Fungal Infections

 

All people have heard of fungi. Probably also already seen them on old bread or rotten oranges, know the fungi of "blue cheese" in addition to that they also know that the mushrooms you find in the field are also fungi. Fungi can still develop in people. It may seem strange, but after a closer look at the wonderful and bizarre world of fungi, can understand a little better.

There are over one hundred thousand different types of fungi and they all need a matrix to extract their elements. Some require dead wood, others dead leaves, grain, cheese, wallpaper, fruit, nuts, bread, spice powder, etc. Other develop even in humans or animals.

Different types of fungi

Some fungi that live on people use the keratin in our skin as nutrient. They are called "dermatophytes," which means literally 'growing on the skin. "

Other fungi need sugars or fats. These are called "yeast" and there are different types.Some make grow the bread and pastas and can be used for brewing; others, however, live in man. The best known are the Candida and Pityrosporum and are the basis of skin infections and mucous membranes.

Some fungi are very aggressive. The infections Aspergillus occur quite frequently in people with weakened resistance. In fact, you can find Aspergillus in all locations and therefore, besides being a danger to individuals with healthy immune system, may still pose a risk of life for individuals whose immune system is weakened find out more.The Aspergillus is responsible for the bronchial infections, although it may, less often also affect the central nervous system and gastrointestinal tract.

Hyphae and spores

Most fungi have a 'growth phase' and a 'reproductive phase'. The mushrooms that we find in the field are the reproductive form: under the "hat" of the mushroom, are the spores that grow to form a new fungus. On the ground, there is a hyphal system: medium growth or "mycelium".

The fungi that grow on our body or inside also have these two forms, so small that they are only visible under a microscope.

What we actually see, feel and smell, are the consequences of this growth, ie an irritated skin, coated tongue or white discharge. As the spores can infect other people, fungal infections are a contagious disease.

Symptoms

Fungal infections can manifest in different places of the body. Depending on the infected area, symptoms may vary substantially.

Skin fungal infections

Fungal infections can develop anywhere on the skin: on the trunk, arms and legs, the face, under the scalp or scalp, groin, soles of the feet, the palms, between the fingers or toes, etc.

On the skin, it is often the fungi grow from inside to outside, leaving the abraded or damaged skin. That is why often a fungal infection looks like a round spot, reddish, also known under the name "had".

It is known that the fungi are the cause of skin infection. However, there are some forms of this disease that require special attention because they are not due to fungi in general.

• Athlete's foot; Onychomycosis;
• Dandruff.

Fungal infections of the mouth and esophagus

A kind of white coating in the mouth, with a clear red mucous membrane and small ulcers under it is known under the name "thrush" or "oral thrush." The cause is the fungus Candida.

Vaginal Yeast Infections

A little vaginal discharge is normal and affects a part of the woman more often than others. During the menstrual cycle, the characteristics of the discharge may vary.During ovulation (between two menstrual cycles), the discharge is more abundant. Up to about 5 ml / day is considered a normal amount. The thickness of the discharge characteristic is also a variable.

Excessive discharge, combined with an itchy feeling can have various causes. It is always caused by an imbalance in the vaginal flora, for example due to the presence of bacteria, parasites, fungi or viruses, but also due to possible irritation caused by use of too tight or synthetic clothing, sanitary napkins or intimate source hygiene towels synthetic.

Read on to find out what the main causes of fungal infections:

• Imbalance of vaginal flora;
• Presence of fungal (Candida);
• Trichomonas;
• Chlamydia;
• Presence of a foreign object in the vagina.

Attention
One of these causes, Chlamydia, can be very dangerous. As it is a sexually transmitted disease (STD), it must be an immediate medical consultation, especially if you have had unprotected sex and have an abnormal vaginal discharge, bleeding or abdominal pain. The doctor will determine the problem and prescribe the appropriate treatment.

Imbalance of the vaginal flora

Most forms of excessive vaginal discharge is caused by an imbalance in the vaginal flora. The term "flora" refers to microorganisms (bacteria, fungi, etc.) which normally inhabit inside the vagina without causing any health problem. It may happen sometimes, some microorganisms reproduce rapidly, thereby dominating other species of microorganisms, causing an imbalance. The Cocci, which are spherical bacteria, are chiefly responsible for this situation.

A bacterial discharge is thick consistency, grayish white and unpleasant odor.

