Fungal infections are quite common and although not serious in themselves, can cause a good deal of discomfort and misery. Fungi are a group of organisms separate from plants and animals but having several characteristics similar to those of plants, in that they can grow and spread locally, and then disseminate by means of spores. They are a large group that encompasses micro-organisms such as yeasts and moulds right up to the larger more familiar mushrooms.
Fungi are abundant worldwide, but because of their small size and inconspicuous lifestyle they are hardly noticed unless causing an undesirable effect such as a skin rash. Most fungi take the form of a mycelium which is a mass of interconnecting hyphae or strands and helps with the absorption of water and nutrients like the roots of a plant. When these organisms grow on the surface of the skin or mucous membrane in man they cause an irritation of the underlying surface and set up unpleasant burning or itching sensations. These plaques of fungi can be difficult to eradicate as they reproduce by spores which are like minute seeds, virtually impossible to see and resistant to heat and some chemical detergents. They can survive for long periods and then become active again when conditions are right. The availability of moisture is an important condition.
Certain fungi are capable of causing skin infections in man and some of the common ones are listed below:
Athlete's Foot (Tinea pedis)
This is a very common infection of adults, often caused by a combination of fungus and bacteria. It commonly affects the skin between the toes and makes the skin soggy and itchy.
Fungal nail infection (Tinea ungulum)
This is sometimes called ringworm and can cause the nail to become swollen, or discoloured and malformed. Athlete's foot can spread to involve the nail also.
Groin Ringworm (Tinea cruris)
Also called jock itch as it occurs in sports people causing a red itchy patch in the groin area.
Scalp Ringworm (Tinea capitis)
This tends to affect young children and can cause patchy hair loss and localised redness.It can be spread from person to person but not everyone actually develops the condition. It is possible for it to lie dormant for years.
Body Ringworm (Tinea corporis)
This affects the body often on exposed areas causing red patches.
Other infections are caused by yeasts and the most common is Candida albicans as this is a normal commensal. In other words it is normally present in most people in the mouth and digestive system causing no problem. However during illness, or if the immunity is compromised or the balance upset by antibiotics, then the fungi can multiply and cause symptoms, usually called thrush.
Thrush can affect the mouth and tongue, areas lined with a mucous membrane such as the vagina, and moist folded skin. Thrush infection often looks like small white patches, which, when rubbed dislodge to leave a reddened area. In adults vaginal thrush can cause itchiness and a thick, white discharge.
In men thrush can affect the head of the penis causing a painful red rash..
Factors that tend to predispose towards fungal infections are if you :
- have been on a course of antibiotics
-have been taking steroids by mouth
-are obese
-have diabetes
-are African-Caribbean
-have a history of previous infection or
-have a weakened immune system due to cancer or aids
In general yeast and fungal infections require moisture to flourish. Thus drying your toes and in between properly is important after bathing, and why it is a good idea to change your socks frequently..
Fungal infections inside the body tend to be much more serious than on the skin, but fortunately occur much less frequently, usually only when immunity is seriously compromised.
The treatment for these skin infections is usually by means of antifungals applied as creams or sprays but if the infection is extensive then tablets taken by mouth may be necessary. These treatments are usually fairly effective with only minimal side effects but they don't seem to preclude the possibilty of the infection returning. You may visit my website for further information on this
For further information go to the website here
http://curefungalinfections.blogspot.com/
