So what is a yeast infection? It 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 do people get infected?
Fungi are widely distributed in the environment. They live in soil, on plants, on animals, and there is even a species of saprophytic fungus that lives happily with us, i. e. they live on human skin. Fungi that are pathogenic to humans and affect the skin are called dermatophytes, and the diseases are called dermatomycosis.
Infection can occur in two ways: direct infection through contact with soil, plants, sick animals or sick people; indirectly - through contact with various objects and objects that patients used, even through pet care articles.
Why do yeast infections occur?
Susceptibility to fungal infection is determined by many factors: weather conditions (warm season), state of the immune system, skin condition, presence of accompanying diseases. Age, gender and professional factors also matter. More often, of course, the manifestation of the disease appears in the hot season, after returning from the seas, where a hot, humid climate prevails, accompanied by increased sweating.
These factors are particularly favorable for the colonization of pathogenic fungi and the transition of saprophytes to pathogenic flora.
What are the types of yeast infections?
There are mainly 4 groups of fungal diseases:
They are rather superficial, as they affect the stratum corneum and cuticle of the hair without causing inflammatory reactions and do not affect the skin appendages (hair, nails). The most common disease from this group is pityriasis versicolor or pityriasis versicolor. This manifests itself in 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 athlete's foot. The disease is very common among the adult population - about 80% of them suffer from this disease.
The treatment of shoes, manicure and pedicure scissors with special antifungal agents, solutions and sprays plays a huge role in the prevention of fungal diseases.
It is also important to fight excessive sweating of the feet, if necessary. For treatment, depending on the severity.
The course and extent of the process uses local and systemic antifungal therapy.
In the past few years, a modern method has been successfully used in the treatment of fungal nail diseases (onychomycosis) - laser treatment of nail fungus.
Prevention of fungal diseases
Fungal diseases, also known as mycoses, are infectious diseases caused by pathogenic fungi.
Fungal infections can affect many organs. In this case, the symptoms can be very different, depending on the organ affected and the type of fungus. There are many types of fungal infections, but the forms affecting the skin and nails are the most common. Mycoses are contagious and spread from person to person.
Fungal diseases can appear anywhere on the human body: on the trunk, limbs, scalp, hands, soles, between the fingers, in the groin, and even on the face.
In the case of a fungal disease, all family members must be carefully checked in the case of one family member, and if it is a child, then also the caregivers of the sick child. Children entering orphanages, kindergartens, schools and similar institutions must be carefully checked for the presence of fungal diseases.
It is especially important to examine schoolchildren before departure and after arrival from summer camps.
If you suspect the presence of mycosis, consult a dermatologist and perform an examination for the presence of fungi. Before the consultation, it is best to cut your hair short, so it is much easier to recognize mycosis.
In the case of even the slightest suspicion of fungal disease, attendance at school or kindergarten must be prohibited. After confirming the diagnosis, the treatment should be started immediately, under no circumstances should the patient come into contact with healthy children.
Any object touched by the patient may be contaminated and there is a risk of spreading the infection to the patient or re-infection. All such items 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.
The prevention of fungal diseases in the hair salon, bath and shower must be carried out regularly, at intervals of no more than 3 months. Metal objects must be thoroughly disinfected with dry heat, others in steam-formalin chambers.
Prevention of mycosis in animals is of great importance, as humans are very often infected with trichophytosis and microsporia infections from animals.
Hygienic warehouses and animal health monitoring services must be established in collective farms.
Persons in contact with sick animals are advised to follow hygiene rules and monitor the condition of their skin, as these can become sources of further spread of infection, both among humans and animals.
Cats and dogs can be carriers of the downy microsporum, which is the source of the microsporia of the disease. Animals suspected of having a fungal infection should be taken to a special animal health facility, but they should never be simply put on display because they spread the infection. But there are also known cases where the carriers were rats and mice.
Preventive measures are necessary to reduce the infection of healthy people so that they do not become carriers of fungal infections. Systematic disinfection of premises is one of the most important points of 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. In order to avoid diseases, health and hygiene rules must be followed. Treatment of fungi is a complex process, so do not delay a visit to the doctor.
Preparations for the prevention of athlete's foot
Athlete's foot is an infectious disease characterized by blisters, peeling, itching, cracks, etc. To prevent the disease, you need to maintain foot hygiene and use antifungal drugs.
Treatment of skin fungus
Skin fungus, or mycosis, often occurs in people with weakened immune systems. The disease affecting the skin often becomes chronic, reducing the body's resistance. There are different types of mycosis, the 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 pay attention to your health and do prevention.
Prevention of fungal diseases. Methods of primary prevention of mycoses
In order to prevent infection with the pathogenic fungus, several rules must be followed:
- Observe personal hygiene. All contact in public places must be closed with hand disinfection. To do this, just wash your hands thoroughly or use an antiseptic solution.
- Public places should be visited with caution. Saunas, toilets, showers and baths are breeding grounds for pathogenic microflora. Avoid contact with surfaces in such areas.
