Clinically defined as dermatophytes, including all fungi caused diseases in man and animals by invasion of the skin, fungus maybe of the systematic variety or the local variety.

The identification of the systemic variety is beyond the knowledge of the patient. The local variety, however, is recognisable and comprises of Candida, Tinea and Pityriasis Versicolor. Candida thrives on the subcuticular space opened due to a damaged or lost cuticle in case of nails.

This may occur due to persistent action of water and chemicals (soaps and detergents). Affection of multiple nails is common. Housewives and maids, who are literally in and out of soapy water during the day, are the most affected. This may also exist in the folds of the skin or the oral cavity.

It is not usually seen in children unless they are very ill. The middle-aged are more prone to it and so are obese people owing to humid conditions while the elderly may suffer due to their low immune status. Then again, men outnumber women due to oppressive clothing worn by them. This kind of fungal infection settles down in winter and resurfaces in the summer or monsoon months.

It appears as a whitish curd-like membrane in the mouth which makes swallowing difficult. In the obese, it appears as a small erosion and pus pocket. Soarness and itching maybe intense.

Tenia manifests itself as circular, sharply marginated lesions with raised edges. It may be of the scalp leading to localised loss of hair or itching. The hands, palms and soles may be affected with a dry, thick appearance and silvery scales as the visible signs. The nails, on infection, might thicken and crumble and the inner thighs might be prone to intense itching.

Pityriasis Versicolor may appear as a flaky-white lesions on the upper body usually in the peak of summer. This is associated with mild itching. There maybe pain and pus formation in the affected parts.

This ringworm or Tenia infection formation of rings on the skin which clear in the centre as they continue to spread outward. For cure, in addition to antifungal agents, it is mandatory to look for the correct internal and external contributory factors. Prevention of recurrences is more dependent on such correctional steps rather than a course of antifungal therapy.

Fungal infections occur mainly on account of poor hygiene, sharing of towels, clothes and underclothes besides the hot humid conditions. Wearing tight fitting clothes as well as those of polyester or nylon also contribute to their spread. Patients suffering from diabetes, tuberculosis, other immune compromised conditions and those on any kind of steroids are more prone to fungal infections.

The treatment is simple once the type of infection and the extent of the body involved is diagnosed. It may be cured either by local application or with or with an oral antifungal drug. Complications arise only when people try self-medication or are prescribed medicines by quacks or chemists. The commonly prescribed medicine by them in Betnovate which is a local steroid and is quite contra-indicative in these conditions. So, instead of exploring other options, people must consult a qualified dermatologist.

These infections are 100 per cent curable and can even be prevented to a certain extent if certain points are kept in mind. Sharing is certainly `not caring'. Resist using personal articles like towels, caps, combs and shaving blades. All these may predispose the infection. Efforts to keep dry must be a priority because fungus thrives on moisture. Personal hygiene must take priority and a bath twice a day helps minimise chances of an infection provided the body is properly dried afterwards. Loose cotton clothes are recommended. These, too, should be properly dried before use as dampness also gives rise to infections.

Last but not least, in spite of these preventive measures, if a skin infection does catch up with you, the cure lies only with a qualified dermatologist and that's where you should be headed.