Types of Skin Fungus Infections
The body, no matter how intensive are the efforts to clean it, will always have bacteria and fungi. Many of these microorganisms don’t have the ability to cause any harm because the body itself has its own defense mechanism against them. But there are some of them, which begin as relatively ineffectual, gain the ability to cause infections. One group of such organisms is called the dermatophytes.
Dermatophytes, which live on the outermost layer of the skin, are various types of skin fungus that bring about infections. The body’s immune system normally takes care of skin fungus and infection never sets in. But when some parts of the body stay moist and warm, the skin fungus on such area multiple exponentially, resulting in an infection.
Skin fungus infections can be classified in two different ways. One way of classifying skin fungus infection is based on the location of the skin fungus infection. The second way of classifying skin fungus infection is based on the source of the skin fungus.
Types of Skin Fungus Infection According to Location in the Body
Foot fungus - A type of skin fungus may affect the feet and result in an infection called “tinea pedis”. This is commonly known as athletes foot.
Scalp Fungus - A type of skin fungus may also affect the head and the infection is called “tinea capitus”. Children seemed to be more susceptible to this type of skin fungus infection.
Beard Fungus - A type of skin fungus may also affect the bearded areas and produce “tinea barbae”. The beard also offers a conducive environment for the skin fungus to multiply and spread.
Skin Fungus - A type of skin fungus may affect the smooth areas of the skin, producing “tinea corporis”, or simply called skin fungus.
Intertrigo - A type of skin fungus may affect the parts of skin that are often folded, such as the skin between the toes and fingers, and the skin in the armpits. Intertrigo is a skin fungus infection that may also occur in the groin area.
Types of Skin Fungus Infection According to the Source of Skin Fungus
Anthropophilic – A type of skin fungus infection that occurs when a person contracts it due to exposure to someone who already has this infection. This can be done when they share towels or have direct physical contact. Anthropophilic skin fungus infections are often mild but chronic.
Zoophilic – A type of skin fungus infection that is contracted when a person is exposed to animals who are affected with the infection. Thus, one should also monitor the skin health of one’s cats, dogs, horses, and other animals. Zoophilic skin fungus infections are usually characterized by distinct and relatively severe inflammations. Such skin fungus infections will need careful attention with the aid of a doctor.
Geophilic – A type of skin fungus infection that is acquired when a person is exposed to soil that contains the skin fungus. Geophilic skin fungus infections also produce alarming inflammations. But this type of skin fungus infection normally cures by itself, leaving the affected person with scars.
All infections caused by any type of skin fungus are called dermatophytosis. These skin fungus infections must be given immediate attention to prevent complications.