What are the common symptoms of a fungal skin rash on the face. How can you identify the causes of facial fungal infections. What are the most effective treatments for fungal skin rashes on the face.

Understanding Fungal Skin Rashes: The Role of Candida

Fungal skin rashes on the face are often caused by an overgrowth of Candida, a type of yeast that naturally resides on our skin. While Candida typically coexists harmlessly with other microorganisms on our skin’s surface, certain conditions can disrupt this delicate balance, leading to infections.

Candida albicans is the most common species responsible for yeast infections on the skin, although researchers have identified over 200 Candida species. These infections can occur on various parts of the body, including the face, feet, and skin folds.

The Prevalence of Yeast Skin Infections

Yeast skin infections are surprisingly common, affecting approximately 20-25% of the global population. This high prevalence underscores the importance of understanding the symptoms, causes, and treatments associated with these infections.

Recognizing the Symptoms of Facial Fungal Infections

Identifying a fungal skin rash on the face is crucial for prompt treatment. Common symptoms include:

• Skin discoloration, often appearing as redness
• Thickening of the skin
• Persistent itching
• Mild to severe inflammation
• Oozing or crusting in some cases

In cases where the infection develops in skin folds, such as around the eyelids, additional symptoms may include:

• Burning sensation
• Pain
• Development of pus-filled lesions

Seborrheic Dermatitis in Infants

Infants are particularly susceptible to a type of yeast infection known as seborrheic dermatitis, commonly referred to as cradle cap. This condition affects approximately 10% of infants within their first three months of life. Symptoms specific to seborrheic dermatitis in infants include:

• Red, scaly patches of skin
• Itching and burning
• Small, raised bumps on the skin

Uncovering the Causes of Facial Fungal Infections

Several factors can contribute to the development of fungal skin rashes on the face. Understanding these triggers can help in prevention and management of the condition.

Friction and Skin Folds

Friction between skin folds can create an environment conducive to yeast overgrowth. Areas such as the eyelids are particularly vulnerable to this type of infection.

Medication-Induced Imbalance

Certain medications, particularly antibiotics, can disrupt the natural balance of microorganisms on the skin. This imbalance can lead to an overgrowth of Candida, resulting in a yeast infection.

Underlying Health Conditions

Individuals with weakened immune systems or diabetes may be at a higher risk of developing facial yeast infections. These conditions can compromise the body’s ability to maintain a healthy balance of skin microorganisms.

Skin Injury

Damage to the skin’s natural barrier, whether through injury or conditions like intertrigo, can create an opportunity for yeast to proliferate and cause infection.

Risk Factors for Facial Fungal Infections

Certain factors may increase an individual’s susceptibility to developing fungal skin rashes on the face. These include:

• Excessive sweating (hyperhidrosis)
• Poor hygiene practices
• Malnutrition
• Hot and humid weather conditions

Diagnosing Fungal Skin Rashes on the Face

Accurate diagnosis of a facial fungal infection is crucial for effective treatment. How do healthcare professionals diagnose these conditions?

Typically, a dermatologist or healthcare provider will perform a physical examination of the affected area. They may also collect a sample of the skin cells or discharge for laboratory analysis to identify the specific fungal species causing the infection.

In some cases, additional tests may be necessary to rule out other skin conditions that can mimic the symptoms of a fungal infection.

Effective Treatments for Facial Fungal Infections

Once diagnosed, fungal skin rashes on the face can be treated with a variety of antifungal medications. The choice of treatment depends on the severity of the infection and the specific area affected.

Topical Antifungal Medications

For most cases of facial fungal infections, topical antifungal products are the first line of treatment. These are available in various forms, including:

• Creams
• Gels
• Ointments
• Sprays

Common topical antifungal medications include:

• Econazole (Spectrazole)
• Ketoconazole (Nizoral)
• Clotrimazole (Canesten)
• Terbinafine (Lamisil)
• Miconazole (Monistat)

Oral and Intravenous Antifungals

In more severe or persistent cases, oral or intravenous antifungal medications may be prescribed. These include:

• Amphotericin B (Fungizone)
• Fluconazole (Diflucan)

Treatment Considerations for Facial Skin

When treating fungal infections on the face, it’s crucial to exercise caution due to the sensitivity of facial skin, particularly around the eyes. Some individuals may experience reactions to medications applied to the face, even if they tolerate the same products well on other parts of the body.

