So what is a fungal infection? This is a disease caused by fungi, the number of which is very large in nature. Today there are more than 200 different species of mushrooms. Where do fungi live and how does a person become infected?
Fungi are widespread in the environment. They live in the soil, in plants, they live in animals, and there is even a species of saprophytic fungus that lives happily with us, that is. live on human skin. Fungi pathogenic to humans that affect the skin are called dermatophytes and the diseases are called dermatomycosis.
Infection can occur in 2 ways: direct infection through contact with soil, plants, a sick animal or a sick person; indirect: in contact with various things and objects that were used by patients, also through animal care items.
Why does fungal infection occur?
Susceptibility to fungal infection is determined by numerous factors: climatic conditions (hot season), the state of the immune system, the condition of the skin and the presence of concomitant diseases. Age, gender and professional factors also matter. More often, of course, the manifestation of the disease occurs in the warm season, after returning from the seas, where hot and humid weather prevails, accompanied by increased sweating.
These factors are especially favorable for the introduction of pathogenic fungi and for the transition from saprophytes to pathogenic flora.
What are the types of fungal infections?
There are mainly 4 groups of fungal diseases:
They are quite superficial, since they affect the stratum corneum and the hair cuticles, without causing inflammatory reactions and do not affect the skin appendages (hair, nails). The most common disease in this group is pityriasis versicolor or pityriasis versicolor. It is manifested by the appearance of coffee-au-lait spots, mainly on the chest, back and shoulder girdle.
This is a large group of fungal diseases that affect the skin, hair and nails. The most common disease in this group is athlete's foot or mycosis of the feet. The disease is very common among the adult population: around 80% suffer from it.
A very important role in the prevention of fungal diseases is played by the treatment of shoes, the treatment of manicure and pedicure scissors with special antifungal agents, in the form of solutions and sprays.
It is also important to combat excessive sweating of the skin of the feet, if necessary. For treatment, depending on severity.
The course and extent of the process use local and systemic antifungal therapy.
In recent years, a modern method for the treatment of fungal nail diseases (onychomycosis) has been successfully used - laser treatment of onychomycosis.
Prevention of fungal diseases.
Fungal diseases, also known as mycoses, are infectious diseases caused by pathogenic fungi.
Fungal infections can affect a wide variety of organs. In this case, the symptoms can be very different, depending on which organ was affected and what type of fungus. There are many types of fungal infections, but forms that affect the skin and nails are the most common. Mycoses are contagious diseases and are transmitted from person to person.
Fungal diseases can appear anywhere on the human body: on the torso, on the extremities, on the scalp, on the palms of the hands, on the soles of the feet, between the fingers, in the groin and even on the face.
If a fungal disease is detected in a family member, all family members should be carefully monitored and, if it is a child, also those who care for the sick child. It is also necessary to carefully monitor the presence of fungal diseases in children admitted to orphanages, kindergartens, schools and similar institutions.
It is especially important to screen schoolchildren before leaving and after arriving from summer camps.
If you suspect the presence of mycosis, you should consult a dermatologist and have a fungal test. Before the consultation, it is best to cut your hair short, this makes it much easier to recognize mycosis.
At the slightest suspicion of a fungal disease in a child, he should be prohibited from attending school or kindergarten. Immediately after confirmation of the diagnosis, treatment should be started; under no circumstances should the patient be allowed to come into contact with healthy children.
Any object touched by the patient may be contaminated and pose a risk of transmitting infection or reinfection to the patient themselves. Each of these items must be disinfected or destroyed. Clothing is disinfected in a steam-formalin or steam-air chamber. Bedding is disinfected by boiling it for 20 minutes.
Prevention of fungal diseases in hairdressers, baths and showers should be carried out regularly, at intervals of no more than 3 months. Metal objects should be thoroughly disinfected with dry heat and the rest in steam and formalin chambers.
Prevention of mycotic diseases in animals is of great importance, due to the fact that people very often become infected with trichophytosis and microsporia from animals.
It is necessary to create hygienic pens and veterinary inspection services on collective farms.
People who have been in contact with sick animals are recommended to observe hygiene rules and monitor the condition of their skin, as they can become a source of further spread of infection, both among people and animals.
Cats and dogs can carry spongy microsporum, which is the source of microsporia disease. Animals suspected of carrying a fungal infection should be transferred to special veterinary institutions, but should never be expelled simply because they will spread the infection. But there are also known cases in which the carriers were rats and mice.
Preventive measures are necessary to reduce the possibility of infection of healthy people, so as not to turn them into carriers of a fungal infection. Systematic disinfection of premises is one of the most important points in the prevention process. It is done with a five percent chloramine solution, then everything is washed with a five percent soap solution.