Candidiasis

The Candida fungus can be found in the vagina unusually for various reasons. For example, using toilet paper or any towel or cloth that has been previously used in the anus. These fungi live in the intestine without causing any problems. However, in some women, they are in the vagina the nutrients they need, as well as the right environment for their development: sweet and acid. Especially in the second half of the menstrual cycle, during pregnancy, during the time of administration of the pill and the woman is diabetic, the vaginal environment has a higher sugar content.

The discharge of a woman with vaginal candidiasis is thick, granular, white and odorless. Often the labia present is also angry: pain when urinating or during sex.

Infections of internal organs

Most internal infections are caused by the invasion of Aspergillus. The spores of these "invasive" fungi are found throughout the environment. Thus, they can be inspired during breathing and enter the body through the bronchi. A systemic infection caused by Aspergillus can be fatal. Fortunately, not all people are infected. The most affected are suffering from bronchial problems or those with less resistance.

If fungal spores are inspired, symptoms may be as follows:

• Asthma, allergy caused by a fungus. This group occupational diseases that affect farmers, pigeon, brewers, etc.
• "Aspergilloma or fungus ball". This form affects people who have undergone a lung disease causing pulmomar in tissue, a space not filled, for example tuberculosis. The spores may develop pulmonary in this area and forming a "aspergilloma or fungal ball". In many cases, the patient shows no symptoms, but sometimes the "aspergilloma, or fungus ball" causes other diseases.
• Growth in the lung. In people with severely reduced resistance of the immune system, fungi can develop in the lungs, eventually penetrate the blood vessels, which may have fatal consequences. No doubt that doctors, through medication, will try to stop the growth of these fungi, although the treatment is not always effective.

Causes

It is obvious that the fungal infections are caused by fungal contamination. Spores are a form of reproduction of fungi and can be comparable to seed of a plant. The spores have a high resistance to external influences and therefore able to survive - almost invisible - while its growth medium completely disappears. Furthermore, such fungi are not contagious, but the spores can be transmitted from one person to another, causing fungal infection in the latter. Thus, treatment should also aim at total elimination of spores. Otherwise, the disease can manifest again after some time or contaminate other people.

In general, yeast and filamentous fungi are not dangerous and can only complications arise when the resistances of the individual are reduced. Both in man and in animals, fungi take advantage of a lesion on the skin, or decreased resistance of the immune system due to the presence of any disease or a certain medication.

Skin fungal infections

How it is that fungi attack the skin? A fungal infection produces spores. The infected skin flakes off and these flakes contain spores. The contact an individual not infected with a skin with lesions containing spores causes it a fungal infection. 
It is also possible the development of fungal infection of the feet, walking barefoot on moist environment where circulating others also barefoot, for example, a swimming pools, shower areas, sauna, etc. It is for this reason that this type of skin infection is called "athlete's foot" or "swimmers eczema" because it occurs mainly in people who practice sport. 
Another source of skin infections is the skin flakes of pets. May not notice that an animal has a fungal infection, but the infection may well infect it to you. Fungal infections that children catch in the neck are often caused by pets, or other animals with whom we share the house. People who spend time with horses may get fungal infections of the face due to friction.

Fungal infections of the mouth and esophagus

Yeasts and filamentous fungi belong to the normal mucosal flora and the esophagus, which means that grow without apparent signs and in balance with other microorganisms, such as bacteria, mucous membranes, without causing any problems. 
Problems arise only when our immune resistance are decreased. This can happen after a period with a severe flu, chemotherapy, a treatment with immunosuppressants, especially following a transplant. Often an oral fungal infection is the first sign of an infection by HIV / AIDS, a disease that affects the immune system. Therefore, a fungal infection is often a problem for people already suffering from some health problems.

In addition to these serious situations, people with false teeth are also more susceptible to fungal infections. If the oral mucosa is injured, fungi have more opportunity to act causing infections and for this reason people with false teeth are often affected by canker sores. Fungi can also be found in the very prosthesis and repeatedly infect the oral cavity.

Canker sores are also quite common in babies. During birth, babies are often infected in the birth canal or by the hands of people and, as their immune system is not well developed, Candida can attack more effectively.

Vaginal Yeast Infections

The most common cause of vaginal fungal infection is the "imbalance" in the intestinal flora. For some reason, one of bacteria normally present in the vaginal mucosa, develops and plays a dominant effect on other microorganisms, causing an imbalance, a phenomenon referred essentially to so-called Cocci, which are spherical bacteria. The mucous membrane of the vagina usually to protect by maintaining a slightly acidic pH. The imbalance of the vaginal flora may occur due to a sudden decrease in acidity of the medium, or because it used too much soap in the bath.Although not yet discovered why this phenomenon happens, but it is known that the soap becomes less acidic the medium and sperm decreases the acidity of the vagina.The IUD also increases the possibility of the presence of more bacteria in the vagina.

