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Aug 09, 2006
Learn how to get rid off fungal infection
by SirGan
 Almost everyone at least once has had some type of fungal infection. What exactly are fungi? Well, they are a type of plant that can infect people. Yeasts, molds, and mushrooms are all examples of fungi. Big problem is that some fungi reproduce by spreading microscopic spores and then these spores are often present in the air, where they can be inhaled or come into contact with the surfaces of a person's body. It is also important to know that certain types of fungi are normally present on body surfaces or in the intestines. Although normally harmless, these fungi sometimes cause local infections of the skin and nails, vagina, mouth, or sinuses. Although, humans have a high level of innate immunity to fungi – these infections are very common! Good thing is that most of the infections they cause are mild and self-limiting. The term mycosis refers to conditions in which fungi pass the resistance barriers of the human body and establish infections. Mycoses are classified into several groups. During the past two decades, significant progress has been madein the management of infectious complications in patients withfungal infections.Normal resistance barriersThis resistance is due to:
1. The fatty acid content of the skin
2. The pH of the skin, mucosal surfaces and body fluids
3. Epithelial cell turnover
4. Normal flora
5. Transferrin
6. Cilia of the respiratory tract
When fungi do pass the resistance barriers of the human body and establish infections, the infections are classified according to the tissue levels initially colonized.
Risk Factors for Developing Fungal InfectionsUse of immunosuppressive drugs
Other diseases and conditions
Types of mycoses
These are infections limited to the outermost layers of the skin and hair. Most common are:
These infections can extend deeper into the epidermis, as well as invasive hair and nail diseases.
They are restricted to the keratinized layers of the skin, hair, and nails. Unlike the superficial mycoses, host immune responses may be evoked, resulting in pathologic changes expressed in the deeper layers of the skin. The organisms that cause these diseases are called dermatophytes, also often called ringworm or tinea. All the following diseases are causes by Microsporum, Trichophyton, and Epidermophyton.
These infections involve the dermis, subcutaneous tissues, muscle, and fascia.
Most common are:
4. Systemic mycoses
These infections originate primarily in the lungs and may spread too many organ systems. These organisms are inherently virulent.
5. Opportunistic mycoses
There represent the infections of patients with immune deficiencies who would otherwise not be infected. Some of those immune deficiencies are AIDS, altered normal flora, diabetes mellitus, immunosuppressive therapy, malignancy…etc.
Who gets Fungal Infections?Almost anyone can develop some kind of fungal infection. Kids love to share and hang out together and they are in highest risk! It is important to know that some of these infections are contagious, which means they easily spread from person to person. That’s why, logically - close contact or sharing a comb or hairbrush with someone who has tinea can spread the fungus from one person to another. It is proven that fungi need a warm, dark, and humid place to grow, public showers, pools, locker rooms, and even the warmth of shoes and socks can be considered the perfect environment for developing fungal infection.
Antibiotics and fungal infectionsAlthough most people don’t know to explain this phenomenon- it is proven that taking antibiotics can cause some kids to get a yeast infection. How come? Well, there is no doubt- antibiotics get rid of microorganisms that make us sick, but they can also kill many of the harmless bacteria in our body. This is the biggest problem! These harmless bacteria normally fight with the yeast for a place to live, but when antibiotics kill them, the yeast is free to grow.
Most common fungal infections
Tinea is a very common type of fungal infection which is localized on the hair, skin, or nails. It is very easy to recognize the first symptoms because they are characteristic: when it's on the skin, it usually begins as a small red area the size of a pea. It slowly grows and spreads out in a circle or ring. Many people already know that tinea is often called ringworm because it may look like tiny worms are under the skin. Because the fungi that cause tinea live on different parts of the body, they are named for the part of the body they infect.
This is another type of very common fungal infection. It usually appears between the toes but it is found that it can also affect toenails and the bottom or sides of the feet.
Almost everyone has heard about jock itch! It is a fungal infection of the groin and upper thighs. Many people still believe that only men get it, but girls and women can get it, too.
Candida is far most popular yeast of all. It is only similar to a fungus. The fact is that it most often affects the skin around the nails or areas around body openings: vagina, mouth…etc. Diaper rash in babies is one type of Candida infection, as is thrush and it is characterized by white patches often found in the mouths of babies. Older girls and women may develop another form of Candida infection in and around the vagina.
Treatment of fungal infectionsThere are several problems in treatment of fungal infections: because many of these develop slowly, months or years may pass before a person seeks medical attention. Big problem is also with people that have weakened immune system. In these cases -fungal infections can be very aggressive, spreading quickly to other organs and often leading to death.
Several drugs effective against fungal infections are available, but the structure and chemical makeup of fungi make them difficult to kill. Another important fact is that often- several months of treatment are needed for a proper healing!
Treatment of nail fungus
Common oral antifungal medication, such as: Itraconazole (Sporanox), Fluconazole (Diflucan) and Terbinafine (Lamisil) are prescribed in most of the cases.
Sometimes doctor may prefer to prescribe an antifungal nail polish, especially if the patient has problems with a mild to moderate infection of nail fungus. The FDA has approved a topical antifungal lacquer called ciclopirox (Penlac).
Sometimes doctor may also prescribe other topical antifungal medications, such as econazole nitrate (Spectazole). It is important to understand that topical medications usually don't provide a cure but may be used in conjunction with oral medications.
Vaginal candidiasisIn most cases- common Nystatin tablets are used for treatment. Clotrimazole ointment is another option. Studies have shown that HIV-negative women may only have to take the drug DiFlucan one time to treat this condition.
Oral ThrushTreatments for oral thrush include mouthwash and tablets called troches. Some people try baking soda or hydrogen peroxide mixed with water to rinse the mouth. If the thrush is advanced, this isn't likely to work. Treatments for thrush include Clotrimazole, Fluconazole, and Ketoconazole. These drugs have different brand names.
Skin infectionsSkin fungal infections are usually treated with an antifungal cream applied to the affected. It is important to keep the affected area clean and dry, and to avoid scratching. Some doctors also recommend a mild hydrocortisone cream to help relieve itching.
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