Fungal skin lesions
Fungal skin infections are quite common diseases. It can affect any part of the body. To avoid diseases, sanitary and hygienic standards must be observed. Treating fungus is a complex process, so don't postpone visiting the doctor.
Preparations for the prevention of foot fungus.
Foot fungus is an infectious disease that is accompanied by the appearance of blisters, peeling, itching, cracks, etc. To prevent the disease, it is necessary to maintain foot hygiene and use antifungal medications.
Skin fungus treatment.
Skin fungus, or mycosis, often occurs in people with weakened immune systems. By affecting the skin, the disease often becomes chronic, reducing the body's ability to resist. There are different types of mycoses, treatment must be carried out individually.
Fungal diseases of the male genital organs.
A separate type of male diseases are fungal diseases of the male genital organs, which are characterized by specific transmission, exclusively through sexual contact. Therefore, it is extremely important to be attentive to your health and carry out prevention.
Prevention of fungal diseases. Methods for the primary prevention of mycoses.
To prevent infection with a pathogenic fungus, several rules must be followed:
- Maintain personal hygiene. Any contact in public places must end with hand disinfection. To do this, simply wash your hands thoroughly or apply an antiseptic solution.
- Public places should be visited with caution. Saunas, toilets, showers and baths are a "breeding ground" for the proliferation of pathogenic microflora. Avoid contact with surfaces in these areas.
- Avoid contact with infected people or animals. This also applies to objects used by patients.
The first sensations of discomfort on the skin or its appendages should not be ignored. It is better to go to a specialist who will determine the cause and be able to prescribe the correct treatment.
Causes of the development of mycosis of the feet.
Mycosis of the feet is a skin lesion caused by parasitic fungi. A very common disease among the population. The surface of the foot and its dorsum, the interdigital space and the nails are affected.
The causative agent is the Trichophyton fungus, which has two varieties. The first is red trichophyton, the second is interdigital. The last type is the most common. According to the WHO, up to 30% of residents of developed countries suffer from dermatomycosis of the skin of the foot. This is due to the constant wearing of shoes, as a result of which the most favorable conditions are created for the development of foot fungus.
Causes of mycosis
The infection is transmitted mainly by contact, through personal effects and household items. Horny skin particles contaminated with spores of pathogenic fungal strains are a direct source of infection for others.
Microorganisms multiply more intensively in a humid environment. Walking barefoot in public places (baths, saunas, showers) creates preconditions for mycosis infection.
Getting into microcracks, abrasions and diaper rash on human skin, spores grow into the threadlike body of the fungus - the mycelium. It penetrates deeply into the epidermis, creating lesions.
The causes of the development of mycosis are:
- reduced immunity due to chronic diseases;
- diabetes;
- varicose veins, thrombophlebitis;
- age over 60 years.
These factors reduce the protective functions of the skin, opening access for pathogens to penetrate. At risk are metallurgists, miners, military personnel and athletes, anyone who, for work reasons or working conditions, is forced to constantly wear water- and steam-resistant footwear.
Intrafamilial mycoses of the feet are common. Proximity to an infected family member is the shortest route of transmission of a harmful fungal disease.
Symptoms of a fungal infection.
Fungal diseases of the feet are manifested by various signs of skin destruction. Depending on the nature of skin damage, forms of mycosis are distinguished:
- Erased. The surface of the foot peels and diaper rash appears between the toes. The itching is less. Patients often do not attach any importance to this, considering the symptoms of the fungus to be an irritation or using home treatment methods that are ineffective.
- Scaly-hyperkeratic. This form is also called "moccasin foot" because of the rough, thick leather of the sole, covered with cracks. The damage to the skin is significant: it comes off in large scales and its color is grayish yellow. There is pain when walking, unpleasant smell. The disease most often affects older people.
- Damp (vesicular, dehidrotic). Its peculiarity is the formation of small pink bubbles, which over time merge into large bubbles. The disease begins in the arch of the sole and then spreads to the entire foot and toes. When the bubbles burst, erosion sites form. The skin becomes swollen and itchy.
- Intertriginous. Characterized by damage to the interdigital space. The skin becomes loose, wet and swollen. Intense itching and burning appear. Over time, deep, painful cracks form and interfere with normal walking.
- Spicy. Severe form of mycosis. It is characterized by fever, inflammation of the inguinal lymph nodes, and swelling of the feet and legs. The feet are covered with blisters containing serous-purulent content. After opening them, suppurating erosions form, causing serious physical suffering to the patient.
