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 species of different mushrooms. Where do fungi live and how does a person become infected?
Fungi are widespread in the environment. They live in the soil, on plants, live on animals, and there is even a saprophytic species of fungi that happily coexists with us, i. e. 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: weather conditions (hot season), the state of the immune system, skin condition, 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 hot season, after returning from the seas, where a hot, humid climate prevails, accompanied by increased sweating.
These factors are especially favorable for the introduction of pathogenic fungi and for the transition of saprophytes into pathogenic flora.
What are the types of fungal infections?
There are mainly 4 groups of fungal diseases:
They are quite superficial, as they affect the stratum corneum and cuticles of the hair, without causing inflammatory reactions and do not affect skin appendages (hair, nails). The most common disease from this group is pityriasis versicolor, or pityriasis versicolor. It is manifested by the appearance of cafe-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 from this group is athlete's foot, or mycosis of the feet. The disease is very common among the adult population - about 80% have this disease.
A huge 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 the severity.
The course and extent of the process use local and systemic antifungal therapy.
In the last few years, a modern method has been successfully used in the treatment of fungal nail diseases (onychomycosis) - 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 on any part of the human body: on the torso, on the limbs, 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 one family member, all family members should be carefully checked, and if it is a child, then also those caring for the sick child. It is also necessary to carefully check for the presence of fungal diseases, children entering orphanages, nurseries, schools and similar institutions.
It is especially important to examine schoolchildren before leaving and after arriving from summer camps.
If you suspect the presence of mycosis, you should consult a dermatologist and get tested for fungi. 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 must be started; under no circumstances should the patient be allowed to come into contact with healthy children.
Every object touched by the patient may be contaminated and pose a risk of transmission of infection or reinfection to the patient himself. Each such item must be disinfected or destroyed. Clothing is disinfected in a steam-formalin or steam-air chamber. Bed linen is disinfected by boiling for 20 minutes.
Prevention of fungal diseases in hairdressing salons, 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, other things in steam-formalin chambers.
Prevention of mycosis 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 stockyards and veterinary inspection services on collective farms.
Persons who have been in contact with sick animals are advised to observe the rules of hygiene and monitor the condition of their skin, as they can become a source of further spread of infection, both among people and among animals.
Cats and dogs can be carriers of fluffy microsporum, which is the source of the disease microsporia. Animals suspected of carrying a fungal infection must be transferred to special veterinary institutions, but they should never simply be turned out because they will spread the infection. But there are also known cases when 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 carried out 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. Can affect any part of the body. To avoid diseases, sanitary and hygienic rules must be observed. Treatment of fungi is a complex process, so do not delay your visit to 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, you need to maintain foot hygiene and use antifungal medications.
Treatment of skin fungus
Skin fungus, or mycosis, often occurs in people with weakened immune systems. Affecting the skin, the disease often becomes chronic, reducing the body's ability to resist. There are different types of mycosis, 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 primary prevention of mycoses
In order to prevent infection with a pathogenic fungus, you must adhere to several rules:
- Maintain personal hygiene. Any contact in public places should end with hand sanitizing. To do this, just 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 such 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 see a specialist who will determine the cause and be able to prescribe the correct treatment.
Causes of 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 back, the interdigital space, and nails are involved.
The causative agent is the fungus Trichophyton, which has two varieties. The first is red trichophyton, the second is interdigital. The last type is the most common. According to WHO, up to 30% of residents of developed countries suffer from dermatomycosis of the skin of the foot. This is associated with 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 belongings and household items. Horny skin particles, contaminated with spores of pathogenic strains of fungi, are a direct source of infection for others.
Microorganisms multiply most intensively in a humid environment. Walking barefoot in public places - baths, saunas, showers - creates preconditions for infection with mycosis.
Getting into microcracks, abrasions and diaper rash on human skin, the spores grow into the thread-like body of the fungus - mycelium. It penetrates deeply into the epidermis, creating lesions.
