasites is lice. This can appear in the scalp, private parts or anywhere else. There are treatments available for this problem as well.
Short Tips of Healthy Skin
- Vaccinating for diseases like smallpox and chicken pox is mandatory.
- Eating foods that increase immunity.
- Mixing 1 teaspoon honey with 1 teaspoon lemon extract and drink it every morning in empty stomach. This can also be drunk by mixing it with warm water.
- Scratches and injuries to skin surface should not be neglected.
- Loose cotton clothes are good for skin’s health.
- Hands need to be washed immediately after touching the infected surface.
Sweating is Good For Skin’s Health
- To maintain a healthy skin, we need regular exercise every morning and sweat as much as possible. Sweating will remove all the toxins in our body. This will keep the skin healthy and glowing.
- Dehydration through sweat can be compensated by drinking a lot of water.
- Drinking 1 teaspoon apple cider vinegar in empty stomach every morning will ensure the skin stays healthy. It also controls excess oil secretion in skin. So it will prevent pimples.