An introduction to the symptoms of a fungal skin infection
Fungal infections are not considered to be a serious health condition and if they are treated quickly, most will clear up within a couple of weeks, despite how unpleasant their symptoms can appear. Since the fungal spores are feeding off skin tissue, it can cause an external reaction on the surface of your skin which will vary in severity depending on how relentless your infection is.
Discolouration of skin
Discolouration of skin: Your skin may begin to become lighter in certain affected areas because the fungal spores on your skin are reproducing rapidly, which can inhibit the pigmentation of your skin. This effect is known as tinea versicolour.
Rash
Similar to skin discolouration, a rash will appear as a reaction to skin irritation and can take several different forms, from mild skin discolouration to widespread inflammation, with swelling and flaking of the skin.
Itching
When your skin is feeling dry or aggravated, your initial reaction is perhaps to try and scratch away any irritation. However, this can be very detrimental to the healing process, so you should always try and resist the urge to pick away at an itch.
Blistering
If you are suffering from a fungal infection, small blisters may start to appear on the surface of your skin. Sometimes these will contain pus which might ooze out, however if they start to bleed or show signs of worsening, you should seek medical attention from your doctor.
Dry, flaky skin
A universal symptom of fungal infections, your skin cells will start to degenerate under stress from the overgrowth of fungal spores. This can weaken the structure of your skin, causing it to become dryer, more prone to flaking, and even scaling.
Stress
Stress can occur during a fungal skin infection, often as a result of the visible external symptoms. Since fungal skin infections are also contagious, they can have a negative impact on a sufferer’s behaviour, influencing their moods and dictating how they interact with friends and family.
Nevertheless, stress should be avoided during this time as it can place pressure on your immune system and enable your physical symptoms
Sleep deprivation
Stress, and physical symptoms such as itchiness and dry skin, can interrupt your sleeping pattern.
This may not seem like a pressing problem; however, if you lack sleep, you will be more predisposed towards feeling irritable the next day, exacerbating your emotional symptoms until you become locked in a cycle of stress and sleep, with symptom exaggerating the other.