Athlete's foot

Athlete's foot, whose medical term is tinea pedis, is something that is not unique to athletes. It is actually a very common fungal infection that usually occurs between the toes and is extremely contagious. Just use a common dressing room or share a towel in order to catch this infection. If left untreated, athlete's foot can spread to the plant, foot lateral areas and even the nails of the toes. The athlete's foot may be further complicated by a bacterial infection, making up accompanied by unpleasant smell.

The signs and symptoms often include:

• Flaking and loss of skin between the toes
• Inflammation
• White skin areas, lifeless
• Humidity and blistering
• Itching or pain

Athlete's foot should be treated immediately at the first signs of infection. The skin often becomes inflamed and itchy with apparent humidity or blistering, and peeling and skin loss. It is important to deal promptly and properly with infected area. There is on the market a wide range of sprays, creams and anti-fungal powders which can be applied to the athlete's foot.

Even if treated effectively athlete's foot, it is very easy to re-infect themselves. It should remember that the fungi that cause athlete's foot prefer the hot and humid environment for their development. It is therefore important and dry the body after bathing, especially the area between your toes. Fungi can settle into the shoes, socks or bath towel, if they are not replaced regularly. Should wear good quality cotton socks that allow your feet to breathe and make sure that these are washed at 60 ° C in order to destroy fungal spores. The antifungal sprays powder may be applied to the feet, but also on socks and shoes, to help prevent infection.

Infections of internal organs

Pulmonary and systemic infections are mostly caused by Aspergillus. The spores of Aspergillus occur frequently in our environment, and infections can be fatal, particularly for persons with weak immune defenses.

On construction sites and demolition of buildings, are high concentrations of these fungal spores, as in wine cellars, humid stables, poultry sheds and grain storage areas. Aspergillus also appears on the covers of the furniture, the wallpaper, the bamboo furniture, manure, fertilizers and household dust.

Aspergillus infections are seen as an occupational hazard. In addition to the fanciers and farmers, the Aspergillus infection also affects brewers (working with grain), furniture makers and construction workers. Among farmers the disease is already manageable, because the hay is no longer left outdoors, but rather stored in a vacuum, wrapped in a plastic screen.

A considerable fertile area where fungi are the air conditioning systems of the hospitals where they were being carried out renovations. Many patients recently undergone surgery, or chemotherapy treatment for cancer situations eventually develop an Aspergillus infection.

Diagnosis

Fungal infections are very typical in appearance and cause certain specific symptoms.Thus, most of the time, and based on his clinical experience, the doctor can diagnose any fungal infection.

Shall not be made a thorough study of the disease when other infections - more dangerous - are to be excluded, or when the infection, from a clinical point of view, is not so typical.

In the case of vaginal infection, in which the suspected infection by Chlamydia have to be eliminated, it should be harvested vaginal mucus sample and sent to the laboratory for analysis thereof. In the case of a skin infection or a onychomycosis, which form, respectively, skin and nails, is negligible, it proceeds to a scraping of the affected area, and skin removed carefully examined under a microscope or taken one laboratory culture .

Treatments

The most superficial fungal infections are easy to handle, and there are several anti-fungal drugs on the market, each suitably formulated for the treatment of a specific area.

Fungal skin infections

Your doctor may prescribe a cream, a powder or a spray to treat the affected area.Only in severe cases, or in onychomycosis, it is that the treatment should be oral. The hygiene recommendations include careful washing with a disinfectant soap and using separate towels in order to prevent contamination of other family members.

Onychomycosis

Old age brings some changes in the body, including skin wrinkles, weaker hair, etc.Although we all know that certain consequences of aging are unavoidable, people now do everything in their power to improve your appearance.

Nail infections are a good example of how the outlook on aging change over time.

It has long been known that, with age, the nails can change in appearance. These changes can only be slight: the white tip of the nail is yellow or brownish, but can also happen that the yellow or brownish color spreading to the entire surface of the nail. In this case, to preserve the nail may be difficult, because it starts to become very thick and brittle, which can be embarrassing from the cosmetic point of view.

Given that this was considered a normal consequence of aging, the solution was to try to keep this situation under control, thanks to the work of a manicure or pedicure.

