Fungal infections in the skin, mucous membranes and nails are common. There are different types of fungi that can cause infection. A fungal infection appears in different ways depending on where on the body it is. Some fungal infections can be treated with non-prescription drugs.
The risk of fungal infections is greater in children under one year, pregnant and the elderly.
Yeast fungi and filamentous fungi are two types of fungi that cause common infections of the skin, mucous membranes, and nails.
Infections of the skin and mucous membranes caused by yeast fungi
Yeast fungi are normally found in the mouth, vagina, intestine and sebaceous glands without causing any problems. But sometimes the fungus can quickly multiply and cause trouble. It could be, for example, if the body’s infection defenses deteriorate due to a serious illness or if the normal bacterial flora is disrupted, for example in connection with antibiotic treatment. It can also be if you are treated with high doses of cortisone, have diabetes or dentures.
Examples of infections caused by the yeast fungus Candida
Fungal infection of the abdomen
Fungal infection in and around the vagina is called candida vaginitis or candidal vulvovaginitis and is common. Fungal infection of the oblique and foreskin can also occur and it is called balanitis.
You can also read about mushrooms in the lives of umo.se.
Cod
Cod is an infection of the mouth. Cod is most common in young children, who usually get well without treatment. But even adults can get the infection and then it can be due to antibiotic treatment or impaired immune system.
Examples of infections caused by the yeast fungus Malassezia
dandruff Eczema
Milk dermatitis is also called seborrheic eczema and is common in both adults and children. Milk dermatitis occurs, for example, in the scalp, eyebrows, chest, diaper area, at the ears and nose wings.
Pityriasis Versicolor
Pityriasis Versicolor appears as darker or lighter spots, usually on skin areas with a lot of sebaceous glands, such as the chest and back.
Infections of the skin and nails caused by fungi
Thread fungi, also called dermatophytes, are not normally found in the skin. You can get thread fungal infection, for example, through damp floors in bathhouses or gyms or through contact with pets. Infections caused by filamentous fungi are called tinea in the medical language.
Examples of filamentous fungal infections
athlete’s foot
Foot fungus usually attacks the skin between the toes. Foot fungus is unusual in children under ten years. Foot fungus is often spread through floors in, for example, bathhouses.
tinea cruris
Chilli comes in the groin but often a bit down on the thigh. In the case of light mushrooms, it is common to also have foot fungus.
ringworm
Ringworm can have on the skin or scalp. The infection is also referred to as rewarm. Ringworm is often spread from humans or pets.
scalp Fungus
Scalp fungus is most common in children and resembles spleen dermatitis, but produces bare patches.
Mockasinsvamp
The moccasin fungus attacks the soles of the foot and the sides of the foot. Nail fungus can occur at the same time.
Nail fungus
Nail fungus usually attacks the toenails and affects the appearance of the nail.
Symptoms of fungal infections
On the skin, fungal infections can cause a red rash, itching, scaling or sore skin. On the sole of the foot, the skin can become dry and scaly.
Infected mucous membranes in the mouth can turn sharply red, sometimes with white coatings. It can also burn. Sometimes cracks in the mouth pits may occur.
The most obvious symptoms of fungal infection of the abdomen are itching and irritation. Women can sometimes get a smoky white grainy flow.
Nail fungus causes the nail to become yellowish, thickened and opened.
Fungal infections can sometimes be difficult to distinguish from other skin diseases.
When and where should I seek care?
If you think you have any of the following, contact a health care provider :
- Cod
- ringworm
- scalp Fungus
- Nail fungus
- Mushrooms on the soles of the feet or in the skin folds.
There is no prescription drug for these infections.
Also, contact a health care center if you have been taking non-prescription medication for a few weeks but have not improved.
Wait until it becomes every day if it is a weekend. You can contact many receptions by logging in.
Contact your dentist if you have a denture and think you have a fungal infection in your mouth.
Treatment for fungal infections
Since mushrooms thrive where it is warm and moist, it is good to keep your skin clean and dry. Wear as airy clothing or shoes as possible.
There are several different non-prescription antifungal medicines that can be used in the following fungal infections:
- foot fungus between the toes
- tinea cruris
- seborrhoeic dermatitis
- onychomycosis
- pityriasis Versicolor
- fungal infection of the abdomen.
Which drug to use will depend on where on the body you are having trouble. Drugs in the form of cream, gel, solution, and shampoo are used for skin and scalp infections. There is the cream that also contains cortisone, which relieves itching.
Nail fungus need not be treated unless you are bothered by the nail changes. There is a medical nail polish that you can buy if a doctor has found you have nail fungus.
Fungal infections in the vagina can disappear by themselves and then you do not need to do anything. If you have so much trouble that you want to treat yourself, there are vaginas and vaginal tablets. It is the medicine that you bring into the vagina. Vaginal cream and vaginal gel can be used both in the vagina and around the vagina mouth.
Ask a pharmacy which medicines are available for your complaints.
There are also other medicines that you can get on a doctor’s prescription.
Severe fungal infections
Sometimes fungi can infect various organs in the body, such as the lungs, intestines, urinary tract and brain. It is called invasive fungal infections. Such infections are uncommon but serious.
The risk of invasive fungal infections increases if your immune system is impaired. This could be, for example, if you have a disease such as cancer, HIV or poorly controlled diabetes. The same applies if you have had an organ transplanted or treated with cytostatic drugs. The risk also increases if you get dialysis, have burns or have undergone a major operation.