Fungal infections (Mycosis)

Fungal infections can affect skin, hair, nails and mucosal tissue.
The intensity of symptoms depend on the area affected and the duration of the disease. It may present as red or black rashes over skin, white lesions on tongue, abnormal vaginal discharge, deformed or discolored nails, scaling, swelling or loss of hair on scalp/beard area.

Types of Fungal infections

There are different types of fungal infections. Some of them are mentioned below:

• Athlete’s Foot (Tinea Pedis)
• Ringworm (Tinea Corporis)
• Tinea Capitis ( Scalp )
• Onychomycosis(Nail)
• Tinea Versicolor
• Cutaneous Candidiasis
• Tinea barbae ( Beard )

Treatment of Fungal Infections

The treatment of fungal infections depends on the type of fungus involved.  If it is a superficial fungal infection, it might take either a few days or a few months for it to heal.  Deep tissue fungal infections usually take nearly two years to get treated.
Fungal infections are more prone in those with weakened immune system, elevated blood sugar levels, overuse of antibiotics, steroids and antiseptics. The fungi that cause these infections are difficult to eliminate. Prior use of topicals containing steroids will make the treatment even more difficult. Hence,it is always better to consult your dermatologist for effective treatment options.

Treatments

Though not life-threatening, they can be a source of embarrassment,anxiety and distress to patients presenting with it. ABUSE OF CREAMS CONTAINING STEROID  WILL MAKE  THE  TREATMENT  DIFFICULT.

   Prevention:

• Bath twice daily.
• Keep skin clean and dry.
• Air out sneakers.
• Avoid wearing wet/damp/tight fitting clothes.
• Washed clothes to be dried under sunlight.
• Ironing of clothes including inner wears before wearing
• Avoid using antiseptic soaps/solution while bathing.
• Stick to wearing  loose cotton garments.
• Avoid sharing of beds, linen, and clothing with infected person.
• When there are multiple family members affected, every member has to get treated for effective elimination of the organism treatment.

Bacterial infections

A bacterial infection is the proliferation of a harmful strain of bacteria either on or inside the body. Any part of the body can be affected by bacterial infection.

Types Of Bacteria Infections

The different types of bacteria that can cause infections are:

• Staphylococcus
• Streptococcus
• Pseudomonas
• Clostridium difficile
• Escherichia coli(E.coli)
• Listeria monocytogenes

The common bacterial skin infections include:

• Cellulitis
• Boils
• Abscess
• Folliculitis causes red, swollen bumps similar to pimples and it affects the hair follicles. Swimming pools or hot tubs that are not properly treated and cleaned, harbour the bacteria which causes folliculitis.
• Furuncle
• Impetigo commonly seen in children on the pre-school age. The bullous form of Impetigo causes large blisters while the non-bullous form appears with a yellow, crust.
• Erysipelas
• Necrotising Fasciitis
• Leprosy(rare)

Treatment of Bacterial infections

Topical, oral or intravenous antibiotics are used to treat bacterial skin infections. However, this depends on the strain that cause the infection. They disrupt the processes necessary for the growth of a bacterial cell and also its proliferation. Antibiotics have to be taken exactly as prescribed, failing which, the bacterial infection could get worse.
Note: Avoid using  steroid based preparations and topical antiseptic solutions on skin to prevent worsening of the condition.

Viral infections

Despite all the advances in antiviral therapy and the body’s efficient immune system, the viruses that cause common skin infections continue to evade complete destruction.
Commonly encountered contagious viral infections are:

• Wart.
• Molluscum  Contagiosum.
• Varicella  Zoster (Chicken pox).
• Genital Wart.
• Herpes Zoster/Shingles (Non contagious).

Since many presenting symptoms overlap, early diagnosis increases the chances for successful treatment, thereby arresting the spread.

For correct diagnosis and treatment contact SkinSecrets @ 7560907255 , 7025066555

Authored By: Dr.Anjana Mohan