- Avoid contact with infected people or animals. This also applies to items used by patients.
The first discomfort on the skin or its appendages should not be ignored. It is better to see a specialist who will determine the cause and prescribe the appropriate treatment.
Causes of foot mycosis
Mycosis of the foot is a skin lesion caused by parasitic fungi. It is a very common disease among the population. The surface and back of the foot, the interdigital space and the nails are affected.
The causative agent is the fungus Trichophyton, of which there are two types. The first is red trichophyton, the second is interdigital. The last type is the most common. According to the WHO, up to 30% of the population of developed countries suffer from dermatomycosis of the skin of the feet. This involves constant wearing of shoes, as a result of which the most favorable conditions for the development of athlete's foot are created.
Causes of mycosis
The infection spreads primarily through contact - through personal items and household items. Crusted skin particles contaminated with spores of pathogenic fungal strains are a direct source of infection for others.
Microorganisms multiply most intensively in a moist environment. Walking barefoot in public places - baths, saunas, showers - creates prerequisites for mycosis infection.
Getting into microcracks, abrasions and diaper rash on the human skin, the spores grow into the thread-like body of the fungus - mycelium. It penetrates deep into the epidermis, creating changes.
The causes of the development of mycosis are as follows:
- 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. At risk are metallurgists, miners, military personnel and athletes - anyone who constantly wears waterproof and moisture-proof shoes due to their duties or working conditions.
Intrafamilial mycoses of the feet are common. Close proximity to an infected family member is the shortest way to transmit the 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 the skin damage, the forms of mycosis are distinguished:
- Deleted. The surface of the feet peels, diaper rash appears between the toes. Itching is mild. Patients often do not attach importance to this, consider fungal symptoms as irritation, or use ineffective home treatment methods.
- Squamous hyperkeratic. This form is also called "moccasin foot" because of the rough, thick, cracked skin on the sole. The damage to the skin is significant - it comes off in large scales, the color is grayish-yellow. There is pain when walking, an unpleasant smell. The disease most often affects the elderly.
- Moist (vesicular, dehidrotic). Its specialty is the formation of small pink bubbles, which merge into large bubbles over time. 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. It is characterized by damage to the interdigital space. The skin becomes loose, moist and swollen. Severe itching and burning occurs. Over time, deep, painful fissures develop that 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 foot is covered with serous-purulent blisters. After they are opened, weeping erosions are formed, which cause severe physical suffering to the patient.
Pathogenic fungi that feed 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 doors for bacterial and viral infections. Treating the fungus is a necessary condition for maintaining health and normal well-being.
Diagnosis of foot mycosis
Fungal diseases of the feet are diagnosed and treated by dermatologists and mycologists. The type of fungus is determined by laboratory methods - by studying tissue samples under a microscope. The culture method used to determine the type of pathogen is to place the inoculum in culture medium. At the same time, the causes of mycosis are determined. Get tested for HIV, blood sugar, STDs.
Based on the results obtained, the doctor diagnoses and prescribes treatment. It can be monotherapy or complex treatment with external drugs and pills.
How to treat athlete's foot
Ringworm treatment is successful if the patient takes medicines and procedures responsibly. Modern drugs have a liver-friendly effect and effectively destroy the mycelium of pathological forms of the fungus.
In the case of wet forms of the fungus, the wounds are first dried with a solution of potassium permanganate, brilliant green, iodine or boric acid. Medicines containing corticosteroids are indispensable in the treatment of this type of mycosis. The "moccasin feet" are cleaned of keratinized layers by wrapping with salicylic acid. They soften the rough skin, which can be easily washed off after the procedure.
Treatment with folk remedies against athlete's foot
Homemade preparations in the following form:
- foot baths;
- ointments;
- lotions;
- compresses.
- herbal decoctions and infusions.
The bath lasts 15-20 minutes. The solution is prepared by adding acids - acetic acid, boric acid or a mixture of salt and soda. They soften the stratum corneum well. After the procedure, dry your feet and apply birch tar. After an hour and a half, remove the remaining medicine with a napkin. Course - 3-5 times. Onion and garlic in the form of poultices disinfect the surface of the feet well. It is used mixed with oils. In case of minor skin changes, decoction of oak bark, celandine, lemon juice, and essential oils of tea tree or pine are effective.
Important. Folk remedies have no contraindications, but their use in combination with medication is most effective.
Consequences of foot mycosis
Like all infectious diseases, tinea pedis affects the cells of the human body. Penetrating the thickness of the skin and feeding on its components, the mycelium grows into the epidermal layers. This does not go unnoticed by the organization. Local and general immunity decreases. Allergic reactions may occur and asthma symptoms may intensify. Bacterial and viral infections invade open wounds. Fungal infection can be accompanied by more serious diseases.
Important. Mycosis of the foot poses a threat both to the carrier of the dermatophyte and to its immediate environment. People in poor health are most susceptible to fungal diseases. Treating the fungus is necessary to protect yourself and others.
