Fungal infections are becoming resistant to conventional treatments, says expert

Dr I K Ramchandani, Director of Dermatology at Jaslok Hospital & Research Centre talks about why fungal infections are on the rise this summer

Fungal infections are too common. Come summers and these infections rise in numbers and magnitude too. Hot, humid climate makes it easier for the fungi to grow. Fungal infections usually occur in the moist part of the body folds of skin where the sweat is trapped. However, these days the fungal infections are turning stubborn in nature. Fungal infections which used to respond to medications like antifungal drugs and local antifungal applications and subsided within two or three weeks, now take a longer period of healing, informs Dr I K Ramchandani, Director of Dermatology at Jaslok Hospital & Research Centre. Here is one natural remedy for three fungal infections.

Tinea is the name given to the fungal infection of the skin and it is further named accordingly where the infection takes place, like, a tinea infection on the feet is called tinea pedis, tinea unguium for fungal toenail infection, tinea cruris for infection in the groin area, tinea corporis or ringworm infection, tinea capitis or scalp ringworm infections. Some common symptoms of fungal infections are itchiness, redness, circular patches, etc. Also these infections are contagious in nature. Know if vaginal yeast infections are contagious.

Mutations in these fungi have made these infections resistant to a conventional form of treatment and it takes longer to cur. One important aspect of treating fungal infections is to maintain good hygiene and follow a set of precautionary rules which people fail to do. This makes the infection worse, says Dr Ramchandani. According to him, psoriasis the most common form of ringworm infection is quite prevalent these days and resistant to treatment.

Precautions to be followed:

Since fungal infections are contagious and could spread to the family if one member is suffering from it, here are few precautions that need to be followed:

• Wash clothes in hot water to remove strains of the fungi
• Iron the clothes from inside to ensure that there is no trace of the fungi that could come in contact with the skin.
• Use a different towel and keep it separate from the family.
• If one member of the family is suffering from a fungal infection, it is advisable for the entire family to take precautionary steps.

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