Fungal Infections

Having Fungal Infections in Singapore

Infections that occur as a result of pathogenic fungi are usually limited to the human epidermis, hair, and mucosa are described as superficial fungal infections. Even though these infections are usually not dangerous or life-threatening, it is important to study and understand them because they are not only common, but can also be the first indication of an underlying immunodeficiency.

Fungal infections are pretty common in hot humid climatic regions within Singapore. The fungus is known to thrive in body areas that are both warm and moist, including your armpits, breast folds, feet, nails, buttocks, and perhaps groin. Those with compromised immune systems, particularly those suffering from underlying health conditions such as diabetes, may experience frequent fungal infections. When this occurs, you will most commonly experience a widespread fungal rash.

So what are the symptoms and the manifestation of skin fungal infections?

• White spot: Locally referred to as panau in Singapore, the white spot is simply a superficial fungal skin infection. It is usually characterized by white scaly spots that may appear over the sweaty areas within your body, including your face, upper chest, neck, limbs as well as your back. This type of superficial skin fungal infection is also referred to as pityriasis versicolor.

• Round-shaped ringworm: Skin fungal infections may equally manifest as red, scaly, round-shaped patches that resemble the appearance of a ring. This most commonly attacks your body, groin region as well as the scalp. Depending on the affected areas, they can be described in medical terms tinea corporis, tinea cruris, and tinea capitis respectively.

• Yeast infection: On most occasions, a yeast infection will manifest with a red, macerated, sticky patches that appear over skin folds of your breast lines, groin areas as well as around your armpits. What’s more, it can occur over your genitals are. It remains one of the most prevalent causes of balanitis in male patients. It is important to note that it is fairly more common among those suffering from diabetes mellitus and usually manifest as itchy red spots or patches.

• Athletes foot: Also described as tinea pedis, this usually manifests as scaly, itchy, blistering, and peeling red rashes over the web spaces or your feet. It can be a sign of an abnormal nail change.

What are the treatment options available for superficial fungal infections?

There are antifungal creams, which you will have to apply to the affected region 2-3 times daily for one month. You should never stop applying the medication even if your symptoms seem to disappear. Instead, you need to continue using it for at least seven additional days after the infections subside. However, it is worth mentioning that in cases involving white spots, the patches’ white color usually remains even after the infection has been treated successfully. However, with time, this will improve and your skin will eventually regain its normal color.

If the fungal infection has already affected a relatively larger area of your skin, your doctor will have to prescribe oral antifungal medications. To prevent the occurrence of white spots, doctors recommend using antifungal shampoos as well as body wash at least once every month on your scalp and body in general. Leave this combination on your body for at least ten minutes before washing it off your body. However, if an infection occurs, use the same technique daily for two weeks consecutively. 

Fungal infections involving your nails are treatable as well, but may require prolonged treatment. It is worth taking into account that sometimes your nails may fail to regain their normal color even after the fungi have been completely eradicated.

Is it possible to stay away from fungal infections?

Surely, there are a couple of things that you can do avoid contracting fungal infections, including:

• Always make sure that your feet, toes, groin, armpit, and body are dry are clean at all times.
• Powder your body and feet to keep them as dry as possible.
• Don’t walk in wet areas bare-footed.
• Don’t always share items such as napkins, towels, combs, airbrushes that may have been infected with the fungus.
• Avoid excessive sweating.
• Don’t always wear the same shoes.
• Don’t put on wet shoes.
• Change your socks daily.
• If possible, wear open-toe sandals.
• Wear cotton socks as opposed to nylon socks that can’t absorb sweat.

Superficial fungal infections Singapore are usually mistaken for other common diseases and most people don’t always consider them that dangerous. If you suspect that you may be suffering from any fungal infection, kindly seek an appointment with your doctor to help diagnose and treat your symptoms.