The presence of some lesions on the skin of the back, such as white spots, raised skin, or itching, can be a warning that you are facing the presence of fungus on the back. It is an alteration that occurs primarily in the summer months due to heat and humidity.
FastlyHealin this article, you will learn more about the presence of the h ongoing back: causes and treatment.
Table of Contents
Back fungus: causes
The causes of fungus on the back are multiple, ranging from climatic changes to a weak immune system, among others that we mention below:
- Climatic factors, heat, and humidity: the summertime is highly humid and hot, so the proliferation of fungi increases during this season.
- Pityriasis Versicolor, also known as beach fungus, is produced by a fungus called Malassezia furfur; it is responsible for creating a substance that prevents melanin production in the skin during its exposure to the sun. The main characteristic of the lesion produced by this fungus is that the skin does not tan where it is found, which causes the appearance of white spots.
- Ringworm is another type of fungus on the skin that can affect the back.
- Have oily skin: during the summer season, you are more susceptible to infectious processes, including bacterial or yeast infections, which grow more quickly in oily skin.
- Pregnancy: during pregnancy, hormonal changes increase and can trigger the appearance of infectious processes.
- The intake of some medications: treatments based on hormones, corticosteroids, or some antibiotics can modify the normal flora and, in this way, generate the appearance of fungi on the back.
- Immune deficiency: in cases where the immune system is weakened, it is not capable of defending the body, so it is susceptible to specific alterations, such as diabetes or kidney failure, which allow the proliferation of fungi.
Back fungus: symptoms
The most common symptoms of fungus on the back are:
- Changes in color
- The skin on the back and in other areas, such as the chest and upper arms, is much lighter or darker.
- Peeling of the skin
- Itch.
Is fungus on the back contagious?
There is no objective evidence, much less scientific, to support that back fungus is contagious. This is influenced by very particular characteristics such as:
- If the infectious process is the product of infections of animal origin, such as cats, rodents, or dogs, and from the ground, they are usually contagious to people. In this case, the contamination can pass from person to person.
- When it comes to fungal infections, this alteration is exclusive to people; in this case, the contagion will depend on the type of fungus and the characteristics of each person.
The chances of suffering from fungus on the back will depend on the presence of the following factors:
- Weakness of the immune system due to anxiety, depression, stress, and the presence of some diseases, such as diabetes mellitus, leukemia, and HIV, the use of some medications such as corticosteroids and chemotherapy.
- Genetic factors, hot and humid environments.
Back fungus: medical treatment
The presence of fungus on the back requires a medical review, in this case by the skin specialist, the dermatologist, who will be the one to prescribe the pharmacological treatment according to the lesions that the patient presents.
Therapy begins with antifungal drugs for local use in mild cases; oral treatment should be used if it is extensive lesions. In this case, the recommended medications are Ketoconazole, Miconazole, or Fluconazole; they should be ingested for four weeks every 12 or every 8 hours a day; in this way, the treatment will take effect, and the fungus on the back will disappear.
In cases where the local application is required, some tips should be followed to achieve the most significant benefits of the treatment:
- The back should be washed with a soap high in selenium; this acts as a fungus repellent, then the antifungal cream or spray is applied.
- The dry back area should be kept free of moisture to prevent fungus from developing, especially after showering.
- Increase your consumption of selenium-rich foods such as eggs, chicken, red meat, fish, shellfish, nuts, whole grains, and vegetables.
Home remedies for fungus on the back
These home remedies can help eliminate fungus from the back, but in no case can they be used as a substitute for medical treatment:
- Apple cider vinegar: has excellent antifungal properties; with its use, it is possible to eliminate itching and dryness in the lesions. It should be applied to the affected area, impregnating a cotton ball; it is left to act for about 15 minutes; it can be repeated three times a day.
- Garlic’s antibacterial and antifungal properties help eliminate fungal lesions on the back. Its consumption can help detoxify the blood; you should take garlic on an empty stomach mixed with lemon. If applied topically to the affected area, the crushed garlic should be placed and left to act for a few minutes, then removed with plenty of water. Garlic is an excellent option in the treatment of fungi.
- Oregano is a home remedy widely used to treat fungi; it can be used in oil and applied directly to lesions or ingested as an infusion. Oregano contains two substances, thymol, and carvacrol, both act by stopping the growth of fungi. It is applied to back injuries three times a day.
- Aloe vera: the multiple properties it offers to the skin, including moisturizing and repairing, are especially indicated in the presence of fungi and irritants. It can be applied alone or combined with other natural products, such as honey.
- Coconut oil: has a high content of fatty acids; it acts at the level of the cell membrane of the fungus, destroying it. It should be applied to the lesions three times a day for several weeks, even when the lesions have disappeared, as it prevents their appearance by keeping the skin moisturized.
- Tea tree: it is an essential oil with excellent properties, significantly eliminating fungi and bacteria. It would help if you used the tea tree mixed with olive oil or almond oil; mix 60 drops of tea tree with 50 milliliters of olive or almond oil. It should be applied to the back region two times a day.
- Baking soda and apple cider vinegar: bicarbonate is alkaline, and apple cider vinegar is acidic; both unions make an excellent mixture to eliminate fungus from the back. The balance in these two home remedies helps eliminate back fungus.
How to prevent back fungus
- Protect yourself from heat and humidity; this can be achieved by increasing hydration in the back and staying away from humid places.
- You should avoid lying directly on the beach sand; it is necessary to place a clean and dry towel to prevent excess humidity.
- Use moisturizers.
- Use cotton clothing and organic fabrics; in this way, the body is kept dry and away from heat.
- Do not share clothes, towels, or other articles of personal use.
- Keep the skin clean and dry; this will prevent moisture and even the proliferation of fungi.
The fungus on the back should be treated medically by skin specialists such as dermatologists. They will be in charge of making the precise diagnosis and initiating the therapy corresponding to the cause that gives rise to the fungus in the back; they will also recommend the use of home remedies along with pharmacological treatment if you require it.
This article is merely informative, at FastlyHeal .com we do not have the power to prescribe medical treatments or make any type of diagnosis. We invite you to see a doctor in the case of presenting any type of condition or discomfort.
If you want to read more articles similar to Fungi on the back: causes and treatment , we recommend that you enter our category of Skin, hair and nails .
I am a Surgeon with a diploma in comprehensive ultrasound and surgical care residency, an area I am specializing in. During the exercise of my profession, I have realized the need for patients to know the diseases they suffer, and I can tell you that a large part of their complications is due to a lack of information. Being a health web writer allows me to transmit my experience, without borders, to all those readers eager for knowledge, educate them in the prevention of diseases and promote a healthy lifestyle.