3 to 4 people out of 10 have had some type of fungal skin infection sometime during their life, and many of the 100,000 types of fungi have learned how to live on human skin.
Terms related to fungal infections - yeast, mold, and dimorphic fungus
What is yeast infection?
Yeasts - rounded single cells or as budding organisms that cause fungal infection of the skin
Candida and Cryptococcus - classified as yeasts
Molds grow - as filamentous forms both at room temperature and in invaded tissue
High incidence of infection - immunosuppression in organ, stem cell transplantation and other diseases, the administration of cytotoxic chemotherapy for cancers, and the liberal use of antibacterial agents
Fungal infections classification
General anatomic - mucocutaneous and deep organ infection
General epidemiologic - endemic and opportunistic
What are the Sites of fungal infection?
• Foot
• Genital area
• Armpit
• Inner thigh
What are the symptoms of yeast infection of genital area?
Yeast infection symptoms can range from mild to moderate and include:
• Itching and irritation in the [censored] and at the entrance to the [censored] (vulva)
• A burning sensation, especially during intercourse or while urinating
• Redness and swelling of the vulva
• Vaginal pain and soreness
• Thick, white, odor-free vaginal discharge with a cottage cheese appearance
• Irritation and soreness of the head of [censored] also known as jock itch
• Discharge including that clumpy nasty white stuff. Also, the head of the [censored] may turn reddish or get little blistery things.
• Smelling like fishy odor
• Red skin around the head of the penis
• Swelling of the head of the penis
• Itchiness around the head of the penis
• An unpleasant odor
• Pain during [censored]
What suggests it is complicated yeast infection?
You might have a complicated yeast infection if:
• You have severe signs and symptoms, such as extensive redness, swelling and itching that leads to the development of tears or cracks (fissures) or sores
• You have recurrent yeast infections - four or more in a single year
• Your infection is caused by a type of candida other than Candida albicans
• You're pregnant
• You have uncontrolled diabetes
You have lowered immunity due to use of certain medications or a condition such as HIV infection
What are precautions to prevent fungal infection?
• Avoid aggravating factors such as summer or in warm, wet climates where fungus growth is more
• Wash and dry the affected area with a clean towel
• Apply the antifungal cream, powder, or spray as directed such as clotrimazole
• Change clothes such as especially underwear everyday
• Wear clothes that fit loosely and are comprised of breathable material when you are exposed to high
• Monitor your blood sugar levels if you are diabetic - Fungi will attack weakened immune systems, and out of control blood sugar levels may make you susceptible to fungal skin infections.
• Don't share hats, combs or brushes with someone who has ringworm.
• Use bleach to disinfect items such as towels, hats, pillows, linens, brushes or combs that have been in contact with ringworm.