We know however that the root of this problem is a fungal infection that starts from the surface of the base of the nail and can penetrate up to its root. However, it is no reason to panic because the situation is not as bad as it seems. The solution is to end the problem as soon as possible.

Initially, in the treatment of onychomycosis were utilized medicmentos threads containing an antifungal substance. They were called antifungals. However, the problem is that the infection starts in the surface of the nail area where it is very difficult to get any product for topical application.

A new generation of oral antifungal came completely change the way onychomycosis can be treated. These drugs are easily reach the area under the nail surface and they eliminate the problem at its root.

If you suspect suffers from onychomycosis, the first step is to consult your doctor. Only you can make an accurate diagnosis of the problem and consider prescribing an appropriate medication, can effectively eliminate onychomycosis. After a few weeks, you should see the shape and appearance of the nail, the improvement thereof.

We give below some advice on the best way to take care of the nails in order to avoid nail infections:

• Regularly wash your nails with soap and water.
• Keep nails dry - dry thoroughly after bathing.
• Use rubber gloves to wash the dishes.
• Replace and regularly wash your towels and do not let your towels be used by other family members (especially if you are in treatment period of any infection).
• Try not to walk barefoot, especially in public places such as swimming pools.Instead, a shower shoe shoes wherever possible.
• Change shoes, socks and underwear daily.
• Use synthetic underwear. The socks are also important. The American Association of Medical Pediatrics recommends the use of thick socks, acrylic fiber, or a mixture that includes, and ability to absorb moisture caused by perspiration in the shoe.Cotton fibers tend to trap moisture, especially if you have an active lifestyle and easily sweating of the feet.
• Avoid wearing underwear or too tight shoes.
• Use talcum powder (not cornstarch) in shoes or socks to help absorb moisture.
• Do not trim cuticles - if the cut (or away back) is the easiest infection to settle in nail.
• Do not use artificial nails: retain water which may stagnate, allowing the development of fungi.
• Make sure that the equipment used for manicures and pedicures is sterile and that the surfaces are clean. Even if it makes the manicure their nails at home, make sure that your tools are clean and properly sterilized.
• Teach all family members to identify any signs of onychomycosis and examine their nails already have a onychomycosis.
• If you have a fungal infection, throw away old shoes or gloves to prevent possible reinfection.

Dandruff

Dandruff is probably one of the oldest skin problems affecting people and the more likely it is that has always been regarded as a very embarrassing situation.

The introduction of detergents for cleaning was the biggest step forward in the sense of hygiene. Apparently, in the Middle Ages, most people had no regular hygiene and certainly included the lack of hair hygiene.

The appearance of dandruff can be reduced by a suitable hair care. Some people inappropriately, avoid washing their hair, believing that the drying effect of shampoo will exacerbate the problem. However, if regular washing hair, dandruff is effectively removed before forming larger and more visible scales. Unfortunately, one of the awkward aspects of the dandruff is that, even if the hair is carefully washed with a standard shampoo does not disappear completely and, after only few days, re-appear.

A scientific study recently revealed new data, which ensure greater comfort to millions of people suffering from dandruff. Researchers now believe that dandruff is a medical condition caused by an overabundance of an organism that normally exists in the scalp - even in the scalp of individuals not suffering from dandruff. This is a type of fungus. Therefore, it should be encorajadouras news for the millions of people who feel uncomfortable and embarrassed about their appearance due to dandruff.

These data have aided the development of new therapeutic methods against dandruff. 
A number of cosmetic substances such as zinc pyrithione, has shown to have a negative effect on the development of the fungus causing dandruff and therefore have passed the part of the anti shampoos Specific dandruff. However, one of the drawbacks of these shampoos is that dandruff reappear after a short period of time, which does not eliminate the problem of those who suffer it.

Fungal infections of the mouth and esophagus

Fungal infections of the mouth and the esophagus always need to be treated by a doctor. The medication for these infections can only be sold with a prescription. The medication that doctors prescribe for babies with thrush is different from what is recommended for adults. Often, in infants medication is applied as a gel, that adheres to the mucosa and, as is maintained for a prolonged period of time, is effective. Adults with fungal infections of the mouth and / or esophagus are most often treated with medication that can be easily swallowed and which acts from inside to outside. The antifungal agents may also be administered in a gargling solution.

Vaginal Yeast Infections

In the case of bacterial imbalance inside the vagina, the physician can prescribe a treatment regimen suppressor bacteria. However, antibiotics have some drawbacks, as they can stimulate the growth of fungi, due to suppressing bacterial flora. It is likely that the balance can be restored by applying certain methods. For this purpose, can also be used special products for douching in pharmacies. This method further affects a number of bacteria and therefore often suffer from these problems, it should be washed after intercourse, or use a condom.

