Dermatitis is a broad term covering many different disorders that all result in red, itchy, rash skin. Eczema is synonymous with dermatitis but is often used to mean atopic dermatitis. Meanwhile, A fungal infection, also called mycosis, is a skin disease caused by a fungus. There are millions of species of fungi. They live in the dirt, on plants, on household surfaces, and on your skin. Sometimes, they can lead to skin problems like rashes or bumps.

Types of Fungal Infections

Fungal skin infections can happen anywhere on your body. Some of the most common are:

  1. Athlete’s foot
  2. Jock itch
  3. Ringworm
  4. Yeast infections

Causes of fungal dermatitis

The causes of fungal dermatitis overlap as there might be many causes, however, the causative agent is a fungus. Some of the causes can be:

  1. Walking a muddy place barefooted
  2. Frequent changes of body moisturizer
  3. Allergic reaction to certain chemical or drugs
  4. Swimming in a polluted, cloudy water
  5. Direct contact with the sweat of diseased fellow

Symptoms of fungal dermatitis

The symptoms of fungal dermatitis hardly noticed at an early stage of incubation, this is because the skin will try defensive approach before it may later weaken by a load of infection. In no due time, the symptoms will surface which include:

  1. Redness
  2. Swelling
  3. Intense itching
  4. Oozing
  5. Crusting
  6. Scaling, like that of reptiles’ skin
  7. It can form blisters at the chronic stage
  8. Thickening of skin (in chronic dermatitis)

Risk factors associated with fungal dermatitis

You may have a higher risk of developing a skin rash if you:

  1. Have a weakened immune system
  2. Take long-term or high-dose antibiotics.
  3. Have excess weight.
  4. Have diabetes.
  5. Try a new skincare product.
  6. Experience incontinence (for example, babies getting diaper rashes).
  7. Sweat heavily.
  8. Are pregnant.
  9. Occupation: if your just description expose you to certain metals, solvents or cleaning supplies, this will increase your risk

Possible Complications if poorly managed

Scratching the itchy rash associated with dermatitis can cause open sores, which may become infected. These skin infections can spread and may very rarely become life-threatening.

Our Medical Counsel

In order to prevent fungal dermatitis or any other related dermatitis, wear protective clothing if you are doing a task that involves irritants or caustic chemicals.

Avoid dry skin by adopting these habits when bathing

  1. Take shorter baths and showers: avoid prolong bathing period most especially with cold or rainwater, some fungi may have found their ways in to the water.
  2. Dry yourself gently: After bathing, gently pat your skin dry with a soft towel.
  3. Moisturize your skin: Shin moisturizing can be proven to be a great asset because, it increases skin sebum artificially hence, prevent skin breakage or rashness.

Wear protective footwear: Often than none, ensure to protect your foot and change your socks when necessary and regularly.

When you should see US at ALTH

  1. You suspect your skin is infected
  2. You are so uncomfortable that you are losing sleep or are distracted from your daily routines
  3. Your skin becomes painful
  4. You have tried self-care steps but your signs and symptoms persist