Fungi are the most common skin infections since ancient times. Fungi are living creatures that are abundant in nature and generally suitable for living in humid and airless environments. They are microorganisms that are resistant to external influences and can continue their lives under all kinds of bad conditions. Fungal diseases affect very large masses and since they do not usually cause major discomfort to the person, the number of patients applying for treatment is low and their transmissibility from person to person increases. These microorganisms are found all around us, especially in shoes and slippers, towels, in the garden, at home, in public showers, gyms, swimming pool steps, hotel and mosque carpets. All fungal diseases are highly contagious and can spread easily. If left untreated, foot and nail fungal diseases can spread to other parts of your body, infect your relatives, or cause more serious infections due to bacteria in your body.
Fungi, like bacteria, are also microorganisms. Fungi, especially the types we call dermatophytes, love tissues such as the upper layer of the skin called keratin, hair and nails, and cause diseases in these areas. Moisture must also be present for the fungus to settle.
The main reason for the occurrence of fungal diseases is always contamination from another fungal tissue. This may be caused by nature or by another person. Especially in the summer months, it becomes very easy for the fungal disease to be transmitted by neglecting the necessary precautions. The incidence of fungal infections is higher, especially in people with weakened immune systems, those who use antibiotics, and young children.
>Factors That Facilitate the Spread and Transmission of Fungal Disease
- Leaving the feet and hands damp and wet, not drying them sufficiently after washing or swimming in the pool or the sea
- Wearing closed shoes, especially in the summer months
- Failure to cleanse the skin from long-term sweat in the summer months
- Failure to pay attention to personal hygiene. Commonly used items such as slippers, socks, shoes, towels or common areas such as pools and beaches are also prone to fungal diseases. It is a suitable environment for the reproduction and transmission of . In addition, nail fungus infection may be easier through tools such as nail clippers and rasps.
- Use of common areas, especially in the military, athletes, young people and in general people who sweat a lot
Fungus is especially common on folded skin. can settle in the regions. Clear, limited redness can often be seen in these areas. It is usually extremely itchy. If it settles on the nail, shape and color changes may be observed. It is necessary to consult a dermatologist to make a differential diagnosis.
The Most Common Types of Fungal Diseases
Tinea pedis : Usually affects the toes and between them. It is a fungal disease. Whitening, skin peeling and itching are the general symptoms. In more advanced cases, infection may occur with the addition of bacteria to the picture. Foot fungus can be caused by a yeast fungus called dermatophytes or candida. If the patient is questioned carefully, it can be seen that similar complaints are present in other members of the family. It can usually occur when people wear the same slippers, socks and shoes from person to person, in places such as Turkish baths or pools, or when wearing boots for a long time during military service. is the name of the disease. In the body, the fungus begins with redness, flaking and itching in one area and spreads to the surroundings in the form of a ring.
Tinea inguinalis : It is the fungus of the groin area. It is more common in men.
Tinea manus : It is a fungal disease seen on the hands. It is often confused with hand eczema.
Tinea capitis : The fungus that affects the scalp or hair. It is an infection. It is especially seen in children. In the types that are transmitted from person to person, there is usually an area where the hair is lost and slight redness and flaking occur in this area. The hair becomes visible quickly and a bald area forms in a short time. There is a lot of inflammation in tinea capitis transmitted from animals. Redness is evident.
Onychomycosis : It is a fungal disease that occurs on the nails. Thickening, discoloration or a rotten wood-like appearance under the nail, especially in one or all of the toenails There may be quick breaks in cash. Fingernails are affected to a lesser extent. Involvement of toenails often accompanies foot fungus. Slippers and shoes used by others, or environments such as Turkish baths, pools, military offices, or walking around barefoot may be blamed for this infection. Treatment of nail fungus is long-term. Long-term use of topical and oral medications may be necessary. Long-term pill therapy may be harmful for the elderly, diabetics and those with liver disease. “Laser nail fungus treatment” is a treatment method that has been shown to be effective in the treatment of nail fungus in recent years. It especially shortens the duration of oral medication use. Special laser systems are used for this treatment. In our clinic, Nd-YAG laser is effective in the treatment of nail fungus and is used in the treatment of nail fungus.
Tine barbae : It is a type of fungus that settles in the beard. In addition, thrush-type fungi can be frequently encountered in the mouth area of newborns. One of the simplest methods in the treatment of thrush is baking soda solution prepared in warm water can be applied with cotton, but if it does not go away, a treatment should be determined under the consultation of a doctor-pharmacist.
Protection from Fungal Diseases
In protection from fungal diseases. Personal hygiene is very important. Common areas that we have to use with others and shared items are important reasons for the transmission of fungal diseases.
General Points to be Considered on this Subject:
- Foot should be thoroughly washed and dried after using areas such as pools and beaches.
- If there are people in the family with fungal diseases, personal belongings should be separated.
- Identities that may cause contamination should always be kept for personal use. .
- Excessive sweating that will disrupt the pH balance of the skin should be eliminated.
- Areas of the body that show excessive sweating should always be kept clean.
- Shoes should be kept clean.
The fungus spreads as long as it can feed. However, in case of a chronic disease such as diabetes, fungal infection can lead to other infections. Therefore, diabetic Yak care is important.
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