In the case of Candida infections, there are several treatment options available, in which the physician may choose. Until 1990, Candida has been eliminated by introducing into capsules containing vaginal antifungal substances, although infection was often applicant. The current procedure recommends an antifungal oral therapy to combat the remaining fungi. Attention: Unlike bacteria and Trichomonas, Candida develops very well in acidic media.

If you have had unprotected sex and to present any of the symptoms mentioned above - namely, discharge, bleeding, or abdominal pain - should seek medical advice. A Trichomonas infection can be treated with antibiotic therapy, accompanied by suitable washings with acid character products and to eliminate irritable body.Make sure that warned (s) their (s) partner (s), taking into account that this infection is also dangerous for men.

Infections of internal organs

As previously mentioned, systemic infections by Aspergillus (and other fungi) can be life threatening for people who, for a number of reasons, including chemotherapy or any major surgery, are to her health. Injectable drugs to treat internal infections, although these are not always effective may be used. As invasive fungi penetrate not always in the body through the lungs, we should always take some preventive measures to prevent the inhalation of fungal spores:

• There is a reason that justifies why flowers and plants are not allowed in intensive care units. Flowers, (dirty) water and fertilizer can contain all types of seeds, including fungal spores.
• Masks can protect the workers involved in the construction or demolition of buildings against dust and fungal spores.
• Air filters protect employees in companies where fungal spores are abundant.
• Preventive antifungal medication. At high risk patients (e.g., those having a aspergilloma, or fungus ball in the lung whose health is impaired due to chemotherapy or transplantation) is often administered preventive antifungal therapy, in order to prevent the proliferation of fungi.

Questions and answers

All scales on the scalp is dandruff?

No. There are other situations that cause scaling on the scalp. Some are more serious than others.

• With dandruff, the scales appear only on the scalp and are white and dry.
• A more serious condition is seborrheic dermatitis, with much itching, characterized by dry or oily scales, yellowish in color, the skin of the scalp, forehead, face, in the folds around the nose, behind the ears, the ear canal external, and sometimes in the sternum or in skin folds. The fungus that causes dandruff is the same as this situation causes.
• The oily scales, yellowish on the heads of babies, are called "cradle hat" or "baby cot".
• The scaling of the scalp might also occur in case of fungal infections. Often the hair break or fall.
• The most serious situation as regards the scales is psoriasis, which is manifested by the appearance of silvery scales and sometimes reddish areas and spots on the head, arms and legs.

What color should healthy nails?

Healthy nails appear to be rosy, but are actually transparent. Around the nails, the skin is sensitive and pink. Pressing a fingernail, it turns pale, because the compression removes blood from the blood capillaries of the fingertip.

It is made of nails and how they grow?

Nails are made of keratin protein. The new nail has its origin in the matrix, which is composed of specialized skin cells that continually multiply. Younger nail cells produce a large amount of keratin, which is accumulated inside cells. As the cells accumulate within it, keratin, their activity decreases gradually, resulting in their death.The remains of the cells "dead" (keratin) are pushed forward by the younger generations of matrix cells, thereby causing the nails to grow.

It is possible to influence the growth of nails?

There are many factors that influence the growth of nails. Some of them stimulate nail growth.

The nails do not stop growing. The matrix is ​​continuously forming new material for nails. These new cells pushing the nail already formed, ie the nail will slowly sliding forward over the fingertip.

The nails of fingers grow 2 to 3 mm per month, which means that a new nail takes approximately 6 months to grow fully. The nails of the toes grow only 1 to 1.5 mm per month, which means that it takes 12 months to the toenail thumb be renewed.

There are several factors that accelerate or retard the growth of nails.

When do nails grow faster or slower?

Nails grow faster when:

• the weather is hot,
• the person is younger,
• are subjected to mechanical pressure, ie, plays the piano or guitar regularly,
• nail biting, but also cutting them, Lima them, polish them and brush them.

When do nails grow faster or slower?

Nails grow slower when:

• blood circulation is poor,
• the head of the finger does not have enough blood,
• the person is older,
• Blood contains substances that inhibit the growth of nails (e.g. cytostatics in the case of cancer chemotherapy, tobacco harmful substances),
• malnutrition,
• High fever.

A serious illness with a high fever, can inhibit the growth of nails. Sometimes it may create a kind of groove nail, which grows as the nail lengthens.