Managing Intertrigo and Associated Yeast Infections

In cases where the fungal infection is associated with intertrigo, particularly in skin folds like the eyelids, additional management strategies may be necessary. These can include:

• Minimizing moisture in the affected area
• Reducing friction using barrier creams

However, it’s important to note that barrier creams may potentially irritate the area and provide an environment for yeast colonization. Therefore, it’s crucial to consult with a healthcare provider before applying any barrier creams to facial skin folds, especially near the eyes.

Prevention Strategies for Facial Fungal Infections

While not all cases of facial fungal infections can be prevented, certain measures can help reduce the risk:

• Maintain good hygiene practices, especially in hot and humid weather
• Thoroughly dry the skin after physical activity or sweating
• Avoid using terbinafine and ciclopirox (Loprox) cream with a hydrocortisone cream on the face without medical supervision
• Manage underlying health conditions that may increase susceptibility to fungal infections
• Use gentle, non-irritating skincare products suitable for your skin type

Are there any natural remedies that can help prevent or manage facial fungal infections? While scientific evidence is limited, some people find relief with the following:

• Tea tree oil (diluted and used with caution)
• Coconut oil, which has natural antifungal properties
• Probiotics, both topical and oral, to support a healthy skin microbiome

It’s important to note that these natural remedies should not replace prescribed treatments and should be used under the guidance of a healthcare professional, especially when dealing with facial skin.

When to Seek Medical Attention

While many cases of facial fungal infections can be managed with over-the-counter treatments, certain situations warrant professional medical attention. When should you consult a healthcare provider for a facial fungal rash?

• If symptoms persist or worsen despite using over-the-counter antifungal treatments
• If the infection spreads or affects a large area of the face
• If you experience severe pain, swelling, or fever
• If you have a weakened immune system or underlying health conditions like diabetes
• If the infection is near the eyes or other sensitive areas of the face

Early intervention by a healthcare professional can prevent complications and ensure appropriate treatment for stubborn or severe infections.

The Impact of Lifestyle on Facial Fungal Infections

Beyond medical treatments, lifestyle factors can play a significant role in both the development and management of facial fungal infections. How can lifestyle changes help prevent and manage these conditions?

Dietary Considerations

While the direct link between diet and skin yeast infections is not fully established, some evidence suggests that certain dietary choices may influence susceptibility to fungal overgrowth:

• Limiting sugar and refined carbohydrates, which may feed yeast
• Incorporating probiotic-rich foods to support a healthy microbiome
• Ensuring adequate intake of nutrients that support skin health, such as vitamins A, C, and E

Stress Management

Chronic stress can weaken the immune system, potentially making the body more susceptible to fungal infections. Implementing stress-reduction techniques such as meditation, yoga, or regular exercise may help support overall skin health.

Sleep and Recovery

Adequate sleep is crucial for maintaining a strong immune system. Aim for 7-9 hours of quality sleep per night to support your body’s natural defense mechanisms against fungal overgrowth.

The Future of Facial Fungal Infection Treatment

As research in dermatology and microbiology advances, new treatments for facial fungal infections are on the horizon. What promising developments are researchers exploring?

Targeted Antifungal Therapies

Scientists are working on developing more targeted antifungal treatments that can specifically address Candida species without disrupting the skin’s beneficial microorganisms.

Microbiome-Based Approaches

Understanding the role of the skin microbiome in preventing fungal overgrowth is leading to innovative treatments that aim to restore and maintain a healthy balance of skin microorganisms.

Nanotechnology in Antifungal Treatments

Researchers are exploring the use of nanoparticles to enhance the delivery and efficacy of antifungal agents, potentially leading to more effective and less irritating treatments for facial fungal infections.

As our understanding of fungal skin infections continues to grow, so too does our ability to prevent, diagnose, and treat these conditions effectively. By staying informed about the latest developments and maintaining good skin health practices, individuals can better manage and prevent facial fungal infections, ensuring healthier, more resilient skin.

Symptoms, causes, diagnosis, and treatment

Candida is a yeast (a type of fungus) that lives on the skin and can cause an infection. Symptoms of a yeast infection on the face include skin discoloration, skin thickening, and itchiness.

A variety of pathogens live on healthy skin, including bacteria, fungi, and dermatophytes. Typically, these pathogens are not harmful and even provide nutrients for the skin. However, in some situations, they can cause infections.

In this article, we discuss the causes and symptoms of yeast infections on the face and explain the different treatment options.

A yeast infection is an infection of the skin or mucous membranes, such as those inside the mouth or vagina. It occurs due to a fungus from the Candida species.

Candida albicans and other yeasts live on the skin with other pathogens, such as bacteria, dermatophytes, and other fungi, in a well-balanced ecosystem.

When the conditions of the skin change, the usual environment becomes disrupted.