The causes of mycosis development 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 up access for pathogens to penetrate. At risk are metallurgists, miners, military personnel and athletes - anyone who, due to duty or due to working conditions, is forced to constantly wear water- and vapor-proof shoes.
Intrafamilial mycoses of the feet are common. Close 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 destruction of the skin. Depending on the nature of the skin damage, forms of mycosis are distinguished:
- Erased. The surface of the foot peels, diaper rash appears between the toes. The itching is minor. Patients often do not attach any importance to this, considering the symptoms of fungus to be an irritation, or use home treatment methods that are ineffective.
- Squamous-hyperkeratic. This shape is also called the "moccasin foot" due to the rough, thick leather of the sole, covered with cracks. The damage to the skin is significant - it peels off in large scales, its color is gray-yellow. There is pain when walking, an unpleasant odor. The disease most often affects older people.
- Wet (vesicular, dehydrotic). Its peculiarity is the formation of small pink bubbles, which merge over time into large bubbles. The disease begins with the arch of the sole, then spreads to the entire foot and toes. When the bubbles burst, they form foci of erosion. The skin swells and itches.
- Intertriginous. Characterized by damage to the interdigital space. The skin loosens, becomes wet and swells. Severe itching and burning appear. Over time, deep, painful cracks form, interfering with normal walking.
- Spicy. Severe form of mycosis. It is characterized by fever, inflammation of the inguinal lymph nodes, swelling of the feet and legs. The feet become covered with blisters containing serous-purulent contents. After opening them, weeping erosions form, causing severe physical suffering to the patient.
Pathogenic fungi, feeding on the cells of the human body, release toxins that poison the body. The protective function of the skin and general immunity decrease. Lesions are open gates for bacterial and viral infections. Treatment of fungus is a necessary condition for maintaining health and normal well-being.
Diagnosis of mycosis of the foot
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 for determining 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. Conduct tests for HIV, blood sugar levels, STDs.
Based on the results obtained, the doctor makes a diagnosis and prescribes treatment. This can be monotherapy or complex treatment using external agents and tablets.
How to treat athlete's foot
Treatment of ringworm is successful when the patient takes medications and procedures responsibly. Modern medications have a liver-friendly effect and effectively destroy the mycelium of pathological forms of the fungus.
For wet forms of the fungus, the wounds are first dried using a solution of potassium permanganate, brilliant green, iodine or boric acid. In the treatment of this type of mycosis, drugs containing corticosteroids are indispensable. "Moccasin foot" is cleaned of keratinized layers by wrapping with salicylic acid. They soften rough skin, which is easy to clean off after the procedure.
Treatment with folk remedies for foot fungus
Homemade formulations in the form of:
- foot baths;
- ointments;
- lotions;
- compresses.
- decoctions and infusions of medicinal herbs.
Baths take 15-20 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 drug with a napkin. Course – from 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. Folk remedies have no contraindications, but their use is most effective in combination with drug treatment.
Consequences of mycosis of the feet
Like any infectious disease, tinea pedis affects the cells of the human body. Penetrating into the thickness of the skin and feeding on its components, the mycelium grows into the epithelial layers. This does not go unnoticed for the body. Local and general immunity decreases. Allergic reactions may occur and asthmatic manifestations may intensify. Bacterial and viral infections penetrate into open wounds. Fungal infections can be accompanied by more severe diseases.
Important. Mycosis of the feet creates a danger both for the carrier of the dermatophyte and for his immediate environment. People with poor health are most 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:
- avoiding contact with possible sources of fungal infection;
- maintaining personal hygiene;
- maintaining a healthy lifestyle;
- treatment of chronic diseases.