Pathogenic fungi, which feed on the cells of the human body, release toxins that poison the body. The protective function of the skin and general immunity decreases. Injuries are open doors to bacterial and viral infections. Treatment of fungus is a necessary condition for maintaining normal health and well-being.
Diagnosis of foot mycosis.
Diagnosis and treatment of fungal diseases of the feet is carried out by a dermatologist and mycologist. Determination of the type of fungus is carried out by laboratory methods: studying tissue samples under a microscope. A cultural method to determine the type of pathogen is to place the inoculated material in a nutrient medium. At the same time, the causes of mycosis are being determined. Test for HIV, blood sugar levels, and STDs.
Based on the results obtained, the doctor makes a diagnosis and prescribes treatment. It can be monotherapy or a complex treatment with external agents and tablets.
How to treat athlete's foot
Ringworm treatment is successful when the patient takes the medications and procedures responsibly. Modern drugs have a beneficial effect on the liver and effectively destroy the mycelium of pathological forms of the fungus.
For wet forms of the fungus, the wounds are first dried with a solution of potassium permanganate, brilliant green, iodine or boric acid. In the treatment of this type of mycosis, drugs containing corticosteroids are essential. The "moccasin foot" is cleaned of keratinized layers by wrapping it with salicylic acid. They soften rough skin, which is easy to clean after the procedure.
Treatment with home remedies for foot fungus.
Homemade formulations in the form of:
- foot baths;
- ointments;
- lotions;
- compresses
- decoctions and infusions of medicinal herbs.
Baths last between 15 and 20 minutes. The solution is prepared with the addition of acids: acetic, boric or a mixture of salt and soda. They soften the stratum corneum well. After the procedure, dry the foot and lubricate it with birch tar. After an hour and a half, remove the remaining medicine with a napkin. Course – 3 to 5 times. Onions and garlic in the form of compresses disinfect the surface of the feet well. Used in mixture with oils. For minor skin lesions, a decoction of oak bark, juices of celandine, lemon and essential oils of tea tree or fir are effective.
Important. Home remedies have no contraindications, but their use is more effective in combination with drug treatment.
Consequences of foot mycosis.
Like any infectious disease, tinea pedis affects the cells of the human body. By penetrating the thickness of the skin and feeding on its components, the mycelium grows towards the epithelial layers. This does not go unnoticed by the body. Local and general immunity decreases. Allergic reactions may occur and asthmatic manifestations may intensify. Bacterial and viral infections penetrate open wounds. Fungal infections can be accompanied by more serious illnesses.
Important. Mycosis of the feet poses a danger to both the carrier of the dermatophyte and his immediate environment. People in poor health are more susceptible to contracting fungal diseases. It is necessary to cure the fungus to protect yourself and others.
Prevention of foot fungus.
The main preventive measures should be aimed at:
- avoid contact with possible sources of fungal infection;
- maintain personal hygiene;
- maintain a healthy lifestyle;
- treatment of chronic diseases.
If signs of foot mycosis appear, a specialist doctor should be consulted and the prescribed treatment carried out. If preventive measures are taken, cases of recurrence of a fungal skin disease of the legs are quite rare.
Fungal infection in the body: symptoms and treatment.
The human body is inhabited by many viruses, fungi and bacteria. All of these microorganisms can be beneficial, opportunistic or pathogenic. Furthermore, the last two types do not cause harm as long as a certain balance is maintained between microorganisms.
Mycosis
The human body is inhabited by many viruses, fungi and bacteria. All of these microorganisms can be beneficial, opportunistic or pathogenic. Furthermore, the last two types do not cause harm as long as a certain balance is maintained between microorganisms.
The greatest danger is posed by a fungus - a microorganism that can damage the skin and internal organs of a person. There are about 500 species of fungi that cause mycoses in humans. What fungal infections can cause serious illness in people and what treatment methods are used to eliminate pathogenic microorganisms?
types of mushrooms
All fungi that can live in the human body are divided into several types:
- yeast;
- moldy;
- domiphoric.
Fungi are multicellular.
Yeasts live in the human body, forming part of its microflora. They belong to opportunistic species, since they do not pose a threat to health, as long as the balance is maintained. All other types of fungi are pathogenic and pose a real threat to human health and life.
Fungi can multiply both on the surface of the skin and nails and inside the body. However, a healthy person, as a rule, is not affected by a fungal infection, since it is destroyed by the cells of the immune system. Therefore, the most favorable conditions for the functioning of the fungus are created in the body of people with weakened immunity.
Characteristics of cutaneous mycosis.
