How is Candida auris spreading in healthcare facilities. What are the symptoms and risks of C. auris infection. How can healthcare providers prevent the spread of this drug-resistant fungus. What measures are being taken to combat C. auris outbreaks.

The Rising Threat of Candida Auris in U.S. Healthcare Facilities

Candida auris, a drug-resistant and potentially lethal fungus, has been rapidly spreading through healthcare facilities across the United States. This alarming trend has caught the attention of health officials and researchers alike. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recently published a study highlighting the concerning increase in C. auris cases and colonizations.

C. auris is a type of yeast that can cause severe illness in individuals with weakened immune systems. What makes this fungus particularly dangerous is its resistance to multiple drugs commonly used to treat fungal infections. The CDC’s report, published in the Annals of Internal Medicine, reveals a significant uptick in both infections and colonizations since the fungus was first reported in the U.S.

Key Findings from the CDC Study

• 59% increase in infections from 2019 to 2020 (756 cases)
• 95% increase in infections from 2020 to 2021 (1,471 cases)
• 21% increase in colonizations from 2019 to 2020
• 209% increase in colonizations from 2020 to 2021 (4,041 cases)
• C. auris has been detected in more than half of U.S. states

Dr. Meghan Lyman, the study’s lead author and chief medical officer in the CDC’s Mycotic Diseases Branch, expressed concern about the rapid spread: “We’ve seen increases not just in areas of ongoing transmission, but also in new areas.”

Understanding Candida Auris: Symptoms, Risks, and Transmission

Candida auris poses a significant threat to certain populations, but it’s crucial to understand who is at risk and how the fungus spreads. How does C. auris affect the human body? The fungus can be found on the skin and throughout the body, potentially causing severe infections in vulnerable individuals.

Who is at Risk?

C. auris primarily affects people with weakened immune systems, such as:

• Patients in intensive care units
• Residents of long-term care facilities
• Individuals with invasive medical devices (e.g., catheters)
• People with compromised immune systems due to underlying health conditions

It’s important to note that healthy individuals are generally not at risk of severe C. auris infections. Dr. Waleed Javaid, an epidemiologist and infectious disease expert at Mount Sinai Downtown in New York, emphasizes: “This is an infection that occurs in extremely ill individuals who are usually sick with a lot of other issues.”

Transmission and Colonization

How does C. auris spread in healthcare settings? The fungus can colonize not only people who come in contact with it but also patient rooms and medical equipment. Its ability to survive on surfaces makes it particularly challenging to control. C. auris can persist on:

• Walls
• Cables
• Bedding
• Chairs
• Medical devices

This resilience contributes to its rapid spread within healthcare facilities and makes thorough cleaning and disinfection protocols essential.

The Deadly Impact of Candida Auris Infections

While C. auris colonization doesn’t necessarily lead to illness, infections can be severe and potentially fatal. How deadly is a C. auris infection? According to the CDC, approximately one-third of people who become sick with C. auris die. This high mortality rate underscores the urgency of preventing its spread and developing effective treatments.

The Mississippi Department of Health recently reported an outbreak of C. auris, highlighting the real-world impact of this fungal threat. Since November, at least 12 people have been infected, with four “potentially associated deaths,” according to state epidemiologist Dr. Paul Byers.

Challenges in Treatment

Why is treating C. auris infections so difficult? The fungus has shown resistance to multiple antifungal drugs commonly used to treat Candida infections. This drug resistance severely limits treatment options and contributes to the high mortality rate associated with C. auris infections.

The CDC study also noted an increasing number of fungus samples resistant to echinocandins, which are considered the first-line treatment for C. auris infections. This trend is particularly alarming, as it further reduces the arsenal of effective treatments available to healthcare providers.

Prevention and Control Strategies for Healthcare Facilities

Given the challenges in treating C. auris infections, prevention becomes paramount. What can healthcare facilities do to prevent the spread of C. auris? Implementing comprehensive infection control measures is crucial to containing the fungus and protecting vulnerable patients.

