Fungal infections, causes and treatment
Excessive dampness of the skin due to different conditions may develop different types of fungal infections like ringworm, jock itch, and athlete’s foot. These symptoms can appear along with a crusty, scaly texture to the skin, which might also feel itchy!
IS RINGWORM A FUNGUS?
Some areas of the body tend to become moister due to physical activity, certain clothing, general hygiene or environmental factors. Specific health conditions, such as diabetes, obesity, a weakened immune system and hormonal disorders can also play a role in the excessive dampness of the skin, which may develop different types of fungal infections or dermatophytoses.
WHAT CAN CAUSE RINGWORM?
Too tight shoes or socks that should’ve been changed some time ago often make feet very sweaty, which could result in a skin fungal infection like the very common athlete’s foot (tinea pedis). Other cases may involve those who wear skintight clothes or obese people, who usually have many skinfolds. The humidity that accumulates between them can provoke the very uncomfortable jock itch (tinea cruris), also a fungal infection, affecting the skin of the genitals, inner thighs, and buttocks. Pityriasis (tinea versicolor) and ringworm (tinea corporis) are other common fungal infections caused by hot and humid weather, oily skin, hormonal changes or a weakened immune system.
