The only way to know whether you have a bacterial, viral, or fungal infection is to be tested for them by a qualified medical professional. Many common ailments such as diarrhea or pneumonia can be caused by either bacterial or viral infections.
A fungal skin infection often looks bright red and can spread across a large area. A fungal skin rash may also have characteristics including: Color more intense at the border. Scale more intense at the border.
MRSA may look like a bump on the skin that may be red, swollen, warm to the touch, painful, filled with pus, or draining. The pus or drainage contains the infectious bacteria that can be spread to others.
Fungal infections on or in your skin can look red, swollen or bumpy. They can look like a rash or you might be able to see a lump under your skin.
Hydrogen peroxide is routinely used to clean cuts and protect against topical infections by killing microorganisms, including fungus on the skin. But before using hydrogen peroxide on your skin, make sure you dilute it with water to avoid skin irritation that can result from use of concentrated hydrogen peroxide.
If fungal infection is left untreated it can cause permanent damage to the skin. In some cases untreated fungal infections can lead to death. Fungi reproduce by releasing spores. These spores can be picked by direct contact.
Over-the-counter (OTC) antifungal creams, lotions, or shampoos (used as a body wash) may clear up a mild infection. More serious infections may need prescription medicine, either applied to the skin or taken as a pill or syrup. Treatment usually takes 1–2 weeks. Sometimes the infection comes back.
Bacterial skin rashes happen when certain types of bacterial infect your skin, causing rashes to appear. These rashes can appear very differently, with some being red, some being bumpy, and some causing outbreaks of pus-filled spots.
While bacterial folliculitis usually heals on its own, severe cases may require topical or oral antibiotics.
Fungal skin infections typically will not go away by themselves and may spread if not appropriately managed. Fungal skin infections are common worldwide diseases; an estimated 20% to 25% of the world's population suffers from one of them.
Fungal skin infections can happen anywhere on your body. Some of the most common are athlete's foot, jock itch, ringworm, and yeast infections.
However, if the diagnosis is correct, it sounds like the scratching may be a big part of the problem. Constant scratching can worsen itching and lead to bacterial infection. Stopping scratching is critical, but steroid cream (cortisone) can sometimes make treatment of the underlying fungus less effective.
The overgrowth of fungus causes small, round patches of skin to get either lighter or darker than the surrounding skin. It's more common for your skin to get lighter. The spots can appear white, pink, red, brown, light tan or yellow. On darker skin, tinea versicolor appears white or light tan.
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.
Sudocrem is an over-the-counter medicated cream aimed primarily at the treatment of nappy rash. It contains a water-repellent base (consisting of oils/waxes); protective and emollient agents; antibacterial and antifungal agents; and a weak anaesthetic.
Keep the affected skin areas clean. Do not share towels, bath mats, etc. with other people as you could spread the infection to them. Always wash your hands after treating the infection to prevent it from spreading.
Fungal infections like meningitis and bloodstream infections are less common than skin and lung infections but can be life-threatening. The more you know about fungal infections and your chances of getting one, the better you can protect your health.
Salt water helps loosen and remove dandruff while stimulating blood circulation for a healthier scalp. Also, sea salt helps keep fungal growth at bay by absorbing excess oil and moisture.
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.