Key Prevention Strategies

1. Early identification through screening
2. Isolation of infected or colonized patients
3. Rigorous hand hygiene practices for healthcare workers
4. Thorough environmental cleaning and disinfection
5. Proper use of personal protective equipment (PPE)
6. Surveillance and reporting of C. auris cases
7. Education and training for healthcare staff

Dr. Graham Snyder, medical director of infection prevention at University of Pittsburgh Medical Center, emphasizes the importance of these measures: “It’s crucial to stop the pathogen so it doesn’t spread beyond hospitals and healthcare facilities.”

Innovative Disinfection Methods

How are healthcare facilities combating C. auris’s resilience on surfaces? Some institutions are employing advanced disinfection techniques to supplement traditional cleaning methods. For example, Dr. Javaid mentions: “We clean everything with bleach and UV light.” These additional steps help ensure a more thorough elimination of the fungus from the healthcare environment.

The Global Emergence and Spread of Candida Auris

While C. auris has gained significant attention in recent years, its origins date back further than initially thought. When was C. auris first identified? The fungus was first officially identified in 2009 in Asia. However, subsequent research has revealed that C. auris likely emerged globally about a decade earlier.

Dr. Graham Snyder explains: “Often they start out extremely rare, then they emerge in more and more places and become widespread.” This pattern of emergence and spread is common among emerging pathogens, highlighting the importance of global surveillance and early detection systems.

Misidentification and Delayed Recognition

Why was C. auris not recognized earlier? One of the challenges in tracking the emergence of C. auris was its frequent misidentification as other Candida species. Researchers have since re-examined older data and discovered instances where C. auris had been mistakenly identified as a different fungus.

This misidentification likely contributed to the delayed recognition of C. auris as a distinct and problematic pathogen. It also underscores the importance of accurate diagnostic methods and ongoing surveillance to detect emerging threats quickly.

Research and Development Efforts to Combat Candida Auris

As the threat of C. auris continues to grow, researchers and pharmaceutical companies are working to develop new strategies to combat this resilient fungus. What are the current research priorities in the fight against C. auris?

Key Areas of Research

• Development of new antifungal drugs
• Improvement of diagnostic tools for rapid and accurate identification
• Investigation of novel treatment approaches, such as combination therapies
• Study of C. auris biology and mechanisms of drug resistance
• Evaluation of alternative prevention strategies

The development of new antifungal agents is particularly crucial given the increasing drug resistance observed in C. auris strains. Researchers are exploring various avenues, including repurposing existing drugs and investigating entirely new classes of antifungal compounds.

Collaborative Efforts

How are researchers and healthcare institutions working together to address the C. auris threat? The fight against C. auris requires a collaborative approach involving:

• Academic research institutions
• Pharmaceutical companies
• Government agencies (e.g., CDC, NIH)
• Healthcare facilities
• International health organizations

These collaborations aim to accelerate research, share data and resources, and implement effective strategies to prevent and control C. auris infections on a global scale.

Public Health Implications and Future Outlook

The rapid spread of Candida auris in healthcare settings raises important questions about public health preparedness and the future of fungal infections. What are the long-term implications of the C. auris threat?

Potential Public Health Impacts

• Increased burden on healthcare systems
• Rising healthcare costs associated with prolonged treatments and infection control measures
• Potential for community spread if not effectively contained
• Need for enhanced surveillance and reporting systems
• Importance of antibiotic and antifungal stewardship programs

While C. auris currently poses the greatest risk to healthcare settings, there is concern about its potential to spread beyond these environments. Dr. Javaid notes that even if C. auris moves into communities, it’s unlikely to become a significant problem for healthy individuals without invasive medical devices.

