Fungal infections (Mycosis)
Fungal infections can affect skin, hair, nails and mucosal tissue.
The intensity of symptoms depends on the area affected and the duration of the disease. It may present as red or black rashes over the skin, white lesions on the tongue, abnormal vaginal discharge, deformed or discoloured nails, scaling, swelling or loss of hair on scalp/beard area.
Types of Fungal infections
There are different types of fungal infections. Some of them are mentioned below:
Athlete’s Foot (Tinea Pedis)
Ringworm (Tinea Corporis)
Tinea Capitis ( Scalp )
Onychomycosis(Nail)
Tinea Versicolor
Cutaneous Candidiasis
Tinea barbae ( Beard )
Treatment of Fungal Infections
The treatment of fungal infections depends on the type of fungus involved. If it is a superficial fungal infection, it might take either a few days or a few months for it to heal. Deep tissue fungal infections usually take nearly two years to get treated.
Fungal infections are more prone in those with the weakened immune system, elevated blood sugar levels, overuse of antibiotics, steroids and antiseptics. The fungi that cause these infections are difficult to eliminate. Prior use of topicals containing steroids will make the treatment even more difficult. Hence, it is always better to consult your dermatologist for effective treatment options.
Treatments
Though not life-threatening, they can be a source of embarrassment, anxiety and distress to patients presenting with it. ABUSE OF CREAMS CONTAINING STEROID WILL MAKE THE TREATMENT DIFFICULT.
Prevention:
Bath twice daily.
Keep skin clean and dry.
Air out sneakers.
Avoid wearing wet/damp/tight-fitting clothes.
Washed clothes to be dried under sunlight.
Ironing of clothes including inner wears before wearing
Avoid using antiseptic soaps/solution while bathing.
Stick to wearing loose cotton garments.
Avoid sharing of beds, linen, and clothing with the infected person.
When there are multiple family members affected, every member has to get treated for effective elimination of the organism treatment.
Bacterial infections
A bacterial infection is the proliferation of a harmful strain of bacteria either on or inside the body. Any part of the body can be affected by a bacterial infection.
Types Of Bacteria Infections
The different types of bacteria that can cause infections are:
Staphylococcus
Streptococcus
Pseudomonas
Clostridium difficile
Escherichia coli(E.coli)
Listeria monocytogenes
The common bacterial skin infections include:
Cellulitis
Boils
Abscess
Folliculitis causes red, swollen bumps similar to pimples and it affects the hair follicles. Swimming pools or hot tubs that are not properly treated and cleaned, harbour the bacteria which causes folliculitis.
Furuncle
Impetigo is commonly seen in children on the pre-school age. The bullous form of Impetigo causes large blisters while the non-bullous form appears with a yellow, crust.
Erysipelas
Necrotising Fasciitis
Leprosy(rare)
Treatment of Bacterial infections
Topical, oral or intravenous antibiotics are used to treat bacterial skin infections. However, this depends on the strain that causes the infection. They disrupt the processes necessary for the growth of a bacterial cell and also its proliferation. Antibiotics have to be taken exactly as prescribed, failing which, the bacterial infection could get worse.
Note: Avoid using steroid-based preparations and topical antiseptic solutions on skin to prevent worsening of the condition.
Viral infections
Despite all the advances in antiviral therapy and the body’s efficient immune system, the viruses that cause common skin infections continue to evade complete destruction.
Commonly encountered contagious viral infections are:
Wart.
Molluscum Contagiosum.
Varicella-Zoster (Chickenpox).
Genital Wart.
Herpes Zoster/Shingles (Non-contagious).
Since many presenting symptoms overlap, early diagnosis increases the chances for successful treatment, thereby arresting the spread.
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