Fungal infections are caused by microorganisms that spread from humans, animals, and soil, causing disease in the hair, skin, and nails. The main types are Candida, dermatophytes, and tinea versicolor.
Candida:
The most common genus of Candida, a type of yeast, is Candida albicans. In fact, Candida normally exists in our bodies, on mucous membranes, skin, vagina, and gastrointestinal system without causing disease. However, they become pathogenic when the body's or regional immunity is weakened. The main causes include: sweating, friction, enclosed spaces, obesity, antibiotic, cortisone and birth control pill use, pregnancy, diabetes, hormonal disorders, atopic eczema, HIV/AIDS patients, cancer patients, and cancer treatments.
The main locations for Candida infections on the skin are the mouth and tongue, under the breasts, groin and armpits (which are skin folds), nails and the area around the nails, and the genital area, especially the vagina in women.
The condition manifests as small, milky white lesions on the oral mucosa, adhering to the mucosa and often bleeding underneath. In infants, this is known as thrush.
They cause rash-like conditions in areas that rub together, such as under the breasts, in the groin, and between the toes.
Nail candidiasis affects the hands and feet, usually occurring in situations or occupations involving frequent contact with water. Common symptoms include discoloration and deformation of the fingernails, pain similar to a paronychia (nail infection), swelling, and discharge around the nail.
Candida is one of the most common causes of vaginal discharge and itching in women. A discharge resembling curdled milk, severe itching, and redness are the main symptoms of a vaginal yeast infection.
General precautions to prevent vaginal candidiasis:
• Wearing cotton underwear
• Changing swimsuit after swimming
• Not wearing underwear while sleeping
• Taking a short shower instead of a long bath
• Wear comfortable, loose-fitting, sweat-wicking clothing and wash it frequently.
• Eating yogurt is beneficial.
• Dermatophytes:
They are found on human skin, in animals, and in soil. From these sources, they can be transmitted to humans, causing fungal infections in the body, skin, hair, and nails.
Scalp fungus usually appears before puberty. It is less likely to occur in adults. Symptoms include coin-shaped hair loss, redness, and scaling on the scalp. If treatment is delayed, symptoms such as redness, swelling, and discharge may also develop. To prevent scalp fungus, sharing items such as combs and towels should be avoided.
Fungal skin symptoms consist of redness, scaling, and round, ring-shaped rashes of varying sizes. Itching may or may not occur.
Groin fungus is more common in men. Their anatomical structure makes them more susceptible to groin fungus. In this area, itchy sores with ring-shaped redness and peeling develop. Symptoms such as odor and weeping may also occur. Diaper rash may also accompany this condition.
Foot and hand fungal infections manifest as peeling on the hands and feet, white patches between the toes, redness, discharge, odor, and itching. Fluid-filled blisters may also appear.
Nail fungus can manifest as thickening, yellowing, discoloration, breakage, and detachment of the nails on the hands or feet. The entire nail or only part of it may be affected. It most commonly occurs through swimming pools, shared items, or after any injury to the nail.
Tinea versicolor:
This fungal infection, commonly known as samyeli, is actually caused by fungi (Malassezia furfur) already present on our skin mutating and becoming disease-causing due to the effects of heat, humidity, and sweat. It typically appears as brown or white, slightly scaly patches, especially on the trunk and neck, and rarely on the face.
General precautions against fungal diseases: humidity, heat, sweating, poor air circulation, obesity, and poor hygiene create a breeding ground for fungal infections. Furthermore, its contagious nature facilitates its spread. Athlete's foot is often transmitted through locker rooms and showers, or through shared items such as shoes and socks.
Measures to take to protect against fungal diseases:
• Not sharing towels and slippers
• Wear slippers in shared areas (such as saunas, showers, changing rooms, and pools).
• Washing feet daily and changing socks daily
• Avoid wearing synthetic socks
• After bathing, dry your feet thoroughly, especially between your toes, and use antifungal powders for those prone to athlete's foot.
• Avoid wearing tight shoes, especially in summer.
• In hot and humid weather, avoid wearing thick, synthetic, sweat-inducing clothing for extended periods; opt for lightweight, thin clothing instead.
• Checking pets, taking them to the vet if they are shedding hair.
• Using antiperspirant cream, deodorant, and powder
Diagnosis of fungal infections: A sample is taken from the suspected lesion using a scraping method and placed on a glass slide. Potassium hydroxide is added to dissolve the keratin in the skin. Diagnosis is made by visualizing the fungal hyphae under a microscope. Additionally, a fungal culture can be performed to identify the type and presence of the fungus.
Treatment of fungal infections: Treating fungal diseases has become much easier today. There are many different types of antifungal medications, available in pill or cream form. The type and duration of treatment vary depending on the location and type of fungus. For example, treatment for body fungus may take 2 weeks, while treatment for toenail fungus can take up to 4 months. Due to the tendency for recurrence and contagiousness, fungal diseases should absolutely be treated under the supervision of a specialist dermatologist.
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