Fungal skin infections from the problems that affect a large number of women in different ages, and appear usually in the form of red or scaly spots, accompanied by itching or a feeling of discomfort.
And although fungi live naturally on the surface of the skin without causing any harm, but some conditions may make them multiply in an abnormal way causing clear infections, these infections may appear in different areas like scalp, feet, under the breasts or in skin folds.
Making them annoying and embarrassing often, and because the reasons are multiple, so it is important to understand them well so that prevention of infection or dealing with them in their early stages is possible.
Weakness of the immune system in women
The immune system is the first line of defense against fungi and viruses:
- Weak immunity makes the body less capable of resisting the fungi that live naturally on the skin.
- Women infected with chronic diseases like diabetes or who use cortisone treatment are more susceptible.
- Continuous stress and not enough sleep also weakens the immune system.
- Deficiency of vitamins and essential minerals contributes to increasing susceptibility to infection.
The role of humidity in increasing fungal infections
Humidity is a main factor in the cause of fungal infections:
- Continuous sweating without appropriate ventilation increases the skin's humidity.
- Areas like under the breasts or between the thighs become an ideal environment for fungi.
- Exercising without changing wet clothes increases the probability of infection.
- Using some inappropriate deodorants may aggravate the problem.
Hormonal changes in women
Hormones play a main role in the health of the skin among them:
- Changes during pregnancy or the menstrual period change the skin's balance and increase its humidity.
- Hormonal disorders raise the levels of some secretions that stimulate the growth of fungi.
- Ladies who take hormonal contraceptives may notice the repetition of infections.
- Menopause also may be accompanied by a change in the nature of the skin that makes it more susceptible.
Tight clothes and shoes lead to an increase in fungi
Clothes made from industrial fabrics like polyester prevent the skin from breathing, which increases the accumulation of humidity and heat, this situation is ideal for fungi, especially in areas like the thighs or under the breasts.
And also, closed shoes for long periods lead to foot fungal infections or what is known as athlete's foot. Choosing loose cotton clothes and shoes that allow ventilation reduces significantly the probability of infection.
Wrong daily habits that some women do
Some bad habits may lead to infection with fungal infections like sharing towels or not drying the body well after showering contributes to transmitting infection.
Likewise, using unsuitable skin care products may change the skin's balance and increase the growth of fungi. Ignoring cleaning makeup tools or wearing closed shoes for long periods from the factors that promote the repetition of skin infections.
Some women who have chronic diseases
Infection with some chronic diseases may lead to the occurrence of fungal infections like:
- Diabetes disease increases the probability of fungi growth as a result of high blood sugar level.
- Obesity causes multiple skin folds,which makes humidity trapped in them.
- Liver and kidney diseases may affect the body's ability to get rid of toxins,and thus increase susceptibility to infection.
- Repetition of skin infections may be a sign of a chronic disease that needs a medical examination.
Extreme obesity in women
Weight increase does not only affect general health, but also on the health of the skin. Ladies who suffer from obesity usually have more skin folds.
And these folds retain sweat and humidity for long periods, which prepares an ideal environment for the growth of fungi. This explains the commonness of fungal infections under the breasts or between the thighs in women with excess weight.
Neglect of some women for personal hygiene
May lead neglect of personal hygiene to infection like:
- Not showering regularly especially after sweating leaves a suitable environment for fungi.
- Using non-cotton underwear increases humidity.
- Neglecting changing sports clothes after exercises doubles the chances of infection.
- Excessive use of strong soap may disrupt the natural skin balance.
Summary of the article
Fungal skin infections in women are a common condition resulting from multiple factors and are not only related to hygiene. Weakness of the immune system or infection with chronic diseases like diabetes increases the probability of infection.
Humidity and excessive sweating with unsuitable clothes are considered a fertile environment for the growth of fungi. Hormonal changes during pregnancy or the menstrual period may affect the skin's balance and allow the fungi to grow. Frequent use of antibiotics disrupts the balance of beneficial bacteria, which leads to increased activity of fungi.
Chronic skin diseases make the skin more susceptible to repeated infections. Understanding these reasons helps women with prevention and early treatment, which reduces the complications and maintains the health of the skin.