Los fungus They live in the air, soil, plants, water… and while many are harmless, some can cause serious health problems. They reproduce and infect in different ways, therefore, to prevent their appearance or know how to treat them, it is important to know the most frequent ones.
Athlete’s foot
Him athlete’s foot It is a type of fungal infection which, as the name suggests, affects the cakes furthermore it generally occurs in summer due to heat and sweat, although it is also very common in athletes throughout the year.
It is characterized by causing a red rash in the infected area, with blisters and inflammation, which produces a intense itching. It usually appears on the sole of the foot and especially between the toes, since there, due to humidity, the suitable environment is created for this type of fungus. However, through contact, it can spread to the rest of the foot and even the hands. When suffering from this disease, it is very important to avoid frequent scratching to avoid wounds and complicating the infection when the fungus enters the body.
TO impede athlete’s foot, it is sufficient to change some habits, for example drying your feet well and avoiding walking barefoot in areas of possible contagion (such as swimming pools or community showers). It’s also very helpful to put moisturizer between your toes after a shower, letting it absorb well before putting on the sock. Equally important is wearing well-ventilated shoes, especially in summer, and changing socks frequently.
If this cannot be avoided, the treatment It will last several weeks depending on the severity of the infection and will consist of the application of an antifungal medical ointment.
Candidiasis
THE candidiasis It is the most common vaginal yeast infection and, of course, one of the gynecological disorders for which more women are consulted.
There are many of them factors that can cause the appearance of this infection, from the use of oral contraceptives, to antibiotics, as well as diabetes, menstruation or pregnancy, but also the use of synthetic and tight clothing which contributes to unbalancing the Ph of the vaginal area, favoring the development of candidiasis .
Between the symptoms The most common are itching, whitish vaginal discharge or thicker discharge. Also discomfort during urination, inflammation of the vagina and pain during sexual intercourse.
TO impede For this infection, experts advise not to wear very tight clothing, to use underwear, preferably cotton, and if it is wet, change it as quickly as possible. After using the bathroom, clean yourself from front to back and do not shower unless directed by your doctor. If its appearance cannot be avoided, candidiasis should be treated with antifungals and antifungals.
I had
THE I had It is a disease caused by fungi that is especially common among children, although it can occur at any age and in almost any area of the body.
It spreads by contact and gifts symptoms as red patches with very defined edges, itchy and scaly that can turn into blisters and ooze. Additionally, if ringworm affects the head, hair will be lost in the affected area for the duration of the disease. On the other hand, if the infection affects the nails, they will change color, become much thicker and even break.
TO impede For ringworm it is necessary to keep your skin clean and dry, use shampoo regularly (especially after a haircut), do not share personal hygiene products such as brushes or combs, but also do not share clothes or hats. Sandals or shoes should always be worn in gyms, locker rooms and swimming pools and avoid touching pets with hairless patches. If you can’t help it, your doctor may advise you to apply antifungal powders, lotions, or creams or hair dryers to the infected area, wear loose-fitting clothing to avoid chafing, and wash sheets and bedding every day for the duration of ringworm.
Onychomycosis
THE onychomycosis It is one of the most widespread pathologies in nail and it is also one of the most difficult fungal diseases to treat. It rarely affects children, but is common in young people and very common in older adults.
It is characterized by a change in color and/or partial thickening of the nail. It can be treated with lasers and medications.
TO impede Particular attention should be paid to its appearance in humid areas such as showers, swimming pools, gyms and, of course, the exchange of shoes and socks, as well as nail care utensils, should be avoided. Likewise, it is necessary to maintain proper hygiene.
Sources: facilesimo.com and Medline Plus
Images (in order of appearance): Scarleth White/Flickr, the bridge/Flickr and barks/Flickr.
Modified:
12/12/2020 6.12pm
This information should never replace the advice of a doctor. If you have any questions, please consult the professionals.
How can lifestyle choices impact the risk of developing fungal infections?
Title: The Hidden World of Fungal Infections: An Interview with Dr. Maria Lopez, Mycology Expert
Time.news Editor: Welcome, Dr. Lopez! Thank you for joining us today to shed light on the often overlooked but crucial topic of fungal infections. Many people are unaware of just how prevalent fungi are in our environment and the potential health risks they pose. Could you start by explaining the general characteristics of fungi and why some can be harmful to humans?
Dr. Maria Lopez: Thank you for having me! Fungi are fascinating organisms that exist in a myriad of environments—air, soil, and even water and plants. While many fungi are harmless and even beneficial, like those used in probiotics and certain food products, others can lead to serious health issues. They often reproduce through spores, which can easily spread and infect hosts. Understanding this balance is key to prevention and treatment.
Editor: That leads us to a very common fungal infection that many people might encounter—athlete’s foot. What exactly causes this condition, and why is it most prevalent during the summer?
Dr. Lopez: Athlete’s foot is a fungal infection that primarily affects the skin on the feet, especially between the toes. It thrives in damp, warm environments, which is why it’s more common in summer when we sweat more and wear closed shoes. The symptoms include a red rash, inflammation, and intense itching. It’s crucial to avoid scratching, as this can exacerbate the infection.
Editor: How can individuals effectively prevent athlete’s foot, particularly when they are in communal spaces like pools or showers?
Dr. Lopez: Prevention is all about maintaining good hygiene. Individuals should dry their feet thoroughly after washing, avoid walking barefoot in communal areas, and wear well-ventilated shoes. Additionally, using moisturizer between the toes can help keep the skin healthy. Regularly changing socks and using antifungal powder can also be beneficial, especially for athletes or those prone to excessive sweating.
Editor: Switching gears to a different type of fungal infection, let’s talk about candidiasis. What factors typically lead to this common condition, and what are the best practices for prevention?
Dr. Lopez: Candidiasis, especially vaginal yeast infections, can be triggered by several factors. Antibiotics, hormonal changes, diabetes, and even tight synthetic clothing can create an environment conducive to yeast overgrowth. To prevent it, women should opt for breathable cotton underwear, change out of wet clothes quickly, and maintain proper hygiene by cleaning from front to back after using the bathroom.
Editor: It’s clear that personal care plays a significant role in fungal infections. Now, many might be surprised to learn about ringworm. Why is it so prevalent, especially among children, and how does one effectively manage it?
Dr. Lopez: Ringworm is indeed more common in children due to their increased physical activity and often close contact with others. It manifests as red, scaly patches on the skin and can lead to hair loss if it affects the scalp. To manage and prevent ringworm, keeping the skin clean and dry is essential. Children should avoid sharing personal items like brushes, and it’s important to wear sandals in public showers. If an infection occurs, topical antifungal treatments can be very effective.
Editor: With various fungal infections affecting different demographics, what are the key takeaways for maintaining fungal health across all ages?
Dr. Lopez: The key is education and prevention. Understand how fungi spread and thrive, practice good hygiene, and be aware of symptoms. If someone suspects they have a fungal infection, it’s always best to consult a healthcare professional for advice tailored to their situation.
Editor: Thank you, Dr. Lopez, for sharing your insights into the complex world of fungal infections. Your expertise will certainly help our readers better understand and prevent these health concerns!
Dr. Lopez: It was a pleasure discussing this important topic with you. Remember, knowledge and preventive measures are the best defenses we have against fungal infections.
This interview format incorporates essential information from your original content while maintaining a conversational flow that could engage readers. Let me know if you want me to focus on a different style or if there’s anything else you need!