Future Challenges and Opportunities

As we look to the future, what challenges and opportunities lie ahead in the fight against C. auris? Some key considerations include:

• Development of more effective and targeted antifungal treatments
• Implementation of advanced infection control technologies in healthcare settings
• Increased focus on fungal pathogens in medical education and public health programs
• Potential for breakthroughs in understanding fungal biology and drug resistance mechanisms
• Need for continued global cooperation and data sharing to monitor and respond to emerging fungal threats

The emergence and spread of Candida auris serve as a reminder of the ongoing challenges posed by drug-resistant pathogens. By maintaining vigilance, investing in research and prevention strategies, and fostering collaboration among healthcare providers, researchers, and public health officials, we can work towards mitigating the threat of C. auris and similar emerging pathogens.

Raising Awareness and Educating the Public about Candida Auris

As Candida auris continues to spread, raising awareness among healthcare professionals and the general public becomes increasingly important. How can we effectively educate people about C. auris without causing unnecessary alarm?

Balancing Information and Reassurance

It’s crucial to provide accurate information about C. auris while also contextualizing the risk for different populations. Dr. Waleed Javaid emphasizes this point: “We don’t want people who watched ‘The Last of Us’ to think we’re all going to die.” Clear communication about who is at risk and under what circumstances can help prevent panic while ensuring that vulnerable individuals and their caregivers are properly informed.

Key Messages for Public Education

• C. auris primarily affects people with weakened immune systems or in healthcare settings
• Healthy individuals are generally not at risk of severe C. auris infections
• Good hygiene practices, especially in healthcare environments, are crucial for prevention
• Early detection and proper infection control measures can help contain outbreaks
• Ongoing research and development efforts are addressing the C. auris threat

By focusing on these key messages, public health officials and healthcare providers can help build understanding and promote appropriate preventive measures without causing undue concern.

Educating Healthcare Workers

Healthcare workers play a critical role in preventing the spread of C. auris. What specific education and training should be provided to healthcare professionals? Key areas of focus include:

• Proper hand hygiene techniques and compliance
• Correct use of personal protective equipment (PPE)
• Recognition of potential C. auris cases and colonization
• Understanding of infection control protocols specific to C. auris
• Importance of antimicrobial stewardship
• Proper cleaning and disinfection procedures for patient rooms and medical equipment

Ongoing education and training programs can help ensure that healthcare workers are equipped with the knowledge and skills necessary to effectively prevent and manage C. auris infections in their facilities.

The Role of Technology in Combating Candida Auris

As the fight against Candida auris intensifies, technology is playing an increasingly important role in detection, prevention, and treatment efforts. How can advanced technologies contribute to controlling the spread of C. auris?

Innovative Detection Methods

Rapid and accurate identification of C. auris is crucial for effective containment and treatment. Some emerging technologies in this area include:

• MALDI-TOF mass spectrometry for quick species identification
• Real-time PCR assays for C. auris detection
• Next-generation sequencing for strain typing and resistance profiling
• Artificial intelligence-assisted diagnostic tools

These advanced detection methods can help healthcare facilities identify C. auris cases more quickly and accurately, enabling prompt implementation of infection control measures.

Advanced Disinfection Technologies

Given C. auris’s ability to persist on surfaces, innovative disinfection technologies are being explored and implemented. Some examples include:

• Ultraviolet (UV) light disinfection systems
• Hydrogen peroxide vapor decontamination
• Antimicrobial surfaces and coatings
• Electrostatic sprayers for more efficient application of disinfectants

These technologies can supplement traditional cleaning methods, helping to ensure a more thorough elimination of C. auris from healthcare environments.

Data Analytics and Surveillance

How can data-driven approaches enhance C. auris prevention and control efforts? Advanced data analytics and surveillance systems can help by:

• Identifying patterns and trends in C. auris transmission
• Predicting potential outbreaks
• Optimizing resource allocation for infection control
• Monitoring the effectiveness of prevention strategies
• Facilitating real-time data sharing among healthcare facilities and public health agencies

By leveraging these technological advancements, healthcare facilities and public health organizations can enhance their ability to detect, prevent, and respond to C. auris threats more effectively.