If signs of mycosis of the foot appear, you should consult a specialist doctor and carry out the prescribed treatment. If preventive measures are taken, cases of the return of a fungal disease of the skin 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 these microorganisms can be beneficial, opportunistic, or pathogenic. Moreover, the last two types do not cause harm as long as a certain balance is maintained between microorganisms
Fungal infection
The human body is inhabited by many viruses, fungi and bacteria. All these microorganisms can be beneficial, opportunistic, or pathogenic. Moreover, the last two types do not cause harm as long as a certain balance is maintained between microorganisms.
The greatest danger is represented by a fungus - a microorganism that can lead to damage to the skin and internal organs of a person. There are about 500 species of fungi that cause mycosis in humans. What fungal infections can cause serious illness in people, and what treatment methods are used to get rid of pathogenic microorganisms?
Types of fungi
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, being part of its microflora. They belong to opportunistic species, as they do not pose a threat to health, provided that 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 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.
Features of skin mycosis
The skin very often suffers from fungal infections. Moreover, it spares neither women, nor men, nor 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 most often affects men. With athlete's foot, not only the top layer of skin is affected, but also the nails.
There are two forms of this disease:
- athlete's foot inguinal;
- athlete's foot.
Dermatomycoses are a whole group of fungal skin infections that affect every fifth person on the planet. In this case, mycosis can develop not only on the skin, but also in internal organs.
Sporotrichosis is a chronic fungal disease caused by fungi of the genus Sporotrichium. Infection occurs through contact with grass, shrubs, soil, street dust and even food. In this case, the skin and subcutaneous tissue are most often affected. The mucous membranes and internal organs are very rarely exposed to the fungus.
Candidiasis is caused by yeast fungi of the genus Candida. These microorganisms are part of healthy microflora and perform important functions in the human body. However, when favorable conditions are created, Candida fungi begin to actively multiply, disturbing the balance of bacteria, which leads to the development of candidiasis. Most often, candidiasis or thrush appears in the vagina in women and in the mouth in children.
Causes of fungal infection
The development of a fungal infection is facilitated by contact with a source of fungi. For example, their spores can be in the air, on the floor surface or in bird droppings. At the same time, in order to reproduce, fungi require a special environment, which is created when the body’s protective functions are reduced.
While athlete's foot can affect anyone, there are certain populations that are most 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 radiation therapy;
- people suffering from diabetes and pulmonary diseases.
Fungi can grow on the surface of the skin. But the favorite places for dislocation are the folds of the skin, the bends of the arms and legs, that is, all places where there is high humidity and body temperature. Mycosis can 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, which leads to damage to 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 along 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 fungus is indicated by the following signs:
- slight increase in body temperature;
- chills;
- headache;
- feeling tired;
- general weakness of the body.
Later, these symptoms are joined by chest pain, shortness of breath and a 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 often affects the lungs. In some cases, the fungus spreads to other organs, which if left untreated leads to the death of the patient. People suffering 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 most often asymptomatic, which complicates its diagnosis and delays the initiation of treatment. In severe cases, patients experience the following symptoms:
- increase in body temperature to 40°-41°C
- chills followed by heavy sweating;
- severe headaches and muscle pain;
- 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 antimycotic drugs, as well as symptomatic therapy to improve the general condition of the patient. In severe forms of the disease, medications are administered intravenously. The duration of treatment depends on the type of fungal infection and the severity of the disease. In general, it ranges from 1 to 3 months. In addition, patients are prescribed medications that strengthen the body's immune system.
Preventive actions
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 adhere to the following rules:
- maintain personal hygiene, wash your hands before eating, after each visit to the toilet and public places;
- wash vegetables and fruits thoroughly;
- animal food must undergo prolonged heat treatment;
- eat rationally, minimizing the consumption of simple carbohydrates and sugar;
- monitor body weight;
- take antibacterial and hormonal drugs only as prescribed by a doctor;
- use condoms during sexual intercourse.
It is very important, if you find several signs of a fungal infection, consult a doctor and undergo a full examination of the body.
Modern dermatology has a number of antifungal drugs that are harmful to the fungus and non-toxic to the human body. They exist in various dosage forms: for local and systemic use.