6 Myths Associated with Skin Fungal Infections

We’ve all suffered from red, flaky, itchy skin or dark colored crumbly fingernails or toenails at some point in our lives. These are all signs of a fungal infection. While every skin infection is surrounded by several myths, getting rid of the myths associated with fungal infections of the skin is extremely important to keep them at bay.

Let us now look at some of the most common myths that surround skin fungal infections:

You’re not prone to athlete’s foot fungal infection from a hotel carpet.

False! Contracting athlete’s foot from a hotel carpet is as likely as catching it from public areas like gyms, community pools, changing areas, or locker rooms. If you walk barefoot and come in direct contact with the fungus present on the hotel carpet, you are prone to getting infected. Keeping your feet clean and dry, and wearing shoes in public areas are the best ways to prevent athlete’s foot.

Fungal infections are not caused by sweaty feet.

This is perhaps the biggest myth. Dark, warm, and moist environment is ideal for the growth of fungus that causes fungal infections like athlete’s foot, ringworm and jock itch. Wearing damp socks after sweating, and closing your feet in dark shoes increases the chances of the growth of fungus. If you sweat more, change your socks frequently during the day to stay away from the infection.

There is no relation between athlete’s foot and fungal infection of the toenails

Factually, they are related. Both athlete’s foot and fungal infection of the toenails are caused by the same fungus, and one infection can lead to another.

Other medical conditions cannot cause skin fungal infections.

Wrong! Patients suffering from medical conditions like diabetes have a weakened immune system, and are more prone to develop fungal infections. Also, the treatment of the infection in people suffering from other medical disorders is more time consuming.

Fungal infections only occur during the rainy season.

Not true! As long as the weather environment supports the growth of infection-causing fungus, fungal infections can occur. Personal hygiene is vital to keep these infections away.

Fungal infections of the skin and nails are hard to cure.

In reality, the contrary of this is true. Treatment for ringworm or other fungal infection can be easily achieved by applying a top quality antifungal ointment or any antifungal cream for ringworm. These products are readily available over the counter and are highly effective in treating the infection. Besides, they are also a powerful remedy for itchy skin.

Fungal infections of the skin are rarely serious, but they can be contagious. Maintaining a good personal hygiene is extremely important to prevent these infections.