As research continues and new technologies emerge, the fight against Candida auris will likely benefit from innovative approaches to detection, prevention, and treatment. Continued investment in these areas, coupled with ongoing surveillance and international collaboration, will be crucial in managing the threat posed by this resilient and potentially deadly fungus.

Deadly fungal infection spreading at an alarming rate, CDC says

Health news

The fungus, a type of yeast called Candida auris, or C. auris, can cause severe illness in people with weakened immune systems.

March 20, 2023, 10:07 PM UTC / Updated April 4, 2023, 5:50 PM UTC

By Linda Carroll

A drug-resistant and potentially deadly fungus has been spreading rapidly through U.S. health care facilities, a new government study finds.

The fungus, a type of yeast called Candida auris, or C. auris, can cause severe illness in people with weakened immune systems. The number of people diagnosed with infections — as well as the number of those who were found through screening to be carrying C. auris — has been rising at an alarming rate since it was first reported in the U.S., researchers from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reported Monday.

The increases, “especially in the most recent years, are really concerning to us,” the study’s lead author, Dr. Meghan Lyman, chief medical officer in the CDC’s Mycotic Diseases Branch, said in an interview. “We’ve seen increases not just in areas of ongoing transmission, but also in new areas.”

The CDC’s new warning, published in the Annals of Internal Medicine, comes as the Mississippi Department of Health is fighting a growing outbreak of the fungus. Since November, at least 12 people have been infected with C. auris with four “potentially associated deaths,” the state’s epidemiologist Dr. Paul Byers, said in an email.

Petri dish of candida auris in a laboratory in Würzburg, Germany, on Jan. 23, 2018. Nicolas Armer / picture alliance via Getty Images file

There has been ongoing transmission at two long-term care facilities, although cases have been identified at several other facilities in the state.

“Unfortunately, multi-drug resistant organisms such as C. auris have become more prevalent among our highest risk individuals, such as residents in long-term care facilities,” Byers said.

The fungus can be found on the skin and throughout the body, according to the CDC. It’s not a threat to healthy people, but about one-third of people who become sick with C. auris die.

In the CDC report, researchers analyzed state and local health department data on people sickened by the fungus from 2016 through Dec. 31, 2021, as well as those who were “colonized,” meaning they were not ill but were carrying it on their bodies with the potential of transmitting it to others who might be more vulnerable to it.

The number of infections increased by 59%, to 756, from 2019 to 2020 and then by an additional 95%, to 1,471, in 2021.

The researchers also found that the incidence of people not infected with the fungus but colonized by it increased by 21% in 2020, compared to 2019, and by 209% in 2021, with an increase to 4,041 in 2021 compared to 1,310 in 2020.

C. auris has now been detected in more than half of U.S. states, the new study found.

CDC

Most concerning was the increasing numbers of fungus samples resistant to the common treatments for it. Lyman hopes the paper will put C. auris on health care providers’ radar and spur facilities to practice “good infection control.”

The new findings are “worrisome,” said Dr. Waleed Javaid, an epidemiologist and an infectious disease expert and director of infection prevention and control at Mount Sinai Downtown in New York.

“But we don’t want people who watched ‘The Last of Us’ to think we’re all going to die,” Javaid said. “This is an infection that occurs in extremely ill individuals who are usually sick with a lot of other issues.”

Even if C. auris moves beyond health care facilities and into communities, it’s unlikely to become a problem for healthy people who do not have invasive medical devices, such as catheters, inserted into their blood vessels, Javaid said.

The main problem is preventing the fungus from spreading to patients in hospital intensive care units, Javaid said. Unfortunately C. auris can colonize not only people who come in contact with the fungus, but also patient rooms.

