What are the common types of fungal skin infections. How can you identify a yeast infection rash on skin. What are the most effective treatments for fungal skin infections. When should you seek medical attention for a skin rash.

Understanding Fungal Skin Infections: Causes and Risk Factors

Fungal skin infections are a common ailment that affects millions of people worldwide. These infections occur when fungi, which are naturally present on our skin, overgrow and cause various symptoms. Understanding the causes and risk factors of fungal skin infections is crucial for prevention and timely treatment.

Several factors can contribute to the development of fungal skin infections:

• Warm and humid environments
• Excessive sweating
• Poor hygiene
• Weakened immune system
• Tight-fitting clothing
• Prolonged use of antibiotics
• Certain medical conditions (e.g., diabetes)

Are certain individuals more susceptible to fungal skin infections? Yes, people with compromised immune systems, those who live in hot and humid climates, and individuals who frequently engage in activities that cause excessive sweating are at a higher risk of developing fungal skin infections.

Identifying Common Types of Fungal Skin Infections

Fungal skin infections can manifest in various forms, each with its distinct characteristics. Recognizing these different types is essential for proper diagnosis and treatment. Here are some of the most common fungal skin infections:

1. Ringworm (Tinea Corporis)

Contrary to its name, ringworm is not caused by a worm but by a fungus. It appears as a circular, red, itchy rash with a clearer center, giving it a ring-like appearance. Ringworm can affect various parts of the body, including the scalp, feet, and groin area.

2. Athlete’s Foot (Tinea Pedis)

This common fungal infection affects the feet, particularly between the toes. Symptoms include itching, burning, and cracking of the skin. In severe cases, blisters may form.

3. Jock Itch (Tinea Cruris)

Jock itch is a fungal infection that occurs in warm, moist areas of the body, typically affecting the groin, inner thighs, and buttocks. It causes a red, itchy rash with a scaly border.

4. Candidiasis

Caused by an overgrowth of Candida yeast, this infection can affect various parts of the body, including the skin, mouth, and genitals. On the skin, it often appears as a red, itchy rash with white, scaly patches.

Recognizing Yeast Infection Rash on Skin: Signs and Symptoms

Yeast infection rashes on the skin can be particularly troublesome and often require specific treatment. Identifying these rashes is crucial for effective management. Here are the key signs and symptoms to look out for:

• Red, patchy skin
• Intense itching or burning sensation
• Small, red, pimple-like bumps
• Cracked or sore skin
• White, scaly patches
• Moist areas in skin folds

Where do yeast infection rashes commonly occur? Yeast infection rashes are most likely to develop in warm, moist areas of the body such as skin folds, under the breasts, in the groin area, and between fingers or toes.

Diagnosing Fungal Skin Infections: Medical Approaches

Accurate diagnosis of fungal skin infections is crucial for effective treatment. Healthcare professionals employ various methods to identify these infections:

Visual Examination

A dermatologist or healthcare provider will carefully examine the affected area, looking for characteristic signs of fungal infections such as redness, scaling, and specific patterns of rash.

Skin Scraping and Microscopic Examination

In some cases, a small scraping of the affected skin may be taken and examined under a microscope. This can help identify the presence of fungal organisms.

Wood’s Lamp Examination

This special ultraviolet light can help detect certain types of fungal infections, as some fungi fluoresce under this light.

Culture Tests

If needed, a sample from the infected area may be cultured in a laboratory to identify the specific type of fungus causing the infection.

How long does it take to diagnose a fungal skin infection? While some infections can be diagnosed immediately through visual examination, others may require laboratory tests that can take several days to yield results.

Effective Treatments for Fungal Skin Infections

Treatment for fungal skin infections varies depending on the type and severity of the infection. Here are some common treatment approaches:

Over-the-Counter Antifungal Medications

Many mild to moderate fungal skin infections can be effectively treated with OTC antifungal creams, powders, or sprays. These typically contain active ingredients such as clotrimazole, miconazole, or terbinafine.

Prescription Antifungal Medications

For more severe or persistent infections, a healthcare provider may prescribe stronger antifungal medications. These can be topical or oral, depending on the infection’s severity and location.

Natural Remedies

Some people find relief from mild fungal infections using natural remedies such as tea tree oil, garlic, or apple cider vinegar. However, it’s important to consult a healthcare provider before trying these methods.

Lifestyle Changes

In addition to medication, certain lifestyle changes can help treat and prevent fungal skin infections:

• Keeping the affected area clean and dry
• Wearing loose-fitting, breathable clothing
• Avoiding sharing personal items like towels or clothing
• Maintaining good overall hygiene

How long does it typically take for a fungal skin infection to clear up with treatment? With proper treatment, many fungal skin infections start to improve within a week or two. However, it’s important to continue treatment as directed, even if symptoms improve, to prevent recurrence.

Preventing Fungal Skin Infections: Best Practices

Prevention is key when it comes to fungal skin infections. By adopting certain habits and practices, you can significantly reduce your risk of developing these uncomfortable conditions:

1. Maintain Good Hygiene

Regular bathing or showering, especially after sweating, can help keep fungal growth at bay. Be sure to dry your skin thoroughly, paying extra attention to areas where moisture can accumulate.

2. Choose Appropriate Clothing

Opt for loose-fitting, breathable clothing, particularly in hot and humid weather. Change out of damp or sweaty clothes promptly.

3. Protect Your Feet

Wear flip-flops or sandals in public showers, locker rooms, and around swimming pools to avoid contact with fungi that may be present on these surfaces.

4. Keep Personal Items Personal

Avoid sharing towels, clothing, or other personal items that come into contact with the skin, as this can spread fungal infections.

5. Practice Safe Pet Care

If you have pets, regularly check them for signs of fungal infections, as some can be transmitted from animals to humans.

6. Boost Your Immune System

Maintain a healthy diet, exercise regularly, and get adequate sleep to keep your immune system strong and better equipped to fight off fungal infections.

Can regular use of antifungal powders or sprays prevent fungal skin infections? While these products can be helpful in high-risk situations (like for athletes or in humid environments), they are not recommended for daily, long-term use as they may disrupt the skin’s natural balance.

When to Seek Medical Attention for Fungal Skin Infections

While many fungal skin infections can be treated at home, there are situations where professional medical care is necessary. It’s important to recognize these scenarios to prevent complications and ensure proper treatment. Here are some instances when you should consult a healthcare provider:

• The infection doesn’t improve after a week of over-the-counter treatment
• The rash spreads or worsens despite treatment
• You develop a fever or other systemic symptoms
• The infected area becomes painful, swollen, or starts oozing
• You have a weakened immune system due to conditions like diabetes or HIV
• The infection is on your face or scalp
• You’re pregnant or breastfeeding

How quickly should you seek medical attention if a fungal skin infection worsens? If you notice rapid spreading, increasing pain, or the development of fever, it’s advisable to seek medical attention within 24-48 hours.

Understanding the Impact of Fungal Skin Infections on Quality of Life

Fungal skin infections, while often considered minor health issues, can significantly impact an individual’s quality of life. These infections can cause physical discomfort, emotional distress, and social embarrassment. Understanding these impacts is crucial for both patients and healthcare providers to address the condition comprehensively.

Physical Impact

The most immediate effect of fungal skin infections is physical discomfort. Symptoms such as itching, burning, and pain can interfere with daily activities and sleep. In severe cases, the infection can lead to skin breakdown and secondary bacterial infections, further complicating the condition.

Emotional and Psychological Impact

The visible nature of skin infections can lead to emotional distress. Patients may experience:

• Anxiety about the appearance of the infection
• Embarrassment in social situations
• Decreased self-esteem
• Frustration with persistent or recurring infections

Social Impact

Fungal skin infections can affect social interactions and relationships. Individuals may:

• Avoid physical contact with others
• Limit participation in social activities, especially those involving exposure of affected areas (e.g., swimming)
• Experience strain in intimate relationships

Professional Impact

In some cases, fungal skin infections can affect professional life, particularly in jobs that require close contact with others or have strict appearance standards.

How can healthcare providers address the psychosocial impact of fungal skin infections? Healthcare providers should consider not only the physical treatment of the infection but also provide support and resources for managing the emotional and social challenges associated with the condition. This may include referrals to mental health professionals or support groups when necessary.

Emerging Research and Future Treatments for Fungal Skin Infections

The field of dermatology is constantly evolving, with new research shedding light on fungal skin infections and potential treatments. Understanding these advancements can provide hope for more effective management strategies in the future.

Novel Antifungal Agents

Researchers are exploring new antifungal compounds that may be more effective against resistant strains of fungi. Some promising areas include:

• Natural compounds derived from plants and microorganisms
• Synthetic molecules designed to target specific fungal mechanisms
• Combination therapies that enhance the efficacy of existing antifungals

Nanotechnology in Antifungal Treatment

Nanotechnology is opening up new possibilities for drug delivery in antifungal treatments. Nanoparticles can potentially:

• Improve penetration of antifungal agents into the skin
• Provide sustained release of medications for longer-lasting effects
• Enhance the stability and effectiveness of antifungal compounds

Immunotherapy Approaches

Research is ongoing into immunotherapy strategies that could boost the body’s natural defenses against fungal infections. This includes:

• Development of vaccines against common fungal pathogens
• Immune-modulating therapies to enhance antifungal immune responses

Microbiome-Based Treatments

Understanding the role of the skin microbiome in preventing fungal overgrowth is leading to new treatment approaches:

• Probiotics for topical application to restore beneficial skin flora
• Prebiotic treatments to support healthy skin microbiome

What potential impact could these emerging treatments have on managing fungal skin infections? These advancements could lead to more targeted, effective, and patient-friendly treatments, potentially reducing treatment duration, minimizing side effects, and decreasing the likelihood of recurrence.

As research continues to advance our understanding of fungal skin infections and their treatment, individuals affected by these conditions can look forward to improved management options in the future. However, it’s important to remember that prevention and early intervention remain key strategies in dealing with fungal skin infections. By staying informed about current best practices and emerging treatments, individuals can take proactive steps to maintain healthy skin and effectively manage fungal infections when they occur.