The skin very often suffers from fungal infections. Furthermore, he does not forgive women, men, or children. This disease is divided into several main groups:
- athlete's foot;
- dermatomycosis;
- sporotrichosis;
- candidiasis;
- trichophytosis.
Athlete's foot is a fungal disease caused by fungi of the genus Epidermophyton. It affects men more frequently. In athlete's foot, not only the top layer of the skin is affected, but also the nails.
There are two forms of this disease:
- inguinal athlete's foot;
- athlete's foot.
Dermatomycoses are a whole group of fungal skin infections that affect one in five people on the planet. In this case, mycosis can develop not only on the skin, but also on internal organs.
Sporotrichosis is a chronic fungal disease caused by fungi of the genus Sporotrichium. Infection occurs through contact with grass, bushes, dirt, street dust and even food. In this case, the skin and subcutaneous tissue are most often affected. Mucous membranes and internal organs are rarely exposed to the fungus.
Candidiasis is caused by yeast fungi of the genus Candida. These microorganisms are part of a healthy microflora and play important functions in the human body. However, when favorable conditions are created, Candida fungi begin to actively multiply, disturbing the bacterial balance, which leads to the development of candidiasis. Most often, candidiasis or thrush appears in the vagina of women and in the mouth of children.
Causes of fungal infection
The development of a fungal infection is facilitated by contact with a fungal source. For example, its spores can be in the air, on the soil surface, or in bird droppings. At the same time, to reproduce, fungi need a special environment, which is created when the protective functions of the body are reduced.
While athlete's foot can affect anyone, there are certain populations that are more susceptible to developing the disease.
These include:
- people who have undergone organ transplant operations;
- cancer patients, as well as people who have undergone chemotherapy and radiotherapy;
- people suffering from diabetes and lung diseases.
Fungus can grow on the surface of the skin. But the favorite places for dislocation are skin folds, bends of the arms and legs, that is, all places where there is a lot of moisture and body temperature. The fungal infection may spread to a small area, such as between the fingers or toes. But some fungi are capable of infecting deep layers of tissue. If mycosis develops in the lungs, it enters the bloodstream, damaging internal organs.
Coccidioidomycosis
This disease is caused by fungi of the genus Coccidioides imitus, which live in the soil. This microorganism is common in the driest areas of America, Africa and Mexico. It enters other countries together with goods supplied from these countries.
Signs of coccidioidomycosis
The first symptoms of the disease resemble ARVI and inflammatory processes in the lungs and bronchi. The presence of fungi is indicated by the following signs:
- slight increase in body temperature;
- shaking chills;
- headache;
- feeling tired;
- general weakness of the body.
Later, these symptoms are joined by chest pain, difficulty breathing, and dry cough. A couple of weeks after the pulmonary manifestations of the disease, the patient develops skin rashes in the form of papules or nodules that look like warts.
histoplasmosis
This disease is caused by the fungus Histoplasma capsulatum, which most frequently affects the lungs. In some cases, the fungus spreads to other organs and, if left untreated, causes the death of the patient. People who suffer from AIDS are susceptible to this disease due to the vulnerability of their immune system.
Signs of histoplasmosis
The acute form of the disease is usually asymptomatic, which complicates its diagnosis and delays the start of treatment. In severe cases, patients experience the following symptoms:
- increase in body temperature to 40°-41°C
- chills followed by intense sweating;
- severe headaches and muscle aches;
- chest pain;
- dry cough;
- General weakness.
If left untreated, the disease becomes chronic.
Features of treatment of fungal infection
Treatment of any fungal infection involves internal administration of antifungal drugs, as well as symptomatic therapy to improve the patient's general condition. In severe forms of the disease, drugs are administered intravenously. The duration of treatment depends on the type of fungal infection and the severity of the disease. In general, it ranges between 1 and 3 months. Additionally, patients are prescribed medications that strengthen the body's immune system.
Preventive actions
The fungus is an insidious microorganism that is difficult to destroy. Therefore, any infection is easier to prevent. First of all, it is necessary to strengthen the immune system, which will allow it to independently fight any pathogens.
It is also recommended to comply with the following rules:
- maintain personal hygiene, wash hands before eating, after each visit to the bathroom and public places;
- wash vegetables and fruits well;
- animal feed must undergo prolonged heat treatment;
- eat rationally, minimizing the consumption of simple carbohydrates and sugar;
- control body weight;
- take antibacterial and hormonal medications only as prescribed by a doctor;
- use condoms during sexual relations.
It is very important, if you find various signs of fungal infection, consult a doctor and do a complete examination of the body.
Modern dermatology has a number of antifungal drugs that are harmful to fungi and non-toxic to the human body. They exist in several dosage forms: for local and systemic use.