This disruption can allow pathogens, including yeast, to increase in number and cause skin infections.

Yeast infections may occur on the feet or face and in the skin folds. People may also develop yeast infections on the eyelids and the corners of the mouth.

Researchers estimate that yeast skin infections affect about 20–25% of the world’s population.

People with a yeast infection on the face may experience:

• thickening of the skin
• itchiness
• redness

A yeast infection on the face can also occur if a person has developed intertrigo, which can lead to a fungal infection that affects the skin folds of the eyelids.

People with intertrigo on the face may notice:

• mild redness that might worsen over time
• oozing
• crusting
• inflammation, which is typically a sign of infection if it worsens

If a yeast infection follows intertrigo, the person may notice:

• itchiness
• pain
• burning
• thickening of the affected area
• the development of pus filled lesions in the area

Some people may have an acute infection, whereas others, such as those with diabetes or a weakened immune system, may have lingering, chronic yeast infections on the skin.

Infants can also develop a yeast infection called seborrheic dermatitis, which people sometimes refer to as cradle cap. It is a common skin condition that typically affects 10% of children in the first 3 months of their life.

The symptoms of seborrheic dermatitis in infants may include:

• red, scaly patches of skin
• itching
• burning
• small, raised bumps on the skin

Researchers have identified 200 Candida species of yeast, but only some of these can cause yeast infections.

Typically, Candida albicans is responsible for yeast infections on the skin.

The following factors can trigger yeast infections:

• Friction: A yeast infection can occur between folds of skin due to friction.
• Medication: Antibiotics may disrupt the environment of the skin and cause an imbalance of the bacteria and fungi that live on the surface.
• Health conditions: People with a weakened immune system or diabetes may have a higher risk of developing yeast infections on the face.
• Injury to the skin: Injury to the skin and intertrigo can destroy the natural barrier of the skin, which may promote infections.

Factors that may increase the risk of developing yeast infections include:

• excessive sweating, called hyperhidrosis
• poor hygiene
• malnutrition

To treat a yeast infection on the face, people can use antifungal medications.

Topical antifungal products are available in the form of creams, gels, ointments, or sprays that people apply directly to the affected area, such as the face.

People should always be careful when treating facial rashes or skin conditions as the skin on the face is sensitive, particularly around the eyes. Some people may experience reactions to medications or treatments that they apply to the face, even if they do not have a reaction on other parts of their body.

Some infections may require oral or intravenous antifungals.

Examples of antifungals may include:

• econazole (Spectrazole)
• ketoconazole (Nizoral)
• clotrimazole (Canesten)
• terbinafine (Lamisil)
• miconazole (Monistat)
• amphotericin B (Fungizone)
• fluconazole (Diflucan)

If the yeast infection on the face is on a skin fold, such as the eyelid, the person may have developed intertrigo before the infection.

To manage intertrigo, doctors may also recommend minimizing moisture in the area and reducing friction using barrier creams.

However, barrier creams may irritate the area and help the yeast colonize on the skin.

People who want to apply barrier creams to a skin fold should speak to a doctor to make sure that it will not worsen the condition or pose a risk to the eye.

Yeast infections can occur in hot and humid weather. People should ensure that they dry themselves thoroughly after physical activity or sweating.

It is also best to avoid using terbinafine and ciclopirox (Loprox) cream with a cortisone cream because they have stronger anti-inflammatory effects.

People should not use a cortisone cream alone on a fungal infection as the steroid may worsen the infection. If cortisone is necessary, a person should use it alongside an antifungal treatment.

In infants, parents or caregivers can use emollients to treat yeast infections. These will soften and loosen the scales.

Doctors can diagnose a yeast infection on the face by carrying out a physical examination.

Sometimes, doctors will collect samples of the infection to confirm which pathogen caused the infection.

People can often self-diagnose yeast infections because they typically occur in moist or humid areas of the skin, such as the folds.

Applying an over-the-counter topical antifungal, such as clotrimazole, may relieve redness and itchiness, as well as treating the infection. However, before using medication, a person should speak to a doctor.

A person should see a doctor if they notice a rash on their face.

Doctors may want to collect a culture of the skin infection and check the sensitivity to antifungal treatments.

People with chronic infections may consult their doctor to discuss methods of prevention, which include reducing heat and moisture and keeping high risk areas clean and dry.

For most fungal infections, doctors recommend using antifungal treatments for 2–4 weeks. If there is no change, the person should make another doctor’s appointment for further testing.

Some people may experience side effects with antifungal treatments.

Side effects may include:

• rash
• headaches
• dizziness
• fatigue
• irritation
• burning
• itching

If these symptoms appear, people should stop using the medication and speak with a doctor.