“By its nature it has an extreme ability to survive on surfaces,” he said. “It can colonize walls, cables, bedding, chairs. We clean everything with bleach and UV light.”

While the fungus was first identified in 2009 in Asia, scientists have determined that C. auris first appeared around the world about a decade earlier, after they re-examined older data and discovered instances where C. auris had been mistakenly identified as a different fungus, Dr. Graham Snyder, medical director of infection prevention at University of Pittsburgh Medical Center, said in an interview.

“It’s the pattern we’ve observed with these types of pathogens,” he said. “Often they start out extremely rare, then they emerge in more and more places and become widespread.”

It’s important to stop the pathogen so it doesn’t spread beyond hospitals and long-term facilities like the drug-resistant bacteria MRSA did, Snyder said.

“It’s not unusual to see MRSA in the community now,” Snyder said. “Will that happen with C. auris? I don’t know. That’s partly why the CDC is raising the alarm.”

CORRECTION (March 21, 10:45 a.m. ET): A previous version of this article misattributed information about Mississippi’s fungal outbreak. The data came from the state epidemiologist, Dr. Paul Byers, not the state Health Department’s spokesperson, Tammy Yates.

Linda Carroll

Linda Carroll is a regular health contributor to NBC News. She is coauthor of “The Concussion Crisis: Anatomy of a Silent Epidemic” and “Out of the Clouds: The Unlikely Horseman and the Unwanted Colt Who Conquered the Sport of Kings.” 

Skin Infections in Athletes – OrthoInfo

Skin infections are common in athletes of all ages, particularly those involved in high-contact sports like wrestling and football. Infections can be transmitted from one athlete to another directly through skin-to-skin contact or indirectly through contaminated objects such as towels, mats, and equipment.

Although there are many different types of skin infections, symptoms commonly include lesions, blisters, or sores. An athlete who develops any of these symptoms should refrain from training and competition until they can be evaluated by a doctor. Prompt and proper treatment is needed to prevent an infection from worsening and to reduce the risk of teammates becoming infected.

Viral skin infections commonly seen in athletes include:

• Molluscum contagiosum
• Herpes simplex virus
• Warts

Molluscum Contagiosum

Molluscum contagiosum is caused by a pox virus. Typically seen in young children, the infection can be spread by skin-to-skin contact or by sharing pools, decks, and other wet environments with someone who has the infection.

Molluscum contagiosum causes lesions (mollusca) that usually occur in clusters in the body’s creases — such as the underarms, elbow, and behind the knees — although they may appear in other places, as well.

Mollusca on a young athlete’s face.

Mollusca are usually small (3 to 4 mm in diameter), pink, and dome-shaped with a small depression, or dimple, in the center. They are often surrounded by an itchy, eczema-like rash.

Treatment. If left untreated, mollusca may eventually resolve on their own. The lesions often spread, however, so it can take from several months to several years for untreated lesions to go away completely. For this reason, treatment is often recommended.

Mollusca are often treated with medications, including:

• Cantharidan. This painless blistering agent is applied in the doctor’s office. Several treatments 2 to 3 weeks apart are usually required.
• Imiquimod, 5-fluorouracil, or tretinoin. These topical prescription medications can be applied at home. In some patients, however, they can be irritating to the skin and slow to work.

Mollusca may also be treated with cryotherapy or curettage. In cryotherapy, the doctor freezes the lesions with liquid nitrogen, which causes the cells to die. Curettage is a minor surgical procedure in which the doctor scrapes off the lesions.

Herpes Simplex Virus

Herpes gladitorum on high school wrestlers.

The herpes simplex virus (HSV) typically causes a recurrent cluster of tender, burning blisters on or around the mouth or lips. Before these blisters appear, you may feel a burning or tingling sensation in the infected area.

The blisters usually crust over after several days and resolve in 2 to 3 weeks. Because the virus can remain in the skin, reoccurrence in the same location is common.