Skin infection pictures and treatments

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A skin infection occurs when parasites, fungi, or germs such as bacteria penetrate the skin and spread. When this happens, it can cause pain, swelling, other types of discomfort, and skin color changes. A skin infection may be mild or serious.

Skin infections are different from rashes. A rash is an area of swollen or irritated skin. While rashes can be symptoms of some skin infections, a person with a rash does not necessarily have an infection.

There are four types of skin infection:

• bacterial
• viral
• fungal
• parasitic

Some skin infections require medical treatment. People can manage others with over-the-counter solutions or home remedies. Read on to learn more about common skin infections.

This common bacterial skin infection occurs when bacteria infect the deep layers of skin and nearby tissues.

According to the American Academy of Dermatology, doctors diagnose 14.5 million cases of cellulitis in the United States each year.

Cellulitis can lead to serious complications, and receiving treatment early is important.

Symptoms

Before causing complications, cellulitis appears as swollen skin that is a different color from a person’s usual skin tone. The area is sometimes warm and tender to the touch.

Cellulitis can develop anywhere on the body. In children, it commonly affects the face, and in adults, it often appears on the lower legs.

Treatment

Early treatment is key to a successful outcome without complications. If a person does not receive treatment, cellulitis can lead to blood infections and damage the immune system.

The most typical treatment is oral antibiotics. Some people require this medication intravenously.

A person should also rest, elevate the affected area, and cover it to aid healing.

What it looks like

Cellulitis causes the affected area to swell and change color. Redness and other skin changes may not be well-defined, and it may be difficult to tell where they end.

The area will likely be hard and warm to the touch.

According to the American Academy of Dermatology, warts are noncancerous skin growths that occur when a virus infects the top layer of skin.

Cuts and other types of skin damage put a person at risk of developing warts.

Warts are contagious. A person can contract them by touching a wart directly or by coming into contact with something the wart has touched.

Symptoms

Warts are usually visible as raised areas of skin. They are much more likely to form in places where skin damage occurs, especially on the fingers, nails, and backs of the hands.

Treatment

A dermatologist can usually remove common warts. Typical techniques include:

• cantharidin, a substance that causes a blister to form under the wart so the dermatologist can clip it off
• electrosurgery, or burning off the wart
• excision, or cutting the wart off
• cryotherapy, or freezing the wart off

More difficult cases can require additional therapies, such as laser removal.

What it looks like

Warts can appear as rough areas that are the same color as the surrounding skin. They can also be darker and flat.

The herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV-1) is responsible for causing a herpes gladiatorum infection on the skin.

According to the New York State Department of Health, 30–90 percent of all people are exposed to HSV-1 by adulthood, but many never develop symptoms.

After infection, a person will always have the virus in them, similar to herpes that occurs on the genitals and around the mouth. No symptoms may occur for several months or years between flares.

Though a person can treat an outbreak of herpes, the virus always remains, which means that symptoms could return at any time. The virus is also highly contagious and a person can transmit it any time it is active, even if no symptoms are present.

Symptoms

When herpes gladiatorum flares, it can cause:

• swollen glands
• fever
• a tingling sensation in the affected area
• lesions or blisters that last between 7 and 10 days
• clear, fluid-filled blisters that may be painful and surrounded by a discolored patch

Treatment

Some cases of herpes require no treatment. However, a person with an active infection should avoid activities, such as sports and sex, that put them in direct contact with others.

For people with moderate to severe infections, a doctor may prescribe an antiviral medication.

What it looks like

Herpes gladiatorum manifests as a group of lesions or blisters that last between 7 and 10 days. A patch of discoloration often surrounds these clear, fluid-filled blisters.

A yeast infection develops when fungus grows out of control.

Yeast infections can occur in various parts of the body, but they are more common in areas that trap moisture.

The vagina is particularly susceptible to yeast infections such as thrush, which can also occur in the mouth and is often a symptom of a weakened immune system.

Yeast infections can develop on the skin, and two commonly known examples are diaper rash and athlete’s foot.

Symptoms

The most common symptoms of a yeast infection include a rash and itchiness. Some yeast infections can cause blisters or pustules.

Treatment

Yeast infections on the skin may respond to treatment at home with creams and ointments. Many options are available over the counter.

However, some yeast infections on the skin may require prescription medication and creams.

Anyone with a yeast infection on the skin should keep the area clean and dry. When dealing with diaper rash, change the diapers frequently.

What it looks like

Yeast infections appear differently in different areas of the body.

For example, a diaper rash that results from a yeast infection looks like areas of chafed, differently colored skin.

Yeast infections elsewhere on the skin may appear as areas of small, raised blisters or pustules.

Lice, or head lice, are tiny insects that live in hair and cause a parasitic infection of the scalp. They exist worldwide and can affect anyone. Contrary to popular belief, lice can live in clean or dirty hair.

Lice spread easily, especially in crowded conditions such as schools and nursing homes. Though a nuisance, lice do not cause serious health issues.

Symptoms

As with many other types of skin infection, itchiness is the most common symptom. Typically, it develops around the ears and near the neck.

According to the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP), it can take 4–6 weeks for a person to become sensitive to lice saliva and for the itchiness to start.

Even after treatment, several weeks may pass before this feeling goes away.

Treatment

A person can treat head lice at home, but speak to a doctor before doing so.

Treatment typically involves combing the lice and their eggs out of the hair and applying medication that kills the lice and their eggs.

A range of lice combs is available to purchase online.

It is important to follow the doctor’s instructions before treating lice.

What it looks like

Lice look different, depending on their stage of life.

Nits, or eggs, are very tiny. A person may initially confuse nits with dandruff because of the close resemblance.

When the eggs hatch, the lice are called nymphs. In this stage, a person may notice small, fast-moving mites in their scalp.

Adult lice are about the size of sesame seeds and light gray or tan. Each bug has six clawed legs.

Scabies is another parasitic skin infection.

When a person has scabies, tiny mites burrow into the upper layer of skin to lay their eggs. An infestation affects the outer layers of the skin.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), scabies is present worldwide, and the skin infection can affect all types of people.

Scabies spreads through prolonged skin-to-skin contact. People living in crowded conditions, such as nursing homes, are most likely to experience outbreaks.

Symptoms

When infected with scabies, the most common symptoms are:

• intense itchiness
• a pimple-like rash

In addition, a person may experience:

• tiny blisters and scales
• burrows in the skin
• skin sores, from scratching the rash

The rash can appear nearly anywhere on the body. Some of the most common sites include the:

• elbows
• armpits
• wrist
• penis
• webbing between the fingers
• nipples
• waist or beltline
• buttocks

Treatment

Scabies treatment involves medications called scabicides. These kill adult mites, and some also kill the eggs. Tested and approved scabicides are only available by prescription.

Since scabies is very easy to contract, people typically administer treatment to sexual partners and household members as well. To prevent spreading, it is best for everyone to receive treatment at the same time.

Also, it is important to keep the living environment clean and to wash and bag clothing and bedding for 2–3 weeks.

What it looks like

Scabies causes a pink, pimple-like rash that may contain small blisters and areas of scaling. Additionally, a person with scabies may notice burrows in the skin.

The infection is most likely to appear on the hands or feet.

Seek medical advice anytime an unexplained, persistent rash appears on the body.

It is especially important to contact a doctor if the rash occurs alongside a fever or symptoms other than itchiness or pain.

Many skin infections require medication or other forms of treatment.

Since many skin infections are easy to contract, people should use caution in public areas.

For example, wearing shoes in public bathrooms and showers can help prevent athlete’s foot. Avoiding physical contact with people who have scabies or an active herpes infection can prevent exposure. It is also important to care for wounds carefully.

People with skin infections should take precautions and avoid physical contact until symptoms clear up or they receive the go-ahead from their doctor.

Skin infections are a very common occurrence throughout the world. Anyone is at risk, and these infections can spread easily. It is important to take precautions.

If an unexplained rash appears, seek medical attention as soon as possible.

Skin infection pictures and treatments

We include products we think are useful for our readers. If you buy through links on this page, we may earn a small commission. Here’s our process.

A skin infection occurs when parasites, fungi, or germs such as bacteria penetrate the skin and spread. When this happens, it can cause pain, swelling, other types of discomfort, and skin color changes. A skin infection may be mild or serious.

Skin infections are different from rashes. A rash is an area of swollen or irritated skin. While rashes can be symptoms of some skin infections, a person with a rash does not necessarily have an infection.

There are four types of skin infection:

• bacterial
• viral
• fungal
• parasitic

Some skin infections require medical treatment. People can manage others with over-the-counter solutions or home remedies. Read on to learn more about common skin infections.

This common bacterial skin infection occurs when bacteria infect the deep layers of skin and nearby tissues.

According to the American Academy of Dermatology, doctors diagnose 14.5 million cases of cellulitis in the United States each year.

Cellulitis can lead to serious complications, and receiving treatment early is important.

Symptoms

Before causing complications, cellulitis appears as swollen skin that is a different color from a person’s usual skin tone. The area is sometimes warm and tender to the touch.

Cellulitis can develop anywhere on the body. In children, it commonly affects the face, and in adults, it often appears on the lower legs.

Treatment

Early treatment is key to a successful outcome without complications. If a person does not receive treatment, cellulitis can lead to blood infections and damage the immune system.

The most typical treatment is oral antibiotics. Some people require this medication intravenously.

A person should also rest, elevate the affected area, and cover it to aid healing.

What it looks like

Cellulitis causes the affected area to swell and change color. Redness and other skin changes may not be well-defined, and it may be difficult to tell where they end.

The area will likely be hard and warm to the touch.

According to the American Academy of Dermatology, warts are noncancerous skin growths that occur when a virus infects the top layer of skin.

Cuts and other types of skin damage put a person at risk of developing warts.

Warts are contagious. A person can contract them by touching a wart directly or by coming into contact with something the wart has touched.

Symptoms

Warts are usually visible as raised areas of skin. They are much more likely to form in places where skin damage occurs, especially on the fingers, nails, and backs of the hands.