Candida albicans is a yeast that causes fungal skin infections on the face.

People may be more likely to develop an infection on their face if they have diabetes, a weakened immune system, an injury, or intertrigo.

Yeast infections may burn, itch, and turn red.

People can treat yeast infections with antifungal creams, but more severe infections may require oral antifungals.

With the correct diagnosis and treatment, a yeast infection on the face may disappear in a few weeks.

Yeast Infection on Face: Causes, Symptoms & Treatment

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Overview

Blemishes or rashes on your face can be uncomfortable and concerning. If you think a rash on your face may be due to a yeast infection, the good news is that your condition is very treatable.

Both home remedies and prescriptions will treat a yeast infection on your face. Be sure to consult a doctor for diagnosis before treating at home.

A yeast infection is caused by an imbalance of Candida albicans, a type of fungus that typically lives in moist areas of your body such as your genitals, mouth, and skin. It’s called a yeast infection because Candida is a type of yeast. Yeast infections on the skin are called cutaneous candidiasis.

Yeast infections on your face are caused by an overgrowth of Candida in your body. In most cases, a yeast infection on your face is accompanied by yeast infections throughout your body. However, local yeast infections can occur when an imbalance affects only one area of your body, including your face.

Common causes of a yeast imbalance on your face include:

• lack of hygiene
• excessive sweating
• licking around your mouth
• harsh facial products
• rough scrubbing
• facial tissue irritation

Yeast infections usually present as a red skin rash. This rash can sometimes appear with bumps or pustules. If the rash is centrally located around your mouth, you may have a condition called oral thrush, which is a yeast infection of the mouth.

The rash can also be accompanied with the following:

• itching
• ulcers
• dry skin patches
• burning
• pimples

A yeast infection can be effectively diagnosed by your doctor by a yeast test. A yeast test is done by scraping some of the skin from your rash. They’ll then look at the cells under a microscope. If they can’t determine the cause of your rash, they’ll order a culture test to be done which may take days or weeks for a result.

You should always be careful when treating facial rashes or skin conditions as the skin on your face is sensitive. You could experience reactions to medications or treatments that you apply to your face even if you don’t have a reaction on other parts of your body.

Common medical treatments for yeast infections include:

• antifungal cream, often with clotrimazole as the active ingredient
• antifungal lotion, often with tolnaftate as the active ingredient
• oral antifungals, often with fluconazole as the active ingredient
• corticosteroid cream, such as hydrocortisone

Be sure to use steroid creams in combination with an antifungal — not alone — to treat a yeast infection.

Preventing future yeast infections may be as simple as implementing a better facial care regimen. If your yeast infection coincides with using a new facial product, you should stop using it to be safe.

If you’d rather treat your yeast infection at home, there are a number of natural home remedies that may give you relief from your symptoms.

1. Coconut oil. Coconut oil has many healing attributes and has been known to provide relief for various skin conditions. It will also hydrate your skin.
2. Tea tree oil. Tea tree oil can be applied directly to your face or added to a lotion to provide relief against facial yeast infection.
3. Ozonated olive oil. Olive oil has antifungal capabilities that can soothe your yeast infection as well as smooth your skin.

Purchase coconut oil, tea tree oil, and ozonated olive oil online.

Yeast infections on your face are easily treatable by way of home treatment or prescription antifungal medication. Topical over-the-counter antifungals may also work to provide relief from yeast infections on the face and skin.

Be sure to consult your doctor if your yeast infection worsens, spreads, or is causing extreme discomfort.

diagnostics, treatment, preparations and ointments

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Encyclopedia

Fungus

Damage to human skin by pathogenic fungi is called skin fungus.

The author of the article

Moshkova Elena Mikhailovna

Dermatovenereologist, head of the KDO for the provision of paid services, St. Petersburg State Budgetary Institution of Healthcare “City Dermatovenerologic Dispensary”, St. Petersburg.

Audio version of the page:

Where can a fungal infection be localized in the body?

Human skin is a habitual habitat for various bacteria and fungi. And most of these cohabitants are representatives of the normal microflora of the skin. That is, their number is insignificant in order to form complications for the body. However, reduced immunity, taking certain medications, skin abrasions, and other predisposing factors increase the risk of a fungal infection.

Any fungal disease is called mycosis . All mycoses can be divided into superficial and deep.

