Fungal Infection Tips

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Fungal Infection Tips

The term mycosis (plural: mycoses) refers to conditions in whichfungi pass the resistance barriersof the human body and establish infections.

Fungal infections of the skin most commonly affect the feet, groin,scalp or nails. Fungi grow best in arm, moist areas of the skin, suchas between the toes, in the groin and the area beneath the breasts.

Last Updated -21st December 2005

Mycoses are classified according to the tissue levels initiallycolonized:

Superficial mycoses - limited to the outermostlayers of the skin and hair.

Cutaneous mycoses - extend deeper into theepidermis, as well as invasive hair and nail diseases. These diseasesare restricted to the keratinized layers of the skin, hair, andnails. Unlike the superficial mycoses, host immune responses maybe evoked, resulting in pathologic changes expressed in the deeperlayers of the skin. The organisms that cause these diseases arecalled dermatophytes. The resulting diseases are often called ringworm(even though there is no worm involved) or tinea. Cutaenous mycosesare caused by Microsporum, Trichophyton, and Epidermophyton fungi,which together comprise 41 species.

Subcutaneous mycoses - involve the dermis,subcutaneous tissues, muscle, and fascia. These infections are chronicand can be initiated by piercing trauma to the skin, which allowsthe fungi to enter. These infections are difficult to treat andmay require surgical interventions such as debridement.

Systemic mycoses - originate primarily inthe lungs and may spread to many organ systems. Organisms that causesystemic mycoses are inherently virulent. All fungi that generallycause systemic mycoses except Cryptococcus are dimorphic fungi.

Opportunistic mycoses - infections of patientswith immune deficiencies who would otherwise not be infected. Examplesof immunocompromised conditions include AIDS, alteration of normalflora by antibiotics, immunosuppressive therapy, and metastaticcancer. Examples of opportunistic mycoses include Candidiasis andAspergillosis.

Examples of Fungal Infections

Athlete's foot is the most common fungalskin infection. Symptoms include cracked, blistered and peelingareas between the toes; redness and scaling on the soles of thefeet; and itching. Athlete's foot often reoccurs and must be treatedeach time.

Jock itch causes severe itching and moistnesson the skin of the groin and upper thighs. There may be red, scaly,raised areas on the skin that weep or ooze pus or clear fluid.

Ringworm is a fungal infection that growson the outer layer of skin, hair or nails. It is more common inchildren than in adults. It appears as patches that are clear inthe center and have edges that are red, peeling or have blister-likebumps. The skin is often very itchy and the rash can quickly spread.On the scalp and beard, ringworm appears as round or oval patchesof baldness which may be scaly, red, crusty or swollen with littleblister-like bumps. The hair on the scalp and beard may have flakesthat look like dandruff.

Thrush is a yeast infection that occurs inthe mouth, especially in babies. It causes a white coating insidethe mouth, often on the cheeks, that may look like milk but is hardto remove.

Fungal infections of the fingernails and toenailscause discoloration, thickening and often softening of the nails.They are difficult to treat and often cause permanent damage tothe nails.

Prevention And Home Treatment

Keep your feet clean, cool and dry.

Dry well between the toes after swimming or bathing.

Wear shoes that allow your feet to "breathe"

Wear cotton socks to absorb sweat.

Give shoes 24 hours to dry between wearings.

Wear thongs or shower sandals in public pools andshowers.

Keep your groin area clean and dry.

Wash and dry well, especially after exercising,and apply talcum powder to absorb moisture.

Wear cotton underwear.

Avoid tight pants, underwear and pantyhose.

Do not play with pets that have bald or mangy spotson their coats.

Do not share hats, combs, brushes, washcloths ortowels.

For athlete's foot and jock itch, use a nonprescriptionantifungal powder or lotion.

Do not use hydrocortisone cream on a fungal infection.

Treat ringworm with an antifungal.

When To Call A Physician

If signs of infection are present.

If you have diabetes and develop athlete's footas people with diabetes are at an increased risk of infection.

If you experience a sudden loss of patches of hairassociated with flaking, broken hairs and inflammation of the scalp.

If several members of your household are experiencinghair loss.

If ringworm is severe and spreading or is presenton the scalp.

If home treatment fails to improve after 2 weeksor if it fails to clear up after 1 month.

Disclaimer: The Fungal Infection Tips / Informationpresented and opinions expressed herein are those of the authors anddo not necessarily represent the views of TipsAndTreats.com and/orits partners.

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