Fungal infections are relatively common skin conditions that cause irritation and itchiness. For most people, they’re an unsightly annoyance. However, fungal infections can become severe medical conditions that require intervention.
If you’re lucky, you’ll only deal with minor fungal infections that are resolved with over-the-counter topical creams or sprays. However, treatment usually takes days to weeks, and avoiding contact with other people is vital because fungal infections tend to be quite contagious. They transfer easily between people and surfaces, so maintaining proper hygiene is vital.
Many different types of fungi infect the skin. Most of the time, you’ll know you have a fungal infection when parts of your skin itch or develop rashes or bumps. However, here’s some helpful information on fungal infections and what you can do to treat them.
Symptoms of a Fungal Infection
How do you know you have a fungal infection? Here are some of the most common signs:
Redness
Swelling
Itchiness
Blisters
Dry skin
Irritation
If you feel these symptoms for days or weeks, you likely have a fungal infection. Some of the most common fungal infections include ringworm, which looks like a thin red circle on the skin, and athlete’s foot.
Often, these symptoms aren’t very painful. But unfortunately, many people shrug off fungal infection symptoms, which then leads to further spread and longer infections.
Why Fungal Infections Happen
Fungi require moisture to grow. They thrive in dark, wet areas, which is why they’re widespread among athletes. Fungal infections are often found on the feet, the jock, and the armpits, where it’s easier for them to feed on moisture and stay hidden. For example, women suffer yeast infections, and men develop jock itch and other fungal infections in wet, sweaty feet or arms.
When someone has a fungal infection, they need to refrain from contacting other people until the condition resolves. This is because direct contact with someone else’s skin can transfer the infection to them. Contagion is one of the main reasons why gyms, swimming pools, and other facilities stress the importance of regular showering and fast treatment of any fungal infections.
How to Treat Fungal Infections
Thankfully, most fungal infections go away rather quickly once treatment begins. However, there are things you can do to speed the process along. Here are some tips on getting rid of fungal infections.
Keep the area dry – fungal infections thrive on moisture, so make sure you’re keeping your skin dry. Towel off thoroughly after every shower, paying particular attention to the affected area. Change your shirts and socks frequently if you sweat. If you’re living in a humid area, do what you can to stay cool and dry.
Change your clothes – Changing your clothes makes it harder for fungal infections to grow. Clean shirts stop the growth and keep your skin dry.
Avoid going barefoot in public showers – This is a great tip for avoiding getting a fungal infection and treating one if you have an infection. Wear sandals in any public shower to stop the spread of infections and keep your feet clean.
Buy topical ointments – Local pharmacies sell sprays and lotions to treat fungal infections. Find out what type of infection you have (which is generally simple based on where the infection is and what it looks like), and buy the appropriate product designed to treat it.
If necessary, you should see a doctor for further treatment. Some fungal infections are more severe and thus require special medical attention. If you feel like treatments aren’t working or the condition is excruciating, you should make an appointment with a dermatologist who specializes in treating fungal infections. They can prescribe more potent medicines that should do the trick.
Peptides & Fungal Infections
PT-141https://www.peptidesciences.com/pt-141-10mg is a heavily modified derivative of a natural hormone named the alpha-melanocyte stimulating hormone, or a-MSH. It binds to the MC-1R receptor, which, in animal models, possesses potent anti-fungal and anti-inflammatory properties. PT-141, when used in tests on rats, showed potential as an alternative treatment for fungal infections that could help subjects with compromised immune systems.
Peptides are short chains of amino acids that trigger specific biological responses. For example, when put together in certain combinations, they prompt specific immune and other actions in the body.