Minor infections that are important to keep on top of

Sarah Parker
Authored by Sarah Parker
Posted: Tuesday, January 12, 2021 - 17:01

Infections account for millions of doctor’s visits each year and they’re caused when another organism enters the body which leads to disease. Infections vary in severity, but even minor infections should be taken seriously and treated as soon as possible to prevent them from becoming more serious. You can develop an infection in a number of ways, from direct contact with someone who also has an infection to eating contaminated food or water. These are some minor infections that are important to keep on top of to stay healthy.

Fungal Nail Infections

Toenail fungus nail infections are common, but they can be treated quickly and easily. If you spot discolouration on your nails or they become swollen, painful or bleed, then you may have developed a nail infection. An over-the-counter treatment such as Curanail is an easy solution that is quick to get working to minimise the spread to other nails, not just your own but also other people in your household; it is easy to find Curanail online as well in your pharmacy.

Athlete’s Foot

Athlete’s foot, also called tinea pedis, is a highly contagious fungal infection which impacts the skin on your feet. It’s common in people who play sports a lot, and you can pick it up in moist environments such as changing rooms and swimming pools where it can spread quickly. While this infection isn’t serious, it can be hard to get rid of – make sure you clean your feet regularly and dry them thoroughly, as well as use a topical over-the-counter treatment to prevent it from spreading.

Urinary Tract Infection

Urinary Tract Infections, or UTIs, are most common among women although they can affect men as well. This infection is caused by bacteria entering the urinary tract, but they can also impact the bladder or kidneys in more serious cases. The symptoms of a UTI include pain when urinating, blood in your urine and cloudy or smelly urine. The symptoms often go away by upping your water intake but if it doesn’t, speak to your GP who can prescribe antibiotics.

Common Cold

The common cold is an infection of the upper respiratory tract and, as the name suggests, it’s one of the infections that most people are familiar with. There’s a myth that it’s caused by not dressing warmly enough in colder weather, but that’s not true – the common cold is actually a virus which is spread when you inhale virus particles from someone who has the infection. It can also be spread by touching surfaces that have the particles on them, like door handles or telephones. There isn’t a cure for colds, but you should stay hydrated and get plenty of rest in order to recover. If you don’t feel like you’re getting better, if you have a high temperature or you notice that you’re getting colds a lot, it is worth speaking to your doctor.

Yeast Infection

Yeast infections are a form of vaginitis and cause symptoms such as thick vaginal discharge, redness or swelling and pain in the vulva, and a burning sensation during urination. A yeast infection is fungal in nature and it can develop if there’s an overgrowth of candida fungus in the vagina, which can be caused by antibiotics, birth control pills, a high sugar diet or hormone therapy. Yeast infections aren’t usually a cause for concern and there are many over-the-counter treatments that can help. If you find that you’re getting yeast infections on a regular basis, however, speak to your GP.

Ringworm

Ringworm is a fungal infection of the skin and although it isn’t actually caused by a worm, the lesions that develop on the skin do resemble a ring shape. This infection can impact humans and animals and it appears as red patches on the skin and can spread to other areas of the body, such as the feet, scalp or groin. Ringworm is caused by contact with someone else who has the infection and there are different types of ringworm depending on the area you have developed it in.

Your GP can diagnose your condition and there are both medications and lifestyle adjustments you can make to heal yourself of ringworm, such as taking topical antifungal creams or ointments, as well as washing your bedding regularly in hot water to disinfect them, drying areas of your body thoroughly after showering, and wearing loose clothing in natural fibres to keep your body as dry and cool as possible.

Conclusion

Infections can strike at any time and they can affect any of us, but they are easy to treat and often go away with the right care and treatment plan in place. From fungal infections to bacterial conditions, make sure you stay on top of these infections and any others so that they don’t develop into something more serious or difficult to treat.