Superficial mycoses include:

• Dermatophytosis (fungi)
• Candidiasis of the skin and mucous membranes (fungi of the genus Candida)
• Rare superficial mycoses

Deep mycoses:

• Actinomycosis (causative agent – bacteria Actinomycetes. The disease is characterized by a chronic purulent process of the skin, bones and internal organs)
• Mycetoma (capable of causing about 20 different types of fungi. Actinomycetes bacteria can also be involved. Fungi penetrate the body through wounds and skin abrasions. As a rule, thickening appears on the skin of the hand or foot, fistulous passages are formed. Bones are involved in the process, leading to limb deformity)
• Chromoblastomycosis (causative agent – dimorphic fungi that live mainly in the soil. Chronic purulent inflammation of the skin and subcutaneous fatty tissue occurs, keloid-like scars can form)
• Sporotrichosis (pathogen – Sporothrix schenckii – a saprophytic fungus that lives in the soil and on decaying plants. The disease can affect the skin, lungs, bones, joints, central nervous system)

The most common superficial mycoses are dermatophytosis and candida fungal infection.

How to treat a fungus of the skin, see a short video of a dermatovenereologist, professor, doctor of medical sciences, Tamrazova Olga Borisovna

Dermatophytosis

Diseases caused by dermatophyte fungi. These fungi live by nourishing the skin, hair, and nails with keratin.

In humans, the causative agents of dermatophytosis are fungi of the genus Trichophyton, Microsporum, Epidermophyton.

Fungal diseases of the nails

The most common fungus of the toenails (onychomycosis). But we must not forget about the fungal infection of the nails on the hands. Any dermatophyte fungus can cause onychomycosis . The most common fungi are T. rubrum and T. mentagrophytes var. interdigitale. The main complaint of patients with this disease is the unaesthetic appearance of the nail plates: discoloration, thickening of the nail.

In a fungal infection, the nails turn yellow, brown or black discoloration may appear, in some cases whitish and gray. More often, the nail plates with onychomycosis thicken, up to onychogryphosis (thickening of the nail plate with a curvature in the form of a claw of a griffon bird). Sometimes such nails take the form of a horn or a spiral, in advanced cases, the size reaches up to 8 cm. The surface of the nail with onychogryphosis is most often uneven. There is also onycholysis – detachment of the nail plate from the nail bed. At the same time, many people do not attach importance to the changes in the nail plates that have begun and seek help from a specialist when the problem is already difficult to hide. It is important that the untreated fungus of one nail will eventually pass to other plates. Then it will be impossible to solve the problem only with external therapy. You will need to prescribe antifungal drugs inside.

In any case, before making a diagnosis, it is necessary to examine a piece of the nail for mycelium of the fungus by a doctor. If the result is negative, you need to think about other diseases masquerading as nail fungus (nail psoriasis, yellow nail syndrome, bacterial infection, etc.).

Fungus of the skin of the feet

Mycoses of the feet (rubrophytosis, epidermophytosis) are rare in children. The main predisposing factor for the development of infection is a change in the composition of sebum and skin pH. Skin abrasions when wearing tight shoes, sweating feet, wearing synthetic socks increase the risk of fungal attachment. Depending on the time of existence of the disease and other factors, the clinical picture may vary. From an erased form with minimal manifestations in the form of slight peeling and cracks to diaper rash with erosion, deep and painful cracks.

For eczema with localization on the feet, it makes sense to exclude a fungal infection.

How to treat foot fungus, see the video of Professor Tamrazova O.B.

Skin fungus of the hands

Fungal infection on the hands can be only on one hand – the working one. The term “syndrome of two feet and one hand” has become entrenched in the medical community – a combination of mycosis of two feet at once and the localization of the fungal process on one hand.

This syndrome indicates self-infection of the skin of the hand from the feet, for example, when scratching to relieve itching.

Fungus on the skin of the body

T. rubrum can be localized on any part of the body, including the face. In a typical variant, the rash is represented by pinkish-red spots with a bluish tinge, peeling, and there may be a red roller on the border with healthy skin. When the lesion is located in large folds of the skin (groin, under the mammary glands), severe itching occurs.

Doctors classify some fungal infections into a separate group – keratomycosis (fungi affect the most superficial layer of the epidermis of the skin – horny), so there is no inflammation of the skin, as with other mycoses. This group includes versicolor versicolor (pityriasis). The causative agent is Pityrosporum ovale. Rashes are localized in places of increased sweating. Represented by spots of pink or pink-yellow color. On tanned skin, they look like white spots. The sizes of rashes vary from 1 cm to 10-15 cm and more.

There is also a group of extremely contagious fungal diseases:

• Microsporia
• Trichophytosis

Microsporia

Microsporia can affect the scalp, trunk, arms and legs. The causative agent is fungi of the genus Microsporum.

