It's caused by an overgrowth of a type of yeast (fungus) that's naturally found on your skin. Hot weather, humidity and sun exposure can make tinea versicolor worse.
Treating a fungal rash with an anti-itch cream that contains a steroid may make the infection worse and more difficult to treat.
Wash the affected areas daily. Dry your skin thoroughly after washing or bathing, especially in the folds of your skin. Wear loose-fitting clothes made of cotton or a material that's designed to wick sweat away from your skin. If you have a toenail infection, keep your feet dry and your nails short.
Antifungals are medicines that kill or stop the growth of fungi (the plural of fungus) that cause infections. They are also called antimycotic agents.
Apple cider vinegar has antifungal properties. You could mix two tablespoons in warm water and drink it up or dip a cotton ball in it and dab over your skin. Doing this thrice a day should produce beneficial results. Know more about the health benefits of apple cider vinegar.
Fungal infections are typically treated with antifungal drugs, usually with antifungal drugs that are applied directly to the affected area (called topical drugs). Topical drugs may include creams, gels, lotions, solutions, or shampoos. Antifungal drugs may also be taken by mouth.
CARD9 deficiency is a genetic immune disorder characterized by susceptibility to fungal infections like candidiasis, which is caused by the yeast fungus Candida. Typically, Candida does not cause severe problems in healthy people, but it can take advantage of those with a weakened immune system.
Don't share personal items like bedsheets, clothes and towels. As fungal skin infections are highly contagious it's always best to use your own clothes, towels and personal items. Fungal spores are passed between people through direct skin contact and by sharing objects such as towels, hairbrushes and bedding.
Fungal infections are more common in places on your body that trap moisture or have a lot of friction. You're at higher risk for infection, especially severe ones, if you have poor circulation or diabetes, or if you have a weakened immune system from: HIV/AIDS. Cancer or cancer treatments.
Antifungal resistance occurs when an antifungal medication no longer works to treat a fungal infection. The fungus can fight off the medicine's effects. This problem is a type of antimicrobial resistance. It occurs when fungi, viruses, bacteria and parasites don't respond to medications developed to treat them.
Weak immune system
However, pre-existing health conditions such as stress, diabetes, hyperthyroidism or even a susceptibility to other skin conditions such as eczema, can all make you more liable to contracting fungal infections.
Superficial fungal infections can take anywhere from a few days to a few months to heal. Deep tissue fungal infection can take up to two years to treat. In persons with weakened immune systems, the treatment and management of a fungal infection may take the rest of their lives.
The symptoms of a fungal infection, such as itchiness, may go away after a few days of treatment. Skin discoloration and scaliness may take up to a few weeks to completely heal.
Best Overall
We chose the Lamisil Terbinafine Hydrochloride Antifungal Cream as our top pick because it works to address a variety of infections, including toenail fungus. The prescription-strength cream comes highly recommended by Dr. Lipner because it can treat athlete's foot before it spreads to the toenails.
Fermented Foods
The best sources of probiotic foods include sauerkraut, kimchi, miso, tempeh, and kefir. Eating fermented foods regularly can support the immune system and prevent the invasion and spread of yeasts or fungal infection.
With treatment, the fungus usually clears up 1–2 weeks. But the skin patches may stay discolored for weeks or months. To make them less noticeable, it's important to use sunscreen to prevent the skin from tanning or burning.
Since the fungus is on the top layer of your skin, it can be exfoliated off. Use either a salicylic acid or urea cream to speed up your skin's cell turnover. Ultimately, you want to get rid of the top layer of skin. Adding one of these exfoliants to your anti-fungal treatment will speed up that process.