Treatment

A dermatologist can usually remove common warts. Typical techniques include:

• cantharidin, a substance that causes a blister to form under the wart so the dermatologist can clip it off
• electrosurgery, or burning off the wart
• excision, or cutting the wart off
• cryotherapy, or freezing the wart off

More difficult cases can require additional therapies, such as laser removal.

What it looks like

Warts can appear as rough areas that are the same color as the surrounding skin. They can also be darker and flat.

The herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV-1) is responsible for causing a herpes gladiatorum infection on the skin.

According to the New York State Department of Health, 30–90 percent of all people are exposed to HSV-1 by adulthood, but many never develop symptoms.

After infection, a person will always have the virus in them, similar to herpes that occurs on the genitals and around the mouth. No symptoms may occur for several months or years between flares.

Though a person can treat an outbreak of herpes, the virus always remains, which means that symptoms could return at any time. The virus is also highly contagious and a person can transmit it any time it is active, even if no symptoms are present.

Symptoms

When herpes gladiatorum flares, it can cause:

• swollen glands
• fever
• a tingling sensation in the affected area
• lesions or blisters that last between 7 and 10 days
• clear, fluid-filled blisters that may be painful and surrounded by a discolored patch

Treatment

Some cases of herpes require no treatment. However, a person with an active infection should avoid activities, such as sports and sex, that put them in direct contact with others.

For people with moderate to severe infections, a doctor may prescribe an antiviral medication.

What it looks like

Herpes gladiatorum manifests as a group of lesions or blisters that last between 7 and 10 days. A patch of discoloration often surrounds these clear, fluid-filled blisters.

A yeast infection develops when fungus grows out of control.

Yeast infections can occur in various parts of the body, but they are more common in areas that trap moisture.

The vagina is particularly susceptible to yeast infections such as thrush, which can also occur in the mouth and is often a symptom of a weakened immune system.

Yeast infections can develop on the skin, and two commonly known examples are diaper rash and athlete’s foot.

Symptoms

The most common symptoms of a yeast infection include a rash and itchiness. Some yeast infections can cause blisters or pustules.

Treatment

Yeast infections on the skin may respond to treatment at home with creams and ointments. Many options are available over the counter.

However, some yeast infections on the skin may require prescription medication and creams.

Anyone with a yeast infection on the skin should keep the area clean and dry. When dealing with diaper rash, change the diapers frequently.

What it looks like

Yeast infections appear differently in different areas of the body.

For example, a diaper rash that results from a yeast infection looks like areas of chafed, differently colored skin.

Yeast infections elsewhere on the skin may appear as areas of small, raised blisters or pustules.

Lice, or head lice, are tiny insects that live in hair and cause a parasitic infection of the scalp. They exist worldwide and can affect anyone. Contrary to popular belief, lice can live in clean or dirty hair.

Lice spread easily, especially in crowded conditions such as schools and nursing homes. Though a nuisance, lice do not cause serious health issues.

Symptoms

As with many other types of skin infection, itchiness is the most common symptom. Typically, it develops around the ears and near the neck.

According to the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP), it can take 4–6 weeks for a person to become sensitive to lice saliva and for the itchiness to start.

Even after treatment, several weeks may pass before this feeling goes away.

Treatment

A person can treat head lice at home, but speak to a doctor before doing so.

Treatment typically involves combing the lice and their eggs out of the hair and applying medication that kills the lice and their eggs.

A range of lice combs is available to purchase online.

It is important to follow the doctor’s instructions before treating lice.

What it looks like

Lice look different, depending on their stage of life.

Nits, or eggs, are very tiny. A person may initially confuse nits with dandruff because of the close resemblance.

When the eggs hatch, the lice are called nymphs. In this stage, a person may notice small, fast-moving mites in their scalp.

Adult lice are about the size of sesame seeds and light gray or tan. Each bug has six clawed legs.

Scabies is another parasitic skin infection.

When a person has scabies, tiny mites burrow into the upper layer of skin to lay their eggs. An infestation affects the outer layers of the skin.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), scabies is present worldwide, and the skin infection can affect all types of people.

Scabies spreads through prolonged skin-to-skin contact. People living in crowded conditions, such as nursing homes, are most likely to experience outbreaks.

Symptoms

When infected with scabies, the most common symptoms are:

• intense itchiness
• a pimple-like rash

In addition, a person may experience:

• tiny blisters and scales
• burrows in the skin
• skin sores, from scratching the rash

The rash can appear nearly anywhere on the body. Some of the most common sites include the:

• elbows
• armpits
• wrist
• penis
• webbing between the fingers
• nipples
• waist or beltline
• buttocks

Treatment

Scabies treatment involves medications called scabicides. These kill adult mites, and some also kill the eggs. Tested and approved scabicides are only available by prescription.

Since scabies is very easy to contract, people typically administer treatment to sexual partners and household members as well. To prevent spreading, it is best for everyone to receive treatment at the same time.

Also, it is important to keep the living environment clean and to wash and bag clothing and bedding for 2–3 weeks.

What it looks like

Scabies causes a pink, pimple-like rash that may contain small blisters and areas of scaling. Additionally, a person with scabies may notice burrows in the skin.

The infection is most likely to appear on the hands or feet.

Seek medical advice anytime an unexplained, persistent rash appears on the body.

It is especially important to contact a doctor if the rash occurs alongside a fever or symptoms other than itchiness or pain.

Many skin infections require medication or other forms of treatment.

Since many skin infections are easy to contract, people should use caution in public areas.

For example, wearing shoes in public bathrooms and showers can help prevent athlete’s foot. Avoiding physical contact with people who have scabies or an active herpes infection can prevent exposure. It is also important to care for wounds carefully.

People with skin infections should take precautions and avoid physical contact until symptoms clear up or they receive the go-ahead from their doctor.

Skin infections are a very common occurrence throughout the world. Anyone is at risk, and these infections can spread easily. It is important to take precautions.

If an unexplained rash appears, seek medical attention as soon as possible.

What does a yeast infection look like? Examples and treatments

The appearance of a yeast infection, or candidiasis, depends on its location. It can cause white patches in the mouth, flaking or crusting of the skin, and a few different changes in genital discharge.

In this article, we describe how a yeast infection visibly affects the body. We also look at other symptoms, treatments, and more.

A yeast infection occurs when fungi grow excessively in the body. This is particularly common in moist areas with less exposure, such as the mouth, vagina, or feet.

Often, yeast infections are caused by fungi from the Candida species — and according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), Candida albicans is the type most likely to overgrow and cause an infection.

A vaginal yeast infection, or thrush, typically causes white discharge that is the texture of cottage cheese.

Other symptoms of a vaginal yeast infection include:

• painful urination
• soreness around the vagina
• inflammation and itchiness of the vagina and vulva
• pain during sex

These infections are common, with up to 75% of females having at least one diagnosed in their lifetimes.

Yeast infections can affect the penis, but this is less common. The symptoms tend to develop on the underside of the penis and include:

• scaling
• inflamed patches of skin
• a painful rash

A yeast infection can also cause inflammation near the head of the penis. This issue is called balanitis.

A person with balanitis may experience burning or itching and yellow or white discharge. In some people, the inflammation spreads to the shaft and the area under the foreskin.

Yeast infections are not considered sexually transmitted infections (STIs). However, it is possible for a person to develop a yeast infection after having oral, anal, or vaginal sex with someone who has the condition, especially if they are especially susceptible.

Around 15% of males who have unprotected sex with females experiencing yeast infections develop the infection themselves.

Oral thrush occurs when yeast grows excessively in the mouth or throat. Typically, a person develops white patches on the tongue, cheeks, back of the throat, or roof of the mouth.

Other symptoms of oral thrush include:

• soreness
• pain while eating or drinking
• a cotton-like feeling in the mouth
• cracked skin at the corners of the mouth
• a loss of taste

Most healthy adults do not develop oral thrush, but yeast infections in the mouth or esophagus are common in people with weakened immune systems.

Wearing dentures, smoking, and having dry mouth also elevate the risk of developing oral thrush.

The appearance of a yeast infection on the skin depends on the location, but this type of infection often causes patches of inflammation. These can vary in shape and size.

Sometimes, these patches itch, flake, or develop crusts, and pustules may appear around the edges.

A yeast infection can occur anywhere on the skin, but is most likely to develop in folds, such as:

• under the breasts
• under the arms
• in the groin
• under or in the buttocks
• in the navel
• on the scalp
• between the fingers and toes

If a yeast infection occurs on the scalp, it can cause crusty lesions that can lead to hair loss. Yeast infections can also cause diaper rash in babies.

Yeast infections can develop beneath the nails. An infected nail may turn white or yellow and start to separate from the nail bed.

When a yeast infection occurs under the nails, a person may experience:

In small amounts, Candida fungi are not harmful. Many people have yeast on their skin and in their body. Other types of microbe, such as bacteria, help keep Candida from growing excessively.

However, certain factors can disrupt the body’s ability to keep Candida under control, such as:

• Antibiotics: Because antibiotics kill bacteria, the result may be that Candida fungi grow unchecked.
• Hormonal contraceptives: People who take hormonal birth control that contains estrogen are more likely to develop yeast infections.
• Pregnancy: Similarly, the hormonal changes during pregnancy increase the chances of developing yeast infections.
• A weak immune system: Young babies and people with immune disorders or conditions such as HIV may be more susceptible to yeast infections.
• Medications: Some medications and treatments, including steroids, immunosuppressants, and chemotherapy also weaken the immune system.
• Diabetes: Sugar helps yeast grow, so if a person frequently has high blood sugar levels, they are more likely to develop candidiasis.

Vaginal douches and sprays may also increase the risk of developing a vaginal yeast infection.

The treatment for a yeast infection varies, depending on the infection’s location and severity.

For mild, occasional infections, a person can try over-the-counter options, such as topical creams, nail treatments, or vaginal suppositories.

However, it is important to speak with a pharmacist or doctor first, because the symptoms of a vaginal yeast infection are similar to those of bacterial vaginosis and some STIs.

These issues do not respond to yeast infection treatments. They require different approaches and can cause serious health complications if a person does not receive the necessary care.