The hair on the head breaks off at a height of 4-5 mm from the surface of the skin, so microsporia has a second name – ringworm. On the skin of the body, the disease appears in pink spots with gray scales.

The source of the disease is animals with microsporia and an infected person. You can also get infected in public places, through household items.

Trichophytosis

Trichophytosis affects the scalp, may appear on the skin of the body and affect the nails. On the head, the hair breaks off almost to the very root. On the skin of the body, edematous spots form with a sharp border with healthy skin. There may be small bubbles on the surface of the spots. In the chronic course of the disease, the nail plates can also be affected.

The disease is transmitted from a sick person and through contaminated objects of common use (for example, through hairdressing accessories, toys).

Favus (scab)

Pathogen – Trichophyton schonleinii. Dirty gray and yellow crusts form on the scalp, visually resembling a honeycomb. With a long duration of this disease and the absence of treatment, persistent baldness is formed.

Candidiasis of the skin and mucous membranes

Candidiasis of the skin

They like to settle in large folds (axillary, inguinal, under the mammary glands, fold of the lower abdomen) fungi of the genus Candida are unicellular yeast fungi. Usually, there must be predisposing factors for the occurrence of a candidal skin infection, for example: reduced immunity, HIV infection, high blood sugar, active sweating, skin friction, some skin diseases. The main symptom suggestive of skin candidiasis is a whitish plaque that can be removed against the background of reddening of the skin.

Fungus in the oral cavity

Under certain factors (antibiotic therapy, decreased immunity), the active growth and reproduction of the fungus of the genus Candida in the oral cavity occurs, which leads to the development of symptoms of a fungal disease. In this case, there may be candidal pharyngitis, glossitis (inflammation of the tongue), tonsillitis (inflammation of the tonsils), stomatitis (inflammation of the oral mucosa), gingivitis (inflammation of the gums), cheilitis (inflammation of the red border of the lips, seizures). Patients often complain of pain when eating, dry mouth, burning sensation.

Fungus on the mucous membrane of the genital organs

The development of thrush (urogenital candidiasis) occurs as a result of a violation of the normal microflora of the vagina and the active growth of fungi of the genus Candida. The main symptoms of the disease are itching, burning, discomfort in the intimate area, the appearance of curdled discharge.

In men, fungi of the genus Candida cause the development of diseases such as candidal balanoposthitis (inflammation of the skin of the glans penis and foreskin), urethritis.

Diagnosis of skin fungus

To diagnose any disease, it is important to honestly answer the following questions in a conversation with a doctor:

• Is it the first time a rash of this nature has appeared?
• How did the disease start and when?
• What do you attribute the rash to?
• Have you ever consulted a doctor about this skin process?
• What was the treatment and what was the effect of the previous therapy?

It is advisable not to apply fucorcin, brilliant green, methylene blue solution, iodine to the focus with a skin rash – this can make it difficult to visually assess the skin process. To establish a diagnosis, it is important for a doctor to find “primary morphological elements” in the lesion. Antiseptics stain the skin and make it difficult to find or completely mask the elements.

Your doctor may use a Wood’s lamp test to diagnose a fungal infection. For example, microsporia is characterized by an emerald glow. Dermoscopy (examination of the skin under magnification with a dermatoscope) can also help in the diagnosis.

However, a skin scraping or examination of a piece of a nail for fungus mycelium is of the greatest value. In some cases, it may be necessary to culture a sample of the affected area with the determination of the activity of antimicrobial drugs (antifungal drugs) for a specific type of microorganism.

Treatment of skin fungus

After diagnosis, treatment is prescribed, which depends on the location and extent of the fungal infection, as well as the presence of concomitant diseases. The doctor may prescribe both topical therapy and complex therapy using antifungal drugs for oral administration.

For the treatment of nail fungus, in addition to the main treatment, mechanical treatment and laser therapy of the nail plates may be recommended.

Types of drugs for the treatment of skin fungus

Shampoos, creams, ointments, solutions, sprays with antimycotics can be used for skin fungus. Doctors prescribe these dosage forms, guided not only by the localization of skin mycosis, but also by the active substance included in the composition.

e.g. topical preparations containing sertaconazole, clotrimazole, ketoconazole ² , in a number of studies have shown high efficiency in skin candidiasis, pityriasis versicolor, seborrheic dermatitis, erythrasma, candidal vulvitis.

Although many antifungal drugs are effective in the treatment of most fungal infections, there is a risk of fungal resistance to the active ingredients. A wide spectrum of action and several antifungal mechanisms (triple action) make it possible to distinguish among the list of drugs drugs based on sertaconazole .

Instruction

Zalain ^® Cream for the treatment of skin fungus

Cream based on the antimycotic sertaconazole (Zalain ^® Cream 2%) is indicated for the treatment of various fungal infections of the body and face, as well as feet and hands. Doctors prescribe the drug in the treatment of versicolor (pityriasis), seborrheic dermatitis ⁴ .

Zalain® Cream 2% has a triple mechanism of action ¹⁴ :

• Promotes the destruction of fungi (fungicidal action)
• Inhibits its development (fungistatic action)
• In fungi of the genus Candida, it inhibits the transition of the fungus from a neutral form to a pathogenic one

Due to the pronounced fungicidal action (destruction of the fungus), the problem of resistance against fungi of the genus Candida is solved. In addition, benzothiafene has lipophilicity, which ensures good penetration of the drug into the skin, which enhances the local antifungal effect.

Zalain ^® is active against fungal pathogens – Candida albicans, Candida tropicalis, Pityrosporum orbiculare, Malassezia spp, Trichophyton and Microsporum. Also acts on Gram-positive bacteria (Streptococcus spp., Staphylococcus spp.) and protozoa.

Has an antibacterial, anti-inflammatory effect, helps relieve itching ⁴ .

With daily topical application of the drug based on sertaconazole for two weeks, the components of the drug are not detected in the urine and blood. The same can be noted when using vaginal suppositories with sertaconazole ³ , which indicates a high safety profile of the drug. Therefore, the agent is widely used in medicine in various dosage forms ⁵ .

Doctors recommend applying a thin layer on rashes covering 1 cm of healthy skin 1-2 times a day for 2-4 weeks.

Has a triple effect: antifungal, antipruritic, anti-inflammatory

Used 1-2 times a day

Where to buy Zalain ^® Cream for the treatment of skin fungus

or

Find the nearest pharmacy

Prevention of skin fungus

The main thing in the prevention of skin and nail fungus is personal hygiene:

do not wear someone else’s shoes

use personal manicure accessories

in public places (bath, sauna, pool) do not walk barefoot

wear underwear made of natural, breathable materials

monitor the health of the whole body, including keeping blood sugar levels under control

when washing the body do not use aggressive products that can upset the balance of skin microflora

For intimate hygiene, choose the “right” products.

Zalagel ^® Intim

Zalagel ^® Intim is a moisturizing gel for external intimate hygiene that gently cleanses the skin of the delicate area. The tea tree oil, which is part of Zalagel® Intimate, has antifungal, antibacterial, antiprotozoal (detrimental to protozoan unicellular microorganisms), antiviral effects, relieves itching.

Slightly alkaline pH (8-9) Zalagel ^® Intim promotes the creation of a destructive environment for fungi of the genus Candida (causative agent of thrush). Betaine, which is part of the gel, prevents dryness of the intimate area, maintains the physiological balance of the skin and mucous membranes. The tool is suitable for daily care of the intimate area, including during the treatment of various gynecological diseases.

Gently cleanses the intimate area

Creates a destructive environment for fungi of the Candida genus

Protects the female genital organs from infections

Tea tree oil in the composition of the product has an antibacterial and antiviral effect

Reduces itching and irritation 9000 3

Where to buy Zalagel ^® Intimacy

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Find the nearest pharmacy

Instruction

Answers to questions

What happens if the fungus is not treated?

Answer: it all depends on the causative agent of the fungal infection. Some diseases are highly contagious, such as microsporia. It is impossible to leave microsporia without treatment. Others, such as multi-colored lichen, will cause a problem only to its owner. It is advisable to start treating fungal nail infections as soon as a change in the color or density of the nail plastic is noticed, otherwise only local therapy is indispensable.

How long can topical anti-fungal agents be used?

Answer: for each drug, the duration and scheme of application will be different.

How can you tell if it’s a fungal infection?

Answer: It is impossible to recognize a certain fungal disease on your own, you need to seek medical help from a dermatologist. Even discoloration of the nail plates is not always fungal in nature.

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Sources

1. National Guide to Dermatovenereology edited by prof. Yu. S. Butova, acad. RAMS Yu.K. Skripkina, prof. OL Ivanova
2. Rational pharmacotherapy of skin diseases and sexually transmitted infections. A. A. Kurbanova, 2007
3. Vidal’s Handbook, instructions for Zalain®
4. breast cancer. The use of sertaconazole in outpatient practice. Professor I. V. Khamaganova1, Ph.D. D. F. Kashevarov1, Ph. D. E.N. Malyarenko2, Ph.D. M. V. Maksimova2 NI Pirogov, Ministry of Health of Russia, Moscow 2 Moscow Center for Dermatovenereology and Cosmetology.
5. RLS, the official instruction of the substance sertaconazole.
6. Vidal’s Handbook
7. Study of the efficacy and safety of Zalain® 2% cream in the treatment of skin mycoses. I. G. Sergeeva, Yu. M. Krinitsyna Novosibirsk State University
8. Radar, official instructions for Zalain®, dated 2021
9. Mondello F, De Bernardis F, Girolamo A, Cassone A, Salvatore G. In vivo activity of terpinen-4-ol, the main bioactive component of Melaleuca alternifolia Cheel (tea tree) oil against azole-susceptible and -resistant human pathogenic Candida species. BMC Infect Dis. 2006;6:158
10. Hammer KA, Carson CF, Riley TV. In vitro susceptibilities of lactobacilli and organisms associated with bacterial vaginosis to Melaleuca alternifolia (tea tree) oil. Antimicrob Agents Chemother 1999;43:196
11. Pena EF. Melaleuca alternifolia oil. Its use for trichomonal vaginitis and other vaginal infections. Obstet Gynecol 1962;19:793-5
12. Astani A, Reichling J, Schnitzler P. Comparative study on the antiviral activity of selected monoterpenes derived from essential oils. Python Res 2009; 24(5):673-9
13. Bassett, I. B., D. L. Pannowitz, and R. S. Barnetson. 1990. A comparative study of tea-tree oil versus benzoylperoxide in the treatment of acne. Med. J. Aust. 153:455–458
14. Carrillo-Muñoz AJ, Tur-Tur C, Giusiano G, Marcos-Arias C, Eraso E, Jauregizar N, Quindós G. Sertaconazole: an antifungal agent for the topical treatment of superficial candidiasis. Expert Rev Anti Infect Ther. 2013 Apr;11(4):347-58. doi: 10.1586/eri.13.17. PMID: 23566144.

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treatment, causes, symptoms – how to treat fungal diseases

Dermatomycosis is a broad group of skin diseases caused by various fungi.

The most common of the fungi affecting the skin of the face

1. Malassezia fungus. Settling on the face can cause a disease such as folliculitis. Most often affects patients aged 13-45 years. It is presented by papulopustular rashes associated with follicles, accompanied by itching. Risk factors – diabetes mellitus, systemic candidiasis, immunodeficiency. The disease is often confused with acne due to a similar clinical picture. But acne is not characterized by itching, and with folliculitis, itching is a common complaint. Also, the sun’s rays provoke the development of Malassezia folliculitis, and with acne, the skin condition usually improves after exposure to the sun.

2. Another disease that causes a fungus on the skin of the face: Seborrheic dermatitis (seborrheic eczema, dermatitis of seborrheic places) is a common chronic dermatosis, which is manifested by redness, rashes with white-yellow scales, itching. The disease affects the skin of the face, the upper third of the chest and the scalp. They affect 1 to 3% of the population.

Seborrheic dermatitis has a number of symptoms:

• rashes of varying size and irregular shape;
• redness has a color from pink to deep red;
• dryness and/or flaking of the skin;
• itching.

With dermatitis of the facial skin, the lesion develops in the medial region of the eyebrows (closer to the center of the face), nasolabial folds, and bridge of the nose. Rashes on the face are associated with damage to the scalp. The lesion is represented by redness with peeling or plaques covered with white or yellow scales.

3. Another fungus that causes serious skin diseases – Trichophyton (Trichophyton) – a genus of parasitic fungi that cause superficial trichophytosis in humans. Fungi of this genus penetrate the skin due to the destruction of keratin, which occurs under the action of the enzyme of the fungus. Polysaccharides from the walls of the pathogen are able to slow down immune responses, which makes it resistant to attacks by immune cells. Some Trichophyton rubrum enzymes are capable of breaking down collagen. Under the influence of the fungus, the growth and development of papillomaviruses increases, which cause the formation of warts.

4. Candida (Candida) – one of the fungi that affect the skin of the face. Despite the fact that candida exists in the microflora and in healthy people, contact with an infected person can provoke the onset of candidiasis in a weakened patient.

Ways of transmission of fungal infection

For reproduction fungus needs a moist and warm environment with acidic pH, so it likes to settle in pools, showers, saunas. Fungal infections are mainly transmitted by household contact – from person to person and through common objects.

Forms of skin candidiasis:

• Candidiasis of the red border of the lips – reddened lips are thickened, flaky, swollen, microcracks may appear.
• Candida seizures – occurs in people with malocclusion, elderly people.