In wrestlers, HSV often appears in other places on the body — including the neck, torso, and extremities — and is commonly referred to as “herpes gladiatorum.” When it affects the fingertip, it is known as “herpetic whitlow.”

If the blisters have crusted over, HSV is sometimes misdiagnosed as impetigo (a bacterial skin infection), acne, or eczema, which can lead to a delay in treatment.

Treatment. HSV is usually treated with an oral antiviral drug such as valacyclovir or acyclovir. These drugs work best to shorten the duration of the outbreak if you begin taking them within the first 72 hours of symptoms.

If the virus reoccurs frequently, your doctor may prescribe a suppressive daily dose of either medication. This will help minimize outbreaks and limit missed events and practices.

Warts

Warts are skin growths caused by the human papilloma virus (HPV). Anyone can get warts, but they are frequently transmitted to athletes through contact with contaminated locker room floors and mats.

Warts are usually light brown, yellowish, or flesh-colored. Because they can be mistaken for callouses, your doctor may pare down the thickened area of skin to look for small black dots. These black dots are actually small clotted capillaries feeding the wart.

Warts on the thumb of a collegiate rower.

Reproduced from The Sports Medicine Field Manual. Rosemont IL. American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons, 2015.

Treatment. There are a number of treatment options for warts. Some of them require a short period of recovery due to the slight discomfort they cause. These include:

• Cryotherapy. Liquid nitrogen is used to freeze the wart.
• Curettage. A special instrument is used to scrape off the wart.
• Laser therapy. The wart is burned and destroyed with a laser.
• Topical therapy. A blistering agent, such as cantharidin, is applied to the surface of the wart.

These therapies typically require several treatments 2 to 3 weeks apart. Your doctor will talk with you about whether you can participate in practices and athletic events during this time.

Your doctor may also prescribe a topical prescription medication that can be applied at home, such as imiquimod, 5-fluorouracil, or tretinoin. Although these medications require some work on the part of the patient, they are painless, and using them does not usually impact participation in practices and events.

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Staphylococcus Aureus (Staph)

Staph is the most commonly transmitted bacterial skin infection in athletes. The infection can take a number of forms, including:

• Impetigo. Patients with impetigo develop clusters of red, round, scaly patches with scalloped borders. These patches are often covered with yellow, honey-colored crust and may spread rapidly over 24 to 48 hours. Unlike the herpes simplex virus, there is no burning or tingling sensation in the area before the patches appear. Impetigo typically appears on the lower face, but it can quickly and easily spread to the extremities and torso.
• Folliculitis. Folliculitis causes small, white pustules to develop within individual hair follicles. These pustules can develop on the scalp; in flexural areas, including the underarms; and on the lower legs or thighs. Folliculitis is easily spread by shaving.
• Carbuncles and furuncles. Staphylococcus aureus can also appear as carbuncles or furuncles. These solitary abscesses are most often seen on the buttocks and thighs, but can appear in other places on the body, as well.

If your doctor suspects that you have a staph infection, they may take a bacterial culture to rule out Methicillin-Resistant Staph Aureus (MRSA) — a serious staph infection that is resistant to many common antibiotics.

Treatment. Most staph infections are treated with oral antibiotics. Carbuncles and furuncles typically require incision and drainage followed by oral antibiotic therapy.

Patients with staph infections: (Left) Impetigo and (Right) a furuncle on the lower cheek.

Reproduced from The Sports Medicine Field Manual. Rosemont IL. American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons, 2015.

Methicillin-Resistant Staph Aureus (MRSA)

MRSA is a strain of staph infection that has become resistant to common antibiotics over time. Although effective treatment is still available, MRSA infections are often misdiagnosed initially as typical staph infections. This misdiagnosis can prolong the infection and allow it to spread further.

MRSA may take the form of a solitary abscess that requires incision and drainage. It may also take the form of any other type of staph infection, including impetigo and folliculitis.