Also, frequently using antifungal medicine unnecessarily may reduce how effective it is in the future.

For more severe or reoccurring infections, a person may need prescription antifungal medication.

Pregnant women should not take the antifungal medicine fluconazole (Diflucan), as it may cause birth defects, the Office on Women’s Health report.

Some home care strategies may help reduce yeast infection symptoms or prevent the issue from coming back.

Probiotic yogurt may help reduce the amount of yeast in the body. A 2013 pilot study involving 24 women showed that eating 8 ounces of probiotic yogurt per day reduced the presence of Candida in some cases.

However, this was a small study with mixed results. Also, the women had HIV, so their health responses may not reflect those of the general population.

Addressing the cause of the infection is important, especially if the infection keeps coming back. A person may benefit from:

• using a condom during sex
• avoiding the overuse of antibiotics
• switching to a different method of birth control
• better managing underlying conditions, such as diabetes

A person should talk to a doctor if they notice symptoms of a yeast infection.

It is important to receive the right treatment for any infection, and correctly identifying the type of infection is the first step.

Yeast infections often cause changes to genital discharge and patches to form in the mouth or in skin folds.

A doctor can confirm the infection and recommend the best treatment, depending on the severity and the part of the body involved.

What does a yeast infection look like? Examples and treatments

The appearance of a yeast infection, or candidiasis, depends on its location. It can cause white patches in the mouth, flaking or crusting of the skin, and a few different changes in genital discharge.

In this article, we describe how a yeast infection visibly affects the body. We also look at other symptoms, treatments, and more.

A yeast infection occurs when fungi grow excessively in the body. This is particularly common in moist areas with less exposure, such as the mouth, vagina, or feet.

Often, yeast infections are caused by fungi from the Candida species — and according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), Candida albicans is the type most likely to overgrow and cause an infection.

A vaginal yeast infection, or thrush, typically causes white discharge that is the texture of cottage cheese.

Other symptoms of a vaginal yeast infection include:

• painful urination
• soreness around the vagina
• inflammation and itchiness of the vagina and vulva
• pain during sex

These infections are common, with up to 75% of females having at least one diagnosed in their lifetimes.

Yeast infections can affect the penis, but this is less common. The symptoms tend to develop on the underside of the penis and include:

• scaling
• inflamed patches of skin
• a painful rash

A yeast infection can also cause inflammation near the head of the penis. This issue is called balanitis.

A person with balanitis may experience burning or itching and yellow or white discharge. In some people, the inflammation spreads to the shaft and the area under the foreskin.

Yeast infections are not considered sexually transmitted infections (STIs). However, it is possible for a person to develop a yeast infection after having oral, anal, or vaginal sex with someone who has the condition, especially if they are especially susceptible.

Around 15% of males who have unprotected sex with females experiencing yeast infections develop the infection themselves.

Oral thrush occurs when yeast grows excessively in the mouth or throat. Typically, a person develops white patches on the tongue, cheeks, back of the throat, or roof of the mouth.

Other symptoms of oral thrush include:

• soreness
• pain while eating or drinking
• a cotton-like feeling in the mouth
• cracked skin at the corners of the mouth
• a loss of taste

Most healthy adults do not develop oral thrush, but yeast infections in the mouth or esophagus are common in people with weakened immune systems.

Wearing dentures, smoking, and having dry mouth also elevate the risk of developing oral thrush.

The appearance of a yeast infection on the skin depends on the location, but this type of infection often causes patches of inflammation. These can vary in shape and size.

Sometimes, these patches itch, flake, or develop crusts, and pustules may appear around the edges.

A yeast infection can occur anywhere on the skin, but is most likely to develop in folds, such as:

• under the breasts
• under the arms
• in the groin
• under or in the buttocks
• in the navel
• on the scalp
• between the fingers and toes

If a yeast infection occurs on the scalp, it can cause crusty lesions that can lead to hair loss. Yeast infections can also cause diaper rash in babies.

Yeast infections can develop beneath the nails. An infected nail may turn white or yellow and start to separate from the nail bed.

When a yeast infection occurs under the nails, a person may experience:

In small amounts, Candida fungi are not harmful. Many people have yeast on their skin and in their body. Other types of microbe, such as bacteria, help keep Candida from growing excessively.

However, certain factors can disrupt the body’s ability to keep Candida under control, such as:

• Antibiotics: Because antibiotics kill bacteria, the result may be that Candida fungi grow unchecked.
• Hormonal contraceptives: People who take hormonal birth control that contains estrogen are more likely to develop yeast infections.
• Pregnancy: Similarly, the hormonal changes during pregnancy increase the chances of developing yeast infections.
• A weak immune system: Young babies and people with immune disorders or conditions such as HIV may be more susceptible to yeast infections.
• Medications: Some medications and treatments, including steroids, immunosuppressants, and chemotherapy also weaken the immune system.
• Diabetes: Sugar helps yeast grow, so if a person frequently has high blood sugar levels, they are more likely to develop candidiasis.

Vaginal douches and sprays may also increase the risk of developing a vaginal yeast infection.

The treatment for a yeast infection varies, depending on the infection’s location and severity.

For mild, occasional infections, a person can try over-the-counter options, such as topical creams, nail treatments, or vaginal suppositories.

However, it is important to speak with a pharmacist or doctor first, because the symptoms of a vaginal yeast infection are similar to those of bacterial vaginosis and some STIs.

These issues do not respond to yeast infection treatments. They require different approaches and can cause serious health complications if a person does not receive the necessary care.

Also, frequently using antifungal medicine unnecessarily may reduce how effective it is in the future.

For more severe or reoccurring infections, a person may need prescription antifungal medication.

Pregnant women should not take the antifungal medicine fluconazole (Diflucan), as it may cause birth defects, the Office on Women’s Health report.

Some home care strategies may help reduce yeast infection symptoms or prevent the issue from coming back.

Probiotic yogurt may help reduce the amount of yeast in the body. A 2013 pilot study involving 24 women showed that eating 8 ounces of probiotic yogurt per day reduced the presence of Candida in some cases.

However, this was a small study with mixed results. Also, the women had HIV, so their health responses may not reflect those of the general population.

Addressing the cause of the infection is important, especially if the infection keeps coming back. A person may benefit from:

• using a condom during sex
• avoiding the overuse of antibiotics
• switching to a different method of birth control
• better managing underlying conditions, such as diabetes

A person should talk to a doctor if they notice symptoms of a yeast infection.

It is important to receive the right treatment for any infection, and correctly identifying the type of infection is the first step.

Yeast infections often cause changes to genital discharge and patches to form in the mouth or in skin folds.

A doctor can confirm the infection and recommend the best treatment, depending on the severity and the part of the body involved.

What does a yeast infection look like? Examples and treatments

The appearance of a yeast infection, or candidiasis, depends on its location. It can cause white patches in the mouth, flaking or crusting of the skin, and a few different changes in genital discharge.

In this article, we describe how a yeast infection visibly affects the body. We also look at other symptoms, treatments, and more.

A yeast infection occurs when fungi grow excessively in the body. This is particularly common in moist areas with less exposure, such as the mouth, vagina, or feet.

Often, yeast infections are caused by fungi from the Candida species — and according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), Candida albicans is the type most likely to overgrow and cause an infection.

A vaginal yeast infection, or thrush, typically causes white discharge that is the texture of cottage cheese.

Other symptoms of a vaginal yeast infection include:

• painful urination
• soreness around the vagina
• inflammation and itchiness of the vagina and vulva
• pain during sex

These infections are common, with up to 75% of females having at least one diagnosed in their lifetimes.

Yeast infections can affect the penis, but this is less common. The symptoms tend to develop on the underside of the penis and include:

• scaling
• inflamed patches of skin
• a painful rash

A yeast infection can also cause inflammation near the head of the penis. This issue is called balanitis.

A person with balanitis may experience burning or itching and yellow or white discharge. In some people, the inflammation spreads to the shaft and the area under the foreskin.

Yeast infections are not considered sexually transmitted infections (STIs). However, it is possible for a person to develop a yeast infection after having oral, anal, or vaginal sex with someone who has the condition, especially if they are especially susceptible.

Around 15% of males who have unprotected sex with females experiencing yeast infections develop the infection themselves.

Oral thrush occurs when yeast grows excessively in the mouth or throat. Typically, a person develops white patches on the tongue, cheeks, back of the throat, or roof of the mouth.

Other symptoms of oral thrush include:

• soreness
• pain while eating or drinking
• a cotton-like feeling in the mouth
• cracked skin at the corners of the mouth
• a loss of taste

Most healthy adults do not develop oral thrush, but yeast infections in the mouth or esophagus are common in people with weakened immune systems.

Wearing dentures, smoking, and having dry mouth also elevate the risk of developing oral thrush.

The appearance of a yeast infection on the skin depends on the location, but this type of infection often causes patches of inflammation. These can vary in shape and size.

Sometimes, these patches itch, flake, or develop crusts, and pustules may appear around the edges.

A yeast infection can occur anywhere on the skin, but is most likely to develop in folds, such as:

• under the breasts
• under the arms
• in the groin
• under or in the buttocks
• in the navel
• on the scalp
• between the fingers and toes

If a yeast infection occurs on the scalp, it can cause crusty lesions that can lead to hair loss. Yeast infections can also cause diaper rash in babies.

Yeast infections can develop beneath the nails. An infected nail may turn white or yellow and start to separate from the nail bed.

When a yeast infection occurs under the nails, a person may experience:

In small amounts, Candida fungi are not harmful. Many people have yeast on their skin and in their body. Other types of microbe, such as bacteria, help keep Candida from growing excessively.

However, certain factors can disrupt the body’s ability to keep Candida under control, such as:

• Antibiotics: Because antibiotics kill bacteria, the result may be that Candida fungi grow unchecked.
• Hormonal contraceptives: People who take hormonal birth control that contains estrogen are more likely to develop yeast infections.
• Pregnancy: Similarly, the hormonal changes during pregnancy increase the chances of developing yeast infections.
• A weak immune system: Young babies and people with immune disorders or conditions such as HIV may be more susceptible to yeast infections.
• Medications: Some medications and treatments, including steroids, immunosuppressants, and chemotherapy also weaken the immune system.
• Diabetes: Sugar helps yeast grow, so if a person frequently has high blood sugar levels, they are more likely to develop candidiasis.

Vaginal douches and sprays may also increase the risk of developing a vaginal yeast infection.

The treatment for a yeast infection varies, depending on the infection’s location and severity.

For mild, occasional infections, a person can try over-the-counter options, such as topical creams, nail treatments, or vaginal suppositories.

However, it is important to speak with a pharmacist or doctor first, because the symptoms of a vaginal yeast infection are similar to those of bacterial vaginosis and some STIs.

These issues do not respond to yeast infection treatments. They require different approaches and can cause serious health complications if a person does not receive the necessary care.

Also, frequently using antifungal medicine unnecessarily may reduce how effective it is in the future.

For more severe or reoccurring infections, a person may need prescription antifungal medication.

Pregnant women should not take the antifungal medicine fluconazole (Diflucan), as it may cause birth defects, the Office on Women’s Health report.

Some home care strategies may help reduce yeast infection symptoms or prevent the issue from coming back.

Probiotic yogurt may help reduce the amount of yeast in the body. A 2013 pilot study involving 24 women showed that eating 8 ounces of probiotic yogurt per day reduced the presence of Candida in some cases.

However, this was a small study with mixed results. Also, the women had HIV, so their health responses may not reflect those of the general population.

Addressing the cause of the infection is important, especially if the infection keeps coming back. A person may benefit from:

• using a condom during sex
• avoiding the overuse of antibiotics
• switching to a different method of birth control
• better managing underlying conditions, such as diabetes

A person should talk to a doctor if they notice symptoms of a yeast infection.

It is important to receive the right treatment for any infection, and correctly identifying the type of infection is the first step.

Yeast infections often cause changes to genital discharge and patches to form in the mouth or in skin folds.

A doctor can confirm the infection and recommend the best treatment, depending on the severity and the part of the body involved.

Pityriasis versicolor – NHS

Pityriasis versicolor, sometimes called tinea versicolor, is a common fungal infection that causes small patches of skin to become scaly and discoloured.

Symptoms of pityriasis versicolor

Patches of skin may be darker or lighter than your normal skin colour, or may be red, brown or pink. They tend to develop gradually and may join up to form larger patches over time.

Credit:

The areas most often affected by pityriasis versicolor include the back, chest, upper arms, neck and tummy.

Although it may look unpleasant and the patches are sometimes itchy, pityriasis versicolor is harmless.

You may still want to see a GP, as it usually only improves with treatment. They can normally diagnose pityriasis versicolor by examining your skin.

Why it happens

Pityriasis versicolor is caused by a type of yeast called Malassezia. This yeast is found on the skin of more than 90% of adults, where it normally lives without causing any problems.

But pityriasis versicolor can develop if this yeast starts to multiply more than usual. It’s not clear exactly why this happens in some people and not in others.

Several factors can increase your risk of developing pityriasis versicolor, including:

• living or staying in a warm, moist environment, including the UK, in the summer
• sweating excessively (hyperhidrosis)
• creams, dressings or clothing that do not allow your skin to breathe
• being malnourished
• having a weakened immune system
• being a teenager or in your early 20s

Pityriasis versicolor is not related to poor hygiene. The condition cannot be spread from person to person because most people already have the Malassezia yeast on their skin.

How pityriasis versicolor is treated

Pityriasis versicolor can be treated with antifungal medicines. These are available as shampoos, creams and tablets.

Antifungal shampoos

Antifungal shampoos (such as ketoconazole or selenium sulphide shampoo) are often the first treatment recommended for pityriasis versicolor.

These are available to buy over the counter from pharmacies, or a GP can prescribe them.

In most cases, these shampoos need to be made into a lather and left on the affected areas of skin for 5 to 10 minutes before being rinsed off. This usually needs to be repeated every day for 5 to 7 days.

You may experience some skin dryness or irritation when using these shampoos, particularly selenium sulphide.

It may be helpful to dilute the shampoo with water before applying it. Some people also find the odour of selenium sulphide shampoo unpleasant.

Antifungal creams

If only small areas of skin are affected, a GP may prescribe an antifungal cream.

These creams usually need to be applied to the affected area of skin once or twice a day for several weeks.

Some people experience a burning sensation when they use these antifungal creams, but this is not common.

Antifungal tablets

If a large area of skin is affected or other treatments have not helped, you may be prescribed antifungal tablets.

These usually need to be taken once a day for 1 to 4 weeks.

Side effects of these tablets are uncommon, although some people experience problems such as rashes, feeling sick and tummy (abdominal) pain while taking them.

Outlook

Overall, antifungal shampoos, creams and tablets are effective in killing the yeast that causes pityriasis versicolor.

But it can take several weeks or months for your skin to return to its normal colour. In more persistent cases, treatment may need to be repeated.

Recurrences

It’s common for pityriasis versicolor to come back after treatment, particularly during the summer or during holidays to warm and humid countries.

But you can reduce this likelihood by regularly using the antifungal shampoos mentioned above.

For example, using the shampoo once a day for a few days before going on holiday can help prevent pityriasis versicolor recurring.

As these shampoos are available to buy from pharmacies, you do not need to see a GP for a prescription if you run out.

If you develop pityriasis versicolor again after treatment, you can try treating it yourself with antifungal shampoo, or see a GP for advice and other treatments.

If you have frequent and severe episodes of pityriasis versicolor, a GP may consider prescribing antifungal tablets to take a few times a month to prevent the condition recurring.

They may also refer you to a skin specialist called a dermatologist.

Pityriasis versicolor or vitiligo?

Pityriasis versicolor can sometimes be confused with vitiligo, as they both cause the skin to become discoloured in patches.

But there are ways to tell the difference:

• vitiligo often develops on both sides of your body at the same time, whereas pityriasis versicolor may not
• skin affected by vitiligo usually has a normal texture, whereas areas affected by pityriasis versicolor are usually slightly scaly or flaky
• vitiligo is more common around the mouth, eyes, fingers, wrists, armpits and groin, whereas pityriasis versicolor tends to develop on the back, chest, upper arms, neck and tummy

Find out more about vitiligo

Page last reviewed: 12 July 2018
Next review due: 12 July 2021

Tinea Versicolor (Pityriasis Versicolor) | Cedars-Sinai

Not what you’re looking for?

What is tinea versicolor?

Tinea versicolor (pityriasis versicolor) is a fungal or yeast skin
rash. It’s caused by too much growth of a certain yeast on the skin. It causes
patches on the skin that are lighter or darker than your normal skin color. The
patches most often occur on the chest or back. They also stop the skin from tanning
evenly and often appear as lighter spots on tan skin. After treatment, it might take
several months for your skin color to return to normal. Every person has this yeast
on their body. So this rash is not contagious to others. It can’t be spread if
someone touches it. So you don’t have to worry about exposing others at work or
school.

What causes tinea versicolor?

Yeast is a type of fungus that normally lives on the skin. This
condition occurs when the yeast grows too much. It grows more easily in hot
climates, and on oily or sweaty skin. Researchers don’t know why some people get
this rash and others don’t. It’s not spread from person to person.

Who is at risk for tinea versicolor? 

You are more at risk for tinea versicolor if you:

• Live in a hot, humid climate
• Have moist or oily skin
• Have a weak immune system

What are the symptoms of tinea versicolor?

Symptoms can occur a bit differently in each person. The most
common symptom is patches on the skin that may look white, pink, or light brown. The
patches may also look dry or scaly. The rash is often on the neck, upper back,
chest, and shoulders. The patches are most easily seen in the summer because they
don’t darken in the sun. You may have mild itching, especially if you get hot. The
patches can grow in heat or humidity, or if you are on steroid therapy or have a
weak immune system.

The symptoms of tinea versicolor can look like other health
conditions. See your healthcare provider for a diagnosis.

How is tinea versicolor diagnosed?

Your healthcare provider will ask about your symptoms and health
history. He or she will give you a physical exam. The physical exam will include
looking closely at your skin. He or she may use an ultraviolet light called a Wood
lamp to see the patches more clearly.

You may also have a skin scraping. The healthcare provider scrapes
the top of your skin with a small tool. The scraped tissue is examined with a
microscope to look for the yeast.

How is tinea versicolor treated?

The rash is treated with antifungal or medicated dandruff shampoo
on the skin. Use the shampoo over your whole body in the shower. Let the shampoo
stay on for a few minutes before rinsing it off. Don’t use soap afterward. Do this
every day for 4 weeks.

Your healthcare provider may also prescribe antifungal cream or
oral antifungal medicine to take by mouth. He or she may advise you to use
miconazole or clotrimazole cream without a prescription. Use this 2 times a day for
7 days. 

Your skin may only get better for a short time. Then the rash may
happen again. You may need to use the shampoo each month to keep the rash from
coming back. It may take several months for your skin to return to its normal
color. 

Talk with your healthcare providers about the risks, benefits, and
possible side effects of all medicines.

What can I do to prevent tinea versicolor?

This fungus can come back again after treatment. If you have
recurrences, you may need to use shampoos or medicines. To help prevent the rash
from returning, use medicated dandruff shampoo over your whole body when in the
shower. Do this once a month for the next year. This is very important to do in the
summertime. That is when the rash is most likely to come back.

Also make sure to:

• Not use skin products that are oily.
• Stay out of hot, humid weather.
• Stay away from things that cause a lot of sweating.
• Wear loose clothing to let your skin stay cool and dry.

When should I call my healthcare provider?

Call your healthcare provider if you have:

• Symptoms that don’t get better, or get worse
• New symptoms
• Fever of 100.4°F (38°C) or higher, or as directed by your
  provider

Key points about tinea versicolor

• Tinea versicolor is a fungal skin rash. It’s caused by too
  much growth of a normal yeast on the skin.
• The most common symptom is patches on the skin that may look
  white, pink, or light brown. They may also look dry or scaly.
• The rash is usually on the neck, upper back, chest, and
  shoulders. It is not spread from person to person.
• The rash is treated with antifungal or medicated dandruff
  shampoo on the skin.
• Your skin may only get better for a short time. Then the
  rash may happen again. You may need to use the shampoo each month to keep the
  rash from coming back.
• It may take several months for your skin to return to its
  normal color.

Next steps

Tips to help you get the most from a visit to your healthcare
provider:

• Know the reason for your visit and what you want to
  happen.
• Before your visit, write down questions you want
  answered.
• Bring someone with you to help you ask questions and
  remember what your provider tells you.
• At the visit, write down the name of a new diagnosis, and
  any new medicines, treatments, or tests. Also write down any new instructions
  your provider gives you.
• Know why a new medicine or treatment is prescribed, and how
  it will help you. Also know what the side effects are.
• Ask if your condition can be treated in other ways.
• Know why a test or procedure is recommended and what the
  results could mean.
• Know what to expect if you do not take the medicine or have
  the test or procedure.
• If you have a follow-up appointment, write down the date,
  time, and purpose for that visit.
• Know how you can contact your provider if you have
  questions.

Not what you’re looking for?

Arpimed

How to take Clotrimazole

Recommended dose:

Clotrimazole cream is injected as deep as possible into the vagina once a day (preferably before bedtime) for 3 days without interruption. A sufficient course of treatment with the cream 3 intravaginal applications, according to the procedure described below. Additionally, a cream may be needed to relieve external itching and burning, sometimes associated with a vaginal yeast infection.Clotrimazole is for vaginal use only and should never be taken by mouth. You should not carry out a treatment course during the menstrual cycle. Treatment should be completed before the onset of menstruation. Although it is possible that there may be sexual intercourse during treatment with Clotrimazole, it is preferable for couples to wait until the end of the treatment course to prevent infection of your partner.

Applicator filling:

Remove the cap from the Clotrimazole tube, press and pierce the aluminum foil with the cap of the tube.To prime the applicator, screw the open end of the applicator barrel onto the threaded neck of the tube. Gently start squeezing the cream out of the tube. After that, the required amount of cream is drawn into the applicator cylinder by the upward movement of the piston. As the applicator fills, the plunger is pulled out. When the plunger reaches the stop and stops, the correct amount of Clotrimazole has already been filled into the applicator and the applicator can be unscrewed from the tip of the tube. Cap and save tube for next use.

Cream injection: Clotrimazole cream is inserted into the vagina in the same way as a tampon, standing, squatting or lying on your back, in a comfortable position for you. Insert the filled applicator into your vagina. The insertion depth depends on how comfortable you feel during insertion. Hold the applicator barrel steadily and inject the cream into the vagina by gently pressing on the applicator plunger until it stops.Insert the cream as deep as possible into the vagina, which will ensure the maximum effect of the drug. Remove the applicator.

Use a new applicator for each procedure .

Topical application of cream:

A small amount of Clotrimazole cream can be applied to the external opening of the vagina to provide additional relief from external symptoms.Squeeze a small amount of the cream onto your finger and spread it gently over the irritated area of ​​the vagina. The cream should be used once or twice a day and only during the period when external symptoms are present, no more than 7 days.

If you used more Clotrimazole than recommended

If you use more Clotrimazole than recommended, see your doctor immediately, contact the nearest hospital emergency room, even if there are no symptoms.

Possible side effects

If you develop a rash or new irritation while using the drug, stop using the drug and contact your doctor.

This is not a complete list of side effects. If you develop any unexpected side effects while using Clotrimazole, ask your doctor or pharmacist.

Reporting side effects:

If you notice any side effects, tell your doctor, pharmacist or nurse.This includes any possible side effects not listed in this package insert. You can also report side effects to Arpimed LLC by going to the website www.arpimed.com and filling out the appropriate form “Report side effects or drug ineffectiveness” and to the Scientific Center for the Expertise of Drugs and Medical Technologies named after Academician E. Gabrielyan by going to the website www.pharm.am in the section “Report a side effect of the drug” and fill out the form “Card of messages about the side effect of the drug”.Scientific center hotline: +37410237665; +37498773368

How to store Clotrimazole

Store at room temperature, in a dry place out of reach of children.

Shelf life – 3 years.

Contents of the box and additional information

What Clotrimazole contains

Each gram of Clotrimazole 2% vaginal cream contains:

active substance: clotrimazole – 20 mg;

other components: ceteareth-12, ceteareth-20, liquid paraffin, cetostearyl alcohol, methylparaben, propylparaben, propylene glycol, dimethicone, purified water.

What Clotrimazole looks like and contents of the pack

Homogeneous cream of even white color, odorless.

Packaging description

50 g of vaginal cream in an aluminum tube with 3 vaginal applicators and a package insert in a cardboard box. The capacity of one applicator is 6 g of Clotrimazole 2% vaginal cream.

Vacation conditions

Available by prescription.

90,000 What We Are Being Treated: Nystatin – Indicator

Trials in 4,226 patients, summarized in a review that looked at the ability of antifungal drugs to prevent oral candidiasis with chemotherapy, have provided strong evidence that drugs that are absorbed from the gastrointestinal tract are doing their job, but Nystatin (which is not absorbed) does the worst job. It was not possible to establish the effectiveness of Nystatin for the prevention of oral candidiasis in children and adults with HIV.In general, the authors of another review (this time based on 14 studies on 1569 patients) do not recommend Nystatin for patients with suppressed immunity: it has been proven that it is useless for prophylaxis.

Pregnancy, newborns and dialysis

With vaginal candidiasis in pregnant women, Nystatin in the form of creams and ointments has shown its effectiveness. However, drugs from the imidazole group worked better than him. True, the standard course of four days was insufficient for most patients, but the seven-day course allowed 90% of the participants to be cured.

Very low birth weight Nystatin may help prevent fungal infections, although it does not reduce the risk of death. However, the review authors recommend that these results be treated with caution, since the quality of research on this topic is questionable. Evidence that nystatin helps prevent fungal infections in severely ill children and adults but with normal levels of neutrophils (a type of immune cell called white blood cells) in the blood is also weak. But although the question remains open about the suppression of infections, it is known that the growth of fungi in the body (excluding blood), even when they are not yet pathogenic, such drugs suppress.

Finally, another review looks at the efficacy of antifungal drugs in peritoneal, or peritoneal, dialysis, in which a serous membrane called the peritoneum is used as a membrane to filter fluids and exchange them with the blood. Such a procedure is needed for people who have kidney failure, but because of it, an infection can be brought into the peritoneum, causing peritonitis. According to available data (39 studies on 4435 patients), Fluconazole and Nystatin taken by mouth help to avoid fungal infection.

Indicator.Ru recommends: better placebo, but weaker than imidazoles

Nystatin is a veteran in the war against werewolf fungi. It is not surprising that the drug is included in the list of the most important, cheap and effective drugs according to the World Health Organization. Despite the fact that fungi are gaining resistance, and new drugs (Fluconazole and other imidazoles) are stronger in action, Nystatin still remains effective against fungal infections when wearing dentures and diapers.For prevention, however, it is not always useful: for patients with HIV, suppressed immunity, and during chemotherapy, it most likely will not help. However, in peritoneal dialysis, Nystatin prevents fungal peritonitis.

Cutaneous manifestations in coronavirus

05/13/2020

The skin best reflects the state of the processes occurring in the human body, and is a kind of indicator of the state of the body. In many diseases of the internal organs, there are characteristic skin manifestations.Rashes can be a symptom of infection with viruses, fungi, bacteria and allergies. The rash can appear all over the body, sometimes it brings severe discomfort (itching, pain, burning, constriction, tingling), sometimes it goes away painlessly. The rashes differ in the place of localization, shade, speed of appearance, filling, sensations, texture, stages of development, etc. Some types of skin rash are nonspecific and can appear for a variety of reasons. Only a specialist can accurately diagnose by taking anamnesis and carrying out the necessary laboratory and instrumental studies.

Many viral infections have one or another skin manifestation, for example, measles, chickenpox, and others. As a rule, they do not require any additional therapy. That is, the viral infection ends and the symptoms disappear by themselves. The coronavirus is no exception.

Symptoms of a new coronavirus infection can occur in almost the entire body, including on the skin. The latest data show that the coronavirus on human skin is manifested by rashes, redness, pseudo-frostbite.A rash on the skin in the presence of this infection can appear in people of any age, but more often young patients encounter a similar phenomenon.

A skin rash and manifestations of a reticular vascular pattern on the surface of the skin have been called possible symptoms of COVID-19. This was told by the head of the department of pulmonology at Sechenov University, professor, pulmonologist Sergei Avdeev, reports “Moskovsky Komsomolets”. The chief doctor of the hospital in Kommunarka, Denis Protsenko, spoke about a little-known symptom that most patients have – a rash on the arms and abdomen.

French doctors have named new symptoms of the coronavirus, which are associated with skin diseases. Le Figaro writes about this with reference to a study by the National Union of Dermatologists-Venereologists (SNDV).

Doctors say that in some cases, those infected with the coronavirus have complained of the sudden appearance of painful redness, hives and pseudo-frostbite. Such conclusions were made on the basis of a survey of about 400 doctors who dealt with patients with coronavirus.Symptoms, as a rule, are disguised as ordinary erythema (red spots), under vascular changes, there were also reports of a reticular pattern that stimulates lesions on the skin, of a bright red and cyanotic color of congestion of fingers and toes. These are all the symptoms that accompany any viral infection.

Spanish researchers from the Academy of Dermatology have divided the cutaneous manifestations of coronavirus infection into five types.

The data, which the scientists collected for two weeks, studying 375 patients, is published in the British Journal of Dermatology.Each case is illustrated with photographs.

In the most common group (47% of cases), there was a maculopapular rash in the form of small red papules. Also, these patients may have purpura. The rash persisted for 8.6 days and appeared in more critically ill patients. In 57% of cases, the rash was itchy.

Then there are patients with redness on the skin (19%), reminiscent of frostbite, as well as blisters and abscesses on the fingers and toes.They persisted for 12.7 days and were recorded mainly among younger patients with a mild course of the disease.

The third group includes patients with urticarial eruptions similar to urticaria (19%). They appeared on the trunk and sometimes on the palms of seriously ill patients and in 92% of cases caused itching.

Some patients (9%) had a vesicular (blistering) rash that resembled small blisters. It appeared on the trunk and caused itching in 68% of cases.These included middle-aged patients with severe manifestations of the disease. The rash persisted for about ten days.

The smallest group (6%) had livedo, a phenomenon similar to a mesh pattern on the skin, as well as necrosis, that is, premature death of skin tissue. A similar manifestation was in elderly patients with a severe course of the disease.

If a rash of unknown origin develops, consult a doctor promptly. Delay can lead not only to complications and inappropriate self-selection of treatment, but also to the infection of family members and friends if the disease turns out to be contagious.

According to the BUZ RA “Dermatovenerologic dispensary”

Hits: 17399 90,000 COVID on the skin: seven types of rashes can be symptoms of coronavirus | Articles

The coronavirus pandemic is a major challenge for specialists in skin infections, according to scientists from many countries. COVID-19 causes various external manifestations that require detailed study. Russian doctors told Izvestia about seven types of rashes that may be associated with the pathogen. In some cases, this is the first signal of infection with SARS-CoV-2, so dermatologists need to be especially careful with their patients during a pandemic. In addition, more serious skin manifestations are noted in severe disease, that is, they can be used to diagnose the stage of the disease.

External manifestations

Scientists at the Department of Dermatology and Allergology at the State Clinic of Dresden published an article in which they reported that the coronavirus pandemic is a serious challenge for specialists. As stated in the publication, there is a lot of data in the literature on skin symptoms, although their specificity for COVID-19 has not yet been proven. The researchers also draw attention to the fact that due to the epidemic, it has become extremely difficult to treat patients with inflammatory diseases – for example, psoriasis.

“Although COVID-19 is not a skin disease, it has a huge impact on dermatology,” the article says.

Indeed, the literature describes various external manifestations in patients with coronavirus infection, told Izvestia and.about. Director of the Institute of Biomedical Systems and Biotechnology, Peter the Great St. Petersburg Polytechnic University (SPbPU) Andrey Vasin.

Photo: Izvestia / Zurab Javakhadze

– In the case of coronavirus infection, overexpression of pro-inflammatory cytokines (low-molecular information soluble proteins that provide signaling between cells – Izvestia) may be observed, which leads to an imbalance in the inflammatory response , the expert noted.- And this, in turn, can provoke the development of certain skin manifestations.

However, this is only one of the possible mechanisms for the development of skin symptoms, there can be many reasons, and they need to be studied in more depth.

Seven types of pathologies

Previously, specialists from the Moscow Scientific and Practical Center for Dermatology and Cosmetology, Russian National Research Medical University named after V.I. Pirogova and RUDN University studied skin pathologies associated with coronavirus infection. In general, they can be divided into seven categories, Olga Zhukova, associate professor of the Department of Skin and Venereal Diseases of the Faculty of Advanced Training of Medical Workers of the RUDN University, told Izvestia.

– The first group is angiitis of the skin (inflammation of the walls of blood vessels, which appear as blisters, hemorrhagic spots of various sizes, inflammatory nodules and plaques – Izvestia), the specialist said. – They are directly caused by coronavirus infection, against the background of which the walls of small vessels of the dermis are damaged by the immune complexes circulating in the blood.

Photo: Izvestia / Zurab Javakhadze

The second group – papulo-vesicular rashes.Such lesions are always characterized by acute clinical symptoms, usually they densely cover the entire body. A striking example of such a rash can be acne with chickenpox. With coronavirus, this is more like prickly heat, which occurs against a background of high fever with multi-day increased sweating in patients.

To the third category of skin manifestations, experts include lichen rosacea and papulo-squamous rashes (inflammatory skin diseases characterized by red or pink papules and plaques covered with scales (this group includes psoriasis.- “Izvestia”).

“They are infectious and allergic skin lesions associated with COVID-19 infection,” explained Olga Zhukova. – A clinical feature of pink lichen in coronavirus infection is the absence of a “maternal plaque” – the largest element that appears first in the classical course of dermatosis.

Photo: Izvestia / Zurab Javakhadze

The specialists attributed measles-like rashes to the fourth category, and toxidermia to the fifth category.These rashes are not directly related to coronavirus infection. They arise due to the individual intolerance of patients to certain medications. In the sixth group of cutaneous manifestations of coronavirus, scientists include urticaria – in some cases, it can be a harbinger of the onset of COVID-19.

The last, seventh category includes trophic changes in facial tissues that occur in patients on mechanical ventilation due to prolonged lying on their stomach.

Diagnosis on fingers

Despite such a variety of clinical manifestations, it is still impossible to say that they are caused by the pathogen Sars-CoV-2, and not concomitant diseases.Further research is needed. Skin manifestations can also be associated with the use of drugs for the treatment of coronavirus. In such cases, it is necessary to determine which drug caused this reaction and cancel it, Natalya Shepilova, an assistant at the Center for Postgraduate Medical Education at the V. Zelman Institute of Medicine and Psychology, NSU, dermatovenerologist-oncologist, told Izvestia.

– With these skin manifestations, the dermatologist must carefully take an anamnesis and suspect the patient has a coronavirus infection, especially if there are or were symptoms of ARVI. Also, in case of an atypical clinical picture of other skin diseases, such as, for example, pink lichen of Zhibert with the absence of a typical maternal plaque, it is also necessary to exclude COVID-19 infection, ” the expert explained.

Photo: Izvestia / Pavel Bednyakov

According to Natalia Shepilova, skin symptoms can be used to diagnose the stage of the disease. Some scientists have already suggested assessing the viral load and correlating this with the appearance of dermatological symptoms, since they note more serious skin manifestations in severe cases of coronavirus infection.

Previously, Spanish experts described such a specific skin symptom as “covid fingers”. As Russian dermatologists said, outwardly this pathology may resemble mechanical injury or frostbite. At the same time, patients deny the possibility of such damage. As Natalya Shepilova explained, this is most likely a special form of skin angiitis, which most often has an infectious-allergic origin and is one of the signs of COVID-19 infection.

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Rash and spots on the body with HIV infection (with photo)

HIV is a serious disease that can manifest itself in many different ways.So, for example, with the disease we are discussing, a rash of a different nature may appear on the skin, accompanied by characteristic spots. What this can mean, and how dangerous these rashes are – read on.

Types of eruptions

Rashes in HIV infection can be completely different in nature, but, as a rule, there are three types of these lesions:

1. Infectious.
2. Neoplastic.
3. Variations in dermatoses are ambiguous.

Photo of a rash with HIV infection

In most cases, the manifestation of the above lesions appears at 2-8 weeks. The patient will see such an unpleasant phenomenon as a rash. It is necessary to understand that with a disease such as AIDS, any secondary diseases can be severe.

Infectious skin problems

Not many people know what exanthema is. This is any skin rash that has a viral infection as its source, especially characteristic of AIDS.It affects the mucous membrane and has an endogenous and exogenous character in its structure. Symptoms accompanying this type of rash are expressed as follows:

• lymphadenopathy – a human condition in which the lymph nodes are enlarged;
• fever;
• increased sweating.

Further, you can observe the deterioration of the general condition, namely the rash will progress. Additional herpetic formations will also appear and, in addition, papules and molluscs may form.

Dermatological formations

This formation is manifested in a rather atypical form in HIV – the disease, which complicates the subsequent treatment. Sources of stains can be completely different phenomena: it is a fungal or bacterial infection, or a parasitic invasion and they may look different. To date, doctors identify the following skin problems regarding dermatological formations:

• rubrophytic;
• epidermophytosis inguinal;
• versicolor.

Taken together, this is a lesion of a mycotic nature, which spreads rather quickly throughout the body and is difficult to treat.

In the photo, a rash in a patient with AIDS

It is worth noting that those with HIV infections, skin problems are difficult to treat, just like other diseases themselves. Due to the already existing lesion, other diseases take root quite well. This is facilitated by a weakened immune system. But back to the above formations.As for rubrophytosis, it has quite different symptoms in HIV infection, depending on the specific organism, but, in general, the symptoms can be expressed as follows:

1. Exudative erythema.
2. Disorders of palms and feet.
3. Seborrheic dermatitis.

Flat papules with numerous reproduction patterns.

Onychia, paronychia

As a separate fact, I would like to endure versicolor versicolor, which manifests itself at the initial stage in the form of spots, gradually transforming into a rash, which is similar in appearance to papules.As for the size, these are spots with a diameter of about 5 cm.

General symptoms

As we noted earlier, each organism reacts to the disease in different ways, due to the level of the strength of its immunity, but for the most part, you can observe: high temperature, the onset of diarrhea, inflammation of the tonsils, the presence of pain in the muscles, inflammatory processes in the lymphatic nodes, pronounced rash and rash itself.This is what this disease will look like. Also, on the body, the patient can see the appearance of such an education as a rash. It is often confused with syphilitic roseola, or a rash with measles. We must pay tribute, there is a very large similarity.

As we noted earlier, the focus of the lesion is the body, mainly the neck, face, back.

The duration of this disease is from 3 days to 3 weeks.

Herpes and other skin lesions

As a separate kind, I would like to endure herpes or, in other words, skin lesions.It is mistakenly believed that the disease is rare in HIV-infected people, but unfortunately it is not. As a rule, herpes occurs near the mouth or on the genitals, and may even be accompanied by a kind of exacerbation, in which non-healing ulcers develop at the site of the rash. It is worth noting that herpes of this type is called simple, but its treatment is very difficult, since it is complicated by constant relapses, possible remissions, and severe pain.

Herpes zoster is also isolated, which may be the only visible manifestation of HIV infection.Interestingly, herpes zoster is typical for people with a fairly strong immune system. The source of this disease is persistent lymphadenopathy. Frequent relapses are also characteristic.

Skin lesions can also include pyoderma, accompanied by the appearance of follicles that resemble acne or adolescent acne.

Sarcoma Kaposi

Kaposi’s sarcoma has an infected disease in its structure and is divided into two categories: visceral disease and dermal disease.The symptoms of this disease are:

1. The defeat of people belonging to the category of young.
2. The treatment process is very difficult.
3. Atypical distribution.
4. Pronounced lesion in the form of spots or rash.
5. Rapidly progresses and affects internal organs.

Features of acne in AIDS disease

Acne or acne is not some kind of unique disease, but the patient may not even suspect that he has AIDS, while the formations on the face and body clearly signal this. As a rule, blackheads or acne are the first signal to see a doctor. Especially if their hatchability and treatment are some kind of inexplicable difficulty. Moreover, it should be borne in mind that this type of formation spreads quickly enough and affects healthy parts of the body, of course, it will look far from pleasant. And, finally, we must not forget that AIDS patients endure everything, much more difficult and painful.

Treatment

In the photo, the manifestation of a rash with HIV in men

We noted many existing diseases regarding skin formations and such a disease as a rash, but it is also necessary to take into account the treatment itself.Undoubtedly, it is very difficult and takes a lot of time and effort, but treatment must be done, since there is a chance to get rid of the aforementioned diseases.

In addition to traditional and cosmetic products, there are a huge number of treatment methods. First of all, you need to go to the clinic and get tested. Further, doctors will do everything to strengthen and maintain your immunity in normal conditions, since the main problem is in it. For example, antiretroviral drugs have the ability to maintain immunity as needed.Directly for treatment in this case is used:

• antiviral drugs that slow down the development of HIV infection;
• Medicines intended to stop opportunistic diseases.

It is worth noting that thanks to the above-described means, life expectancy increases many times and at the same time, which is very important, the state of health rises significantly due to the maintenance of immunity in perfect order. Of course, the process of treatment is not the most pleasant activity, but it is it that will help you in your difficult condition with AIDS.The most important aspect, perhaps, is how quickly you find the problem and go to the specialist. That is why it is important to consult a doctor at the first suspicion. Speed ​​matters in this case.

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90,000 causes, symptoms and their photos, methods of treatment of lesions

Fungus on the skin is not uncommon, both for doctors and for ordinary people. In the vast majority of cases, a fungal infection occurs in 50% of patients with skin diseases admitted to hospitals.Statistics show that, along with diseases of a pustular nature, fungal diseases are among the three most frequently diagnosed ailments that are associated with skin diseases.

The appearance of an infectious fungus on the skin of a person gives him many problems, the main of which is the deterioration of the appearance of the skin. Moreover, not only various growths contribute to this, but also a change in skin color, the appearance of crusts, and peeling.

A common symptom that accompanies infectious diseases is painful discomfort associated with itching, burning and malaise.

It is worth noting that there are quite objective reasons for the fact that today the number of patients who are diagnosed with a fungal infection has increased so much. Favorable conditions for this were created by the constant resettlement of people between regions, the poor environmental situation caused by the development of industry, as well as the steady increase in the number of people representing socially disadvantaged strata .

All this has led to the fact that modern needs of people strongly differ from living conditions.

Medical factors in the formation of skin fungus

In this group of reasons that provoke the development of skin fungus, first of all, it is necessary to include a low level of literacy of people regarding the importance of how important it is to observe the rules of personal hygiene and take measures to protect against fungal diseases.

When people find the first symptoms of a fungal infection on the skin of the body, they treat it with disdain, not thinking that the treatment of the disease can be protracted.However, not only because of this, the risk of contracting a similar disease is high. The risk group should include those people who suffer from diseases of the cardiovascular, endocrine and immune systems.

Doctors also contribute to the fact that the overwhelming majority of the population is often faced with fungal diseases when they prescribe antifungal drugs for long-term use . And those patients who continue to take these drugs even after the symptoms disappear, subsequently weaken their bodies, since fungal diseases adapt to such drugs, again and again infecting the skin of such people.

A popular trend of recent times is the intake of antibacterial cosmetic and hygienic preparations, but this ultimately harms health, since it causes the development of pathology of the biological balance of the skin.

At the moment, scientists have information about the existence of more than one and a half million different fungi, among which about 500 species, which pose a serious threat to human health, deserve special attention.

Our country, as well as neighboring states, is the habitat of about hundreds of infectious fungi , which, if penetrated into the skin, can provoke the development of various diseases on nails, skin and hair.Most often, these diseases are caused by the following pathogens:

• yeast fungus;
• molds;
• dermatomycetes.

Among the fungi known to science, the most active activity is demonstrated by dermatophytes, which are caused by infection with trichophyton and epidermophyton fungi. As for diseases that are associated with the activity of yeasts or molds, no more than 5% of such cases are .

A new problem for physicians today has become a special skin disease, which is provoked by mixed types of fungi.

During illness, it can lead to various consequences, which is largely determined by the person’s age. Someone is lucky, and his immune system is ready for such attacks and protects the body, while the body of others does not have sufficient protection, which ultimately ends with the development of a chronic form of the disease that requires long treatment.

One of the consequences that the penetration of infection into the body causes is a change in a person’s appearance, deterioration of his capacity , the appearance of a depression, as well as a change for the worse in mental health.

Causes of skin fungus

There are several reasons that can provoke the development of a fungal infection on the skin:

• Contact with a person who is already infected with an infection;
• The use of the same things, objects and premises to which the person infected with the fungus had access.

This disease can be spread through clothing, shoes and surrounding objects , as they may contain microparticles that fall off the affected skin surface. The highest risk of catching this infection is when visiting public institutions such as baths, saunas, showers, solariums, etc. Therefore, in these places you need to be especially careful if you do not want to spend money on treatment.

For this reason, when planning to go to such places, you should take the necessary measures to prevent infection, for which you must follow the rules of personal hygiene.

Although a fungal infection is contagious, it can only develop under certain conditions. To become infected with this ailment, the areas of the skin containing the infection must come into close contact with healthy skin. Therefore, when a healthy person touches the wet and dense skin of the patient, he runs the risk of infection.

The most common areas of the body affected by fungal infections are skin on the soles of the feet and interdigital folds.However, everyone is able to avoid fungal infection and subsequent treatment, for which it is enough to use rubber slates and keep them clean.

Avoid using towels, washcloths, toothbrushes and other items that belong to another person.

Development of fungal infection on the skin

Once on the skin, a fungal infection provokes the development of a full cycle of the disease, which includes three main stages:

• incubation period;
• fungal growth;
• extinctions.

In this case, the infection does not always begin to develop immediately after contact with the skin. Sometimes the fungus may not manifest itself for many months and years, as a result, the person who is its carrier will not know that it is infected. But at the moment when his immune system becomes weakened against the background of any disease or nervous exhaustion, this will create a fertile ground for the development of fungal diseases, forcing the patient to seek medical attention.

The situation when a person is unaware of the presence of a fungus on his skin creates the risk that this infection can infect other people with whom he has to come into contact.The most common areas where fungus is found are nails or feet.

It is possible to identify a group of risk factors that can cause the development of a fungal infection:

• Disregard for personal hygiene rules. To minimize the risk of fungal infection and avoid tedious treatment, you should regularly wash your feet and thoroughly wipe the area between your toes. It is also necessary to keep your nails and hands clean.
• Regular sweating from the limbs creates a fertile ground for fungal infections.If a person has dry skin on his hands, then subsequently the skin may become covered with microcracks, which are most often found on the folds between the fingers. These formations create a good opportunity for the unhindered penetration of infection into the human body. Also, fungal infection can occur due to the presence of a large number of wounds and abrasions on the skin.
• Vitamin deficiency and depletion of the body. With such a state of the body, nothing prevents the fungus from starting to develop.In conditions when the immune system malfunctions, the body’s defense is reduced, which subsequently leads to the development of fungal diseases and makes one think about early treatment.

Signs of a fungal skin disease

If a fungal infection has penetrated the skin and begins to develop, it can lead to the appearance of various symptoms . Their nature largely depends on the type of fungus.

Pityriasis versicolor

A clue to the development of this skin disease is the appearance of pink and brown spots on the skin , which create a peeling effect.The usual manifestations for this kind of diseases, which are usually inflammation and itching, are not observed here.

As the disease progresses, there is an increase in the size of the spots, which subsequently leads to their merging with each other, and this increases the area affected by the disease. The areas of the skin on the back, arms and chest usually act as foci of inflammation.

Fungus of nails and hair

If dermatomycetes Microsporum, Epidermophyton and Trichophyton have penetrated into the skin, then they can subsequently provoke the development of the disease on the nails and hair.Most often, these places become inflamed with the occurrence of rubromycosis, foot fungus, ringworm, trichophytosis and other diseases.

Fungus of the feet

This dermatological disease is one of the most commonly diagnosed, characterized by a chronic form , which is noted primarily in people who neglect traditional methods of treatment or do not follow the rules of foot hygiene.

The fungi Trichophyton rubrum and Trichophyton interdigitale can provoke the development of this ailment.The first type of fungus can cause inflammation in many areas of the skin, including hair, nails and feet. As for the second type of fungus, the main focus of the lesion is the skin on the legs.

Rubromycosis of the legs

T. Rubrum fungus causes this skin disease. The main foci of this infection are the skin in those areas that have a smooth surface: nails, hands, feet, and the area of ​​vellus hair.

After the infection enters the body, it can hide its presence for a long time.The main affected area is skin on the legs . First, the disease spreads to the interdigital folds, and then spreads to the sole and lateral parts of the feet. If the skin is affected by a similar fungus, then this is manifested in the presence of the smallest scales, primarily in the area of ​​the folds.

Conclusion

A fungal infection can affect anyone who does not monitor their skin. Therefore, quite often this disease is detected at the moment when it has already spread to a significant area of ​​the skin.The treatment of this ailment is not so difficult, but the situation can repeat itself if you do not take measures to prevent this disease. And even if a person was not careful with things, using someone else’s washcloth or shoes, he is able to avoid further spread of the fungus. To do this, it is enough to know the symptoms that accompany this disease.

Fungus on the skin

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