What is a fungal infection?
Fungal infections are the overgrowth of fungi feeding by breaking down tissue that is usually tough and waterproof such as keratin-containing skin, hair or nails.
What causes fungal infections?
The fungi that cause the infection thrive in the warm and moist environment. You are more likely to get a fungal infection if you have a weak immune system, an underlying illness (eg diabetes and psoriasis), you walk barefoot in a fungi contaminated area, or even if you wear clothes and shoes that make you hot and sweaty.
How can I prevent it?
You can minimise the chance of getting the infection by keeping clean and wearing clothes or shoes that fit comfortably and preferably in a material that allows your body or feet to ‘breathe’, such as cotton.
What are the treatments for fungal nail infections?
Amorolfine (branded as Loceryl/Curanail) is used to treat fungal nail.
What are the common types of fungal infections?
There are different forms of fungal infections, depending on the site of the fungal overgrowth.
- Ringworm is a ring-like red rash on the skin or scalp
- Athlete’s foot causes red, itchy and scaly skin on the foot
- Thrush is characterised by a red, itchy and swollen vagina or vulva
- Fungal nail causes thickened and discoloured nails on hands and feet