Treatment. MRSA can be notoriously difficult to clear and often requires prolonged and repeated antibiotic therapy with Bactrim, doxycycline, or clindamycin.

If you experience recurrent outbreaks, your doctor may recommend skin decolonization with chlorhexidine solution (an antiseptic body wash) and nasal decolonization with a prescription antibiotic nasal ointment.

A dermatophyte is a type of fungus that can infect the skin, scalp, and nails. Infections caused by dermatophytes can be contracted by touching contaminated soil or by having direct contact with animals, humans, or surfaces that are infected.

Wrestlers are particularly susceptible to fungal infections because of the close skin-to-skin contact in the sport. If misdiagnosed, a fungal infection can persist for months.

Symptoms of a fungal infection vary, depending on its location on the body.

Skin Infection

Patients with fungal skin infections may develop reddish, round patches that measure several centimeters in diameter. These patches often have scalloped, crusty edges that are defined and raised.

Fungal skin infections can develop anywhere on the body, but are commonly seen on the foot, an infection called tinea pedis, or “athlete’s foot.”

Treatment. For skin infections, your doctor may recommend a topical prescription antifungal medication. Most skin infections resolve within 3 to 4 weeks.

Tinea pedis, or “athlete’s foot.”

Scalp Infection

Symptoms of a fungal scalp infection include patchy hair loss and crusty sores. If left untreated, a scalp infection may progress to a kerion, a large abscess with permanent hair loss.

Treatment. Scalp infections cannot be cleared with topical antifungal medications. They require oral antifungal therapy with terbenafine or griseofulvin for at least 3 months.

Nail Infection

Fungal infections of the nails (onychomycosis) are very common and increase in frequency with age. Infected nails may thicken, yellow, and crumble. The changes caused by a nail infection can easily be mistaken for traumatic nail damage caused by sports activity.

Treatment. Nail infections require either 3 months of oral antifungal therapy with terbenafine or griseofulvin, or yearlong therapy with newer topical medications that are applied daily directly to the nails. Nail infections are notoriously recurrent.

To help reduce your risk for developing skin infections, follow these general guidelines when participating in sporting events and practices:

• Wash your hands often with soap and water. If water is not available, use an alcohol-based hand rub.
• Shower as soon as possible after every practice and game in which you have direct contact with other players.
• Wash and dry your uniform and practice gear after each use.
• Do not share towels, soaps, lotions, disposable razors, or other personal care items.
• Use a protective barrier (such as a towel) between your skin and shared equipment, such as weight-training or sauna benches.

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Methods of treatment and prevention of vaginal rashes

Women’s parts of the body are extremely sensitive to abundant moisture, so keep them dry by wearing cotton clothing. “It draws moisture away from the skin, not like most causes,” there are many ways to treat or prevent vaginal rashes. Apply ointment to eliminate vaginal rashes. Our hospital employs the best gynecologists to treat vaginal rashes.

Severe stools may mean you have a urinary tract disease that can be treated with recommended anti-infectives rather than claret juice or tablets, according to test results. While you’re waiting for your remedy, a prescribed vaginal rash medication containing the desensitizing specialist phenazopyridine can ease your anxiety and pain.

The presence of a red, irritated and complex rash around the vaginal area can soon turn into a difficult situation, also a humiliating problem for any lady. This burden is known to affect ladies of any age and can be due to several variables. Most adult ladies experience a vaginal rash at one time or another, but are overly embarrassed, which makes it impossible to contact a specialist, since the area on which the rash is located.

Causes of vaginal eruptions

There are many different causes that can lead to an increase in vaginal rash, and some are more serious than others. Some of the noninfectious causes of vaginal rash include:

• Eczema
• Psoriasis
• Allergic reactions
• Chronic lichen simplex
• Contact dermatitis
• Use of creams, soaps, douches and other products containing chemicals
• Yeast infection

Often a vaginal rash is actually a side effect of a sexually transmitted disease that can be passed from one person to another. These causes of vaginal rash are infectious and should be dealt with as quickly as time permits and with vaginal rash treatment. Some infectious sources of vaginal rash are listed below:

• Genital herpes
• Crabs and scabies
• Molluscum contagiosum
• Syphilis
• Human papillomavirus (HPV), germs causing genital warts
• Granuloma inguinale

Vaginal rash symptoms and treatment

Vaginal rash is an uncommon condition, but it is a sign of inflammation in the vaginal area. However, depending on the cause of the rash, you may experience other accompanying symptoms such as:

• Enlarged lymph nodes
• Fever
• Irritation and itching in the genital area
• Abdominal discharge
• Bad smell
• Rash on legs or arms
• Ulcers on the vulva
• Burning sensation in the vagina or vulva
• Discomfort and pain in the pelvic region
• Pain during intercourse or urination.
• Treatment of vaginal rashes

There are many different treatments for vaginal rashes your gynecologist can recommend, ranging from medications to other prescriptions and simple home remedies. Drug treatment of vaginal rashes includes the following appointments.

• Oral antibiotics
• Topical ointments and creams
• Suppositories

Seborrheic dermatitis: risk groups, prevention and treatment of exacerbations

Seborrheic dermatitis: key facts (and myths!)

Seborrheic dermatitis is a common dermatological disease that is accompanied by the formation of scales on the skin, as well as redness, itching, spots, and excessive greasiness of the skin.

At the same time, the causes of seborrheic dermatitis are not completely known – it has only been established that it has nothing to do with allergies or hygienic care.

Today it is generally accepted that seborrheic dermatitis provokes a combination of a number of factors that are beyond our control: heredity, stress, some concomitant diseases, immune reactions. Well, microorganisms – certain types of malassezia yeast, which are normally part of the microflora of the skin, cause problems in case of an unfortunate combination of circumstances.

Risk groups

So, seborrheic dermatitis develops more often in people with oily skin. This disease is also more common in men. In addition, seborrheic dermatitis is more common in young children and adults aged 30 to 60 years.

Among other things, the following diseases and conditions can also increase the risk of developing seborrheic dermatitis (in some cases, medications increase the risk, it is prescribed for underlying diseases):

Psoriasis Rosacea Acne Eating disorders (anorexia, bulimia) HIV infection \ AIDS Depression Alcoholism Epilepsy Parkinson’s disease

Symptoms of seborrheic dermatitis

The vast majority of cases of seborrheic dermatitis present with

characteristic whitish or yellowish scales on the skin that may look moist or oily; as well as itching and/or burning.

In adulthood, seborrheic dermatitis most often appears on the face: around the nose, in the area of ​​the eyebrows, eyelids and behind the ears, as well as in the scalp (like oily dandruff). Less often, symptoms are noted in other parts of the body.

Since seborrheic dermatitis can be masked by other skin diseases, it is necessary to consult a dermatologist to find out the diagnosis and draw up a correct treatment plan. The specialist will examine a sample of the epidermis under a microscope and help immediately rule out other diseases, such as psoriasis (it also manifests itself with scales) or eczema.

Treatment of seborrheic dermatitis: in tandem with a dermatologist

As for treatment, the doctor’s help is also needed here: he must control the course of the disease in order to prevent exacerbations. In addition, he will help you choose the most effective and harmless drugs to eliminate unpleasant symptoms and give recommendations on home skin care. The best results are often achieved with an integrated approach.

Preparations. Along with modern prescription antifungal drugs, time-tested folk remedies such as tar are also used in the treatment of seborrhea. For many patients, the physician may advise starting treatment with over-the-counter medications (salicylic acid, zinc, selenium, sulfur) and home care corrections (eg, using a special anti-dandruff shampoo).

Life hacks. Regular skin cleansing helps to reduce excess sebum. Notably, sunlight can help some people: UV light reduces the growth of yeasts that exacerbate skin problems.