How Do Dogs Get Fungal Infections

Did you know that, although they are less common than bacterial and viral infections, fungal infections are still widespread and lead to approximately 75,000 hospitalizations each year in the United States? If you’ve ever had a fungal infection, such as athlete’s foot or a yeast infection, you know how uncomfortable they can be, and you may have researched ways to clear them fast. While searching the internet, you may have come across the claim that sunlight kills fungal infections. This article explores this claim by outlining what fungal infections are, their typical symptoms, and how they are treated. By the end of the article, you will have an answer to the question: Does sun kill fungal infections?

What are Fungal Infections?

All fungal infections are caused by fungi that can be found everywhere around us, such as yeasts and molds. They also thrive in warm and moist environments, which can lead to symptoms such as itching, odor, redness, and irritation. Although fungal infections generally share these and other significant factors, there is a wide variety of fungal infections. First, there are superficial infections that often affect the skin, especially skinfolds. These types of infections are most common and relatively harmless. More serious conditions, often called systemic fungal infections, can affect internal organs, such as the lungs, eyes and brain, and can even lead to death in vulnerable individuals or pets. Some of the most common types of fungal infections are the following:

Superficial Fungal Infections:

• Ringworm

• Yeast infection

• Athlete’s foot

• Jock itch

• Fungal ear infections

• Systemic Fungal Infections:

• Aspergillosis

• Blastomycosis, Histoplasmosis, Cryptococcosis

• Candidiasis

Does Sun Kill Fungal Infection?

Despite the common assumption that sunlight kills fungal infections, it’s not a reliable tool to treat these types of conditions. However, there is some truth to this claim, since sunlight exposure can help prevent these infections, reduce fungi, and slow their growth on surfaces due to the anti-UV properties of UV rays, which damage fungal cells. Since fungi thrive in warm and moist environments, sunlight can also serve as a counteracting measure by drying out damp areas, making infections less likely and slowing the progression of symptoms in some mild cases. However, it’s vital to note that the effect of sunlight doesn’t apply to systemic infections or warm, moist skin folds where surface-level fungal infections are most common.

How to Treat Fungal Infections?

Fungal infections usually do not clear up on their own and require treatment, even when exposed to moderate sunlight. The exact treatment plan of a fungal infection varies depending on the type and severity of the infection, as well as potential other health factors or medications you’re taking. Some commonly prescribed medications for treating fungal infections include Diflucan, Ertaczo, Jublia, Noxafil, and Sporanox.

In addition to medical treatment, you can support your body by taking several helpful steps, for example, by keeping affected areas clean and dry and avoiding scratching. You can also boost your immune system by eating a healthy diet, drinking enough fluids, reducing your sugar intake, and getting sufficient sleep.

Even though some medications for less severe conditions are available over-the-counter, ensure you consult your healthcare provider when in doubt or if your symptoms do not improve within the expected time period. Working with your healthcare provider can help you clear the infection faster, understand the underlying causes and ensure the fungal infection does not recur.