Prevention of athlete's foot
The main preventive measures should be aimed at:
- avoiding contact with possible sources of fungal infection;
- compliance with personal hygiene;
- maintaining a healthy lifestyle;
- treatment of chronic diseases.
If signs of mycosis of the foot appear, consult a specialist and carry out the prescribed treatment. If preventive measures are taken, recurrence of the fungal disease of the skin of the feet is quite rare.
Fungal infection in the body: symptoms and treatment
Many viruses, fungi and bacteria live in the human body. 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 the microorganisms
Fungal infection
Many viruses, fungi and bacteria live in the human body. 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 the microorganisms.
The greatest danger is a fungus - a microorganism that can damage the skin and internal organs. About 500 species of fungi cause mycosis in humans. What fungal infections can cause serious illness in people, and what treatment methods are used to get rid of the pathogenic microorganisms?
Types of mushrooms
All fungi living in the human body are divided into several types:
- yeast;
- moldy;
- domiphoric.
Fungi are multicellular
Yeasts live in the human body and are part of its microflora. They belong to opportunistic species, as they do not pose a threat to health while maintaining balance. 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 is usually not affected by a fungal infection, as the cells of the immune system destroy it. Therefore, the most favorable conditions for the functioning of the fungus are created in the body of people with weakened immunity.
Features of mycosis of the skin
The skin very often suffers from fungal infections. Moreover, it does not spare women, men, or children. This disease can be divided into several main groups:
- athlete's foot;
- dermatomycosis;
- sporotrichosis;
- candidiasis;
- trichophytosis.
Athlete's foot is a fungal disease caused by fungi belonging to the genus Epidermophyton. It most often affects men. Athlete's foot affects not only the upper layer of the skin, but also the nails.
There are two forms of this disease:
- athlete's foot inguinal;
- athlete's foot
Dermatomycoses are a 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 in the 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 membrane and internal organs are very rarely exposed to the fungus.
Candidiasis is caused by yeasts belonging to the genus Candida. These microorganisms are part of the healthy microflora and perform important functions in the human body. However, when favorable conditions arise, Candida fungi begin to multiply actively, disrupting the balance of bacteria, which leads to the development of candidiasis. Most often, candidiasis or oral thrush appears in the vagina in women and in the mouth in children.
Causes of yeast infection
The development of a fungal infection is facilitated by contact with the source of the fungus. For example, they may have spores in the air, on floor surfaces or in bird droppings. At the same time, the reproduction of fungi requires a special environment, which is created when the body's defense functions are reduced.
Although athlete's foot can affect anyone, there are certain populations that are most susceptible to developing the disease.
These include:
- persons who have undergone an organ transplant;
- cancer patients and people undergoing chemotherapy and radiotherapy;
- people with diabetes and lung disease.
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, any place with high humidity and body temperature. Mycosis can spread to a small area, such as between the fingers or toes. However, some fungi can infect 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 that live in the soil. This microorganism is common in the driest areas of America, Africa and Mexico. It also enters other countries together with goods shipped from those countries.
Signs of coccidioidomycosis
The first symptoms of the disease are similar to ARVI and inflammatory processes in the lungs and bronchi. The presence of the fungus is indicated by the following signs:
- slight rise in body temperature;
- chills;
- headache;
- feeling tired;
- general weakness of the body.
Later, these symptoms are accompanied by chest pain, shortness of breath and a dry cough. A few weeks after the pulmonary manifestation of the disease, the patient develops skin rashes in the form of wart-like papules or nodules.
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 not treated, leads to the death of the patient. People with AIDS are susceptible to this disease because of the vulnerability of their immune systems.
Signs of histoplasmosis
The acute form of the disease is mostly asymptomatic, which complicates the diagnosis and delays the start of treatment. In severe cases, patients experience the following symptoms:
- rise in body temperature to 40-41 °C
- chills followed by profuse sweating;
- severe headache and muscle pain;
- chest pain;
- dry cough;
- general weakness.
If not treated, the disease becomes chronic.
Features of the treatment of fungal infection
Treatment of any fungal infection includes the internal administration of antimycotics, as well as symptomatic therapy to improve the general condition of the patient. 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. It usually lasts 1-3 months. In addition, patients are prescribed drugs that strengthen the body's immune system.
Preventive measures
Fungus is an insidious microorganism that is difficult to destroy. Therefore, it is easier to prevent any infection. First of all, it is necessary to strengthen the immune system, which allows it to fight pathogens on its own.
In addition, it is recommended to observe the following rules:
- observe personal hygiene, wash your hands before eating, after visiting the toilet and public places;
- wash vegetables and fruits thoroughly;
- animal feed must be subjected to long-term heat treatment;
- to eat sensibly, minimizing the consumption of simple carbohydrates and sugar;
- monitors body weight;
- take antibacterial and hormonal drugs only as prescribed by the doctor;
- use a condom during sex.
It is very important that if you notice several signs of a fungal infection, you should see a doctor and have a full body examination.
Modern dermatology has many 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.