What are skin fungus?
All the skin mycoses They are infections supported by pathogenic fungi, which develop precisely at the skin level. More specifically, these infections usually affect the keratinized layers of the epidermis and skin appendages (nails, hair, and hair).
The fungi responsible for the appearance of cutaneous mycoses are defined as dermatophytes and they essentially belong to three different genera: microsporum, epidermophyton y Trichophyton.
How can we know that we have a skin fungus?
Mycoses appear on the skin as scaly patches with slightly thickened edges. The patches are circular in shape and tend to spread like gunpowder. They start out like a grain and gradually grow to a few centimeters in diameter. They mainly affect the uncovered and exposed areas.
The symptoms of skin mycoses can be different depending on where they develop. However, among the various symptoms that may occur, the following are very common: itching, skin peeling, pus formation, alopecia (when the fungal infection affects the scalp), formation of macules, skin dyschromia, erythema, thickening of the nails (if the fungal infection affects the Nails ) Y blisters skin.
Why do fungi appear?
This condition is caused by a mushroom group They feed on skin cells. They can be transmitted to humans by infected animals (for example, dogs and cats), although this is less common. In general, the infection usually occurs from infected humans to healthy humans, by direct contact or by contact with sheep that have touched the fungus of the infected person. That is why it is so common that in places like showers or swimming pools, where there is heat and humidity, fungi pass from one to another.
What treatments can be used against fungi?
There are topical therapies based on antifungal cream which are very effective, but at the same time are slow treatments. Sometimes, whenever the doctor deems it appropriate, oral antifungal therapy may be necessary. If the most appropriate therapy is chosen well and followed to the letter, the infection can be cured in a matter of a month. The lesions may resolve completely, leaving lighter or darker patches on the skin that gradually change color over the days.
Whenever there is doubt of a mycosis it is recommended make a dermatological examination with possible mycological examination done with a microscope and with a culture test. In this way it is possible to reach know more precisely the type of fungus that is affecting the skin. In this way it will be possible to carry out a more specific and effective treatment, making the treatment last less time and not reappear.
Can yeast infections be prevented?
To reduce the risk of contracting a fungal infection it is recommended take a number of precautions on the table:
– dry your skin well after bathing or showering;
– regularly wash underwear, clothes and sheets;
– always wear slippers in common areas, such as showers, saunas and swimming pools;
– choose not to be too tight in cotton or breathable materials;
– avoid sharing towels, brushes or combs;
– alternate shoes, changing pairs every two or three days, to give them time to dry.