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Fungal infection from toilet seat:

Fungal infections have the ability to affect anyone and they can appear on several parts of the body. A jock which is related with an athlete’s foot, a baby with thrush, and a woman with a vaginal yeast infection are just a few examples of fungi infections since fungi are microorganisms characterized by a substance in their cell walls called chitin.

Some fungi, like many types of mushrooms, are edible and highly nutritious while other types of fungi, like aspergillus, can be extremely dangerous and lead to life-threatening diseases or even death. Many types of fungi can cause different fungal infections. In most cases, fungi that are not typically found on or inside the body can colonize it and cause an infection. In other cases, fungi that are normally present on or inside the body can multiply out of control and cause serious infection in the host.

Most Fungal infections are highly contagious and can spread from one person to another and in some cases, one can also catch disease-causing fungi from infected animals or contaminated soil or even surfaces.

SYMPTOMS OF FUNGAL INFECTION

The symptoms of a fungal infection is totally dependent on the type of infection but common symptoms include the following:

• Skin changes
• Red and possibly cracking or peeling of the skin
• Itching if infected area.

TYPES OF FUNGAL INFECTION

The following conditions are all common types of fungal infections.

1. Athlete’s Foot: Tinea pedis or athlete’s foot is a very common type of fungal infection that affects the foot. Athlete’s foot is commonly associated with sports and athletes because the fungus grows perfectly in warm, moist environments such as socks and shoes, sports equipment, and even locker rooms. Nevertheless, anyone can be affected by athlete’s foot and it is most common in warmer climates and summer months, where it can quickly multiply.

2. Yeast Infection: Vaginal yeast infections is a very common form of Candida overgrowth found in women which is usually caused by Candida albicans. An overgrowth of Candida in the body disrupts the normal balance of the bacteria and yeast in the vagina and this imbalance of bacteria may be due to antibiotics, stress, and hormone imbalances, or even poor eating habits, among other things. Candida infections can also commonly cause fungal toenail infections and diaper rash.

3. Jock Itch: Tinea cruris which is commonly known as jock itch, is another common type of fungal skin infection. These fungi love warm and damp environments and thrive in moist areas of the body such as the groin, buttocks, and inner thighs. Jock itch may be more common in summer or in warm, humid areas of the world. Jock itch is mildly contagious and is usually spread through direct contact with an infected person or an object that is carrying the fungus.

4. Ringworm: Tinea corporis or ringworm as commonly called is a skin infection caused by a fungus that lives on dead tissue like the skin, hair, and nails. Ringworm is the fungus that causes both jock itch and athlete’s foot fungal infections. When it appears anywhere else on the body, the infection is just called ringworm.

FUNGAL INFECTION FROM TOILET SEAT

Apparently, there is no proven research that fungal infections are gotten from toilet seat although toilet seats are culprits in transmitting fungal infection. Nevertheless, there is a possibility that contact with a contaminated toilet seat or even a locker-room bench might spread fungus from person to person. Using a clean toilet-seat cover might be a reasonable precaution.

NOTE: The toilet seat is not one of the most common vehicle for transmitting infections to humans because many disease causing organisms can survive for only a short time on the surface of the seat in the toilet and for an infection to occur, the germs would have to be transferred from the toilet seat to the urethral or genital tract, or through a cut or sore on the buttocks or thighs, which is possible but very unlikely.

PREVENTION OF FUNGAL INFECTION

The below tips are very useful and helps to prevent a fungal skin infection from developing:

• Be sure to practice good hygiene.
• Avoid share clothing, towels, or other personal items.
• Wear clean clothes every day, particularly socks and underwear.
• Choose clothing and shoes that breathe well. Avoid clothing or shoes that are too tight or have a restrictive fit.
• Make sure to dry off properly with a clean, dry, towel after showering, bathing, or swimming.
• Wear sandals or flip-flops in locker rooms instead of walking with bare feet.
• Wipe down shared surfaces, such as gym equipment or mats.
• Stay completely away from animals that have signs of a fungal infection, such as missing fur or frequent scratching.

CONCLUSION

Most fungal skin infections can be treated with over-the-counter or prescription creams. Severe infections may require additional methods. Taking preventive action can go a long way towards avoiding fungal skin infections as well. It is always best to notify a doctor at the first sign of infection to avoid possibly serious complications by working directly with a doctor, most cases of fungal skin infections can be easily treated.

Fungal skin infections are common although these infections are not usually serious, they can cause discomfort and irritation due to itchy or scaly red skin. If not treated, the rash may spread or become more irritated. Fungal infections can be uncomfortable or even painful. In some cases, they can take weeks or months to effectively treat. In some cases, your doctor may also recommend changes to your diet or other daily habits to help treat or prevent future fungal infections.