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Fungal InfectionsBy: V. Deborah Culligan, RN, MPH, Fungal infections can occur at any time of the year. During the warm weather months when we sweat more, certain types of fungal infections increase. Warmth and dampness create ideal environments for fungus. They love the summer! Common fungal infections of the skin are ringworm, Jock Itch and Athlete's Foot. They all fall under the name "tinea" which refers to fungal infections of the skin. Ringworm of the scalp is called tinea capitis; ringworm of the body is called tinea corporis; athlete's foot is called tinea pedis; and jock itch is known as tinea cruris. Ringworm has nothing do to with worms. So if you are diagnosed with ringworm, don't panic. You do not have worms crawling under your skin. The rash resembles a roundworm, hence the name. The source of this fungus (and most fungi) is the soil, an animal (like a cat, dog or rodent) or another person. It is most common in children. You can get it multiple times. It is hard to prevent. It is treated with antifungal ointments, shