During the summer they tend to suffer more frequently, the heat and humidity make it so.
There are two types of fungiYeasts (candida) and molds (dermatophytes).
Because microorganisms are so small, they are difficult to detect.
Under certain conditions, they develop excessively, which causes this infection.
That can be both in hair and nails or skin.
These infections cause itching, redness and scaling and even fissures, which is why they are often confused with skin irritations or eczema.
It is a contagious infection although if it is treated correctly it is curable.
These microorganisms thrive in hot, humid conditions.
Although in general in immunosuppressed people, as well as in weak, elderly or people with a large amount of medication, they can behave as opportunists, which is why special attention must be paid to people with serious illnesses.
As I said at the beginning, there are mainly two types of mycoses, candida caused by yeast and ringworm, caused by molds or dermatophytes.
These can appear in any part of the body, depending on where they appear, they tend to be in different ways and that is why we classify them.
This athlete's toe infection, hence its name, not because it is exclusive to athletes, mainly affects the toes and nails .
Especially between the toes, it is usually in the form of flaking, itching, dryness of the feet, sometimes there is also an unpleasant odor (although not always).
When it affects the nails, the nail initially stains brownish and yellowish, it moves towards the growth of the nail.
This becomes deformed, thickens and detaches from the finger, many times the skin next to the fingers ends up becoming infected.
Ringworm on the hands.
Located in the groin and upper thighs, more common in men.
It starts with a small rash and continues with a very irritated pimple or blister with pus.
When it affects any part of the body, they form washers that flake off, starting more reddish and ending more whitish. They are usually contracted by contact with infected animals such as cats.
On the scalp, it usually produces oozing plaques in the hair, the area becomes inflamed and can cause the destruction of the hair follicle and the appearance of alopecia.
This other mycosis due to a yeast called Candida, very common, is especially frequent when there is diaper rash in babies, in which when there is excessive skin irritation it is many times due to the appearance of this bacterium.
In areas where there is little perspiration, especially in obese people, in which the folds of the chest or armpits.
During pregnancy it is also common.
Thrush is an oral form of candidiasis, very common in people immunosuppressed by HIV, due to excess medication and in people with inhaled corticosteroids.
Vaginal yeast infection and other mycoses is also very common at this time of year, although I will comment on it in another post because it is very extensive.
In prevention the most important role is to avoid the circumstances in which these bacteria are most at home.
That is why hygiene is very important.
Keeping the skin dry and clean, especially in all areas that are less ventilated, it is important to wash with soap and water and dry thoroughly afterwards.
Best to leave outdoors.
That is why in the baby's diaper, washing with soap and water, correct rinsing and drying, helps to improve and prevent its formation.
These bacteria are highly contagious, so it is important to use towels for personal use in public spaces, try not to touch wet areas barefoot, wear flip-flops, and dry your feet properly after washing.
To prevent foot fungus, it is important to avoid excessively closed footwear in periods of excessive heat, with a clean sock.
If inhaled steroid sprays must be used (asthma etc), use inhalation spacers and rinse mouth after inhalations.
The most common way is a biopsy with some scraping of the area and subsequent inspection under a microscope and specific culture for fungi.
And thus classify the type and subsequently the most appropriate treatment.
The process of taking the desquamation and subsequent treatment with potassium hydroxide, demonstrates the presence of dermatophytes.
The fundamental treatment is antifungals, both topical (cream, gel, powder...) and orally.
Depending on the type of infection, one or another action and duration of treatment will be chosen.
The main antifungals are imidazoline derivatives, such as itraconazole, clotrimazole, tioconazole, sertaconazole...
Ciclopiroxolamine
Allylamines (naftifine, terbinafine) and griseofulvins.
Among the natural products we must mention.
Lavender as an antiseptic, while avoiding bad foot odor.
Tea tree oil, this specific oil from Australia is one of the most effective natural products to treat nail fungus.
Deodorant powders that contain drying agents such as boric acid, alum, talc and zinc oxide, among the commercial products that can prevent foot fungus is Fungusol, it contains some of these components and prevents excessive moisture of the feet, at the same time antiseptic.
Podosan powder deodorant is also a very useful remedy to prevent the formation of these.
Scholl, Akileine and many other brands also have similar products.
