Medical Dermatology
Fungal Infections in Islamabad
Ringworm, tinea and nail infections
In plain terms
Understanding fungal infections
What it is
A fungal infection is a fungus living in the dead outer layer of skin, hair or nail, feeding on keratin and spreading outward from where it began. It does not clear on its own. Ringworm has nothing to do with worms, and the name causes a great deal of unnecessary alarm.
Why it happens
Warmth, sweat and anything that traps them. Shared towels, gym floors, damp shoes, tight clothing and long humid summers all help it along. Diabetes, a weakened immune system, and steroid creams applied to an undiagnosed rash all let it spread further and faster.
What you might notice
A ring with a raised scaly advancing edge and a clearer centre. Itching that worsens when you sweat. Nails turning yellow or white, thickening, crumbling and lifting from the bed. Between the toes it looks like soggy white skin rather than a ring.
How it is treated
Confirming it comes first, usually with a simple scraping, because steroid creams make a fungal rash look better for a week and considerably worse afterwards. Skin infections respond to antifungal cream over a few weeks. Nails and scalp usually need tablets, because cream does not reach where the fungus is living.
When to get it seen
If a rash has been treated as dry skin or eczema for weeks without settling, if it is visibly spreading outward, or if nails are involved. Most extensive cases she sees arrive after months of a combination cream bought over the counter, which is the single commonest reason these get out of hand.
What it involves
Fungal Infections at her clinic
How long it takes. 2–6 weeks, longer for nails.
Book appointmentQuestions about fungal infections
How long before fungal infections shows a result?
2–6 weeks, longer for nails. Skin is slow, and anyone quoting you a faster number is selling something.
Who will actually be treating me?
Associate Professor Dr. Lubna Rani Faysal. MBBS (Gold Medalist), FCPS (Dermatology), MHPE, 13 years in dermatology, and Associate Professor of Dermatology, Islamic International Medical College, Rawalpindi.
Do I need to be seen in clinic, or is video enough?
Send a description and a clear photograph on WhatsApp and she will tell you which. Anything needing close examination or a procedure has to be in clinic, tuesday – saturday, 4:00 – 7:00 pm at F8 Markaz, Islamabad.
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Book your fungal infections consultation
Tuesday – Saturday, 4:00 – 7:00 PM at F8 Markaz, Islamabad. Or ask first on WhatsApp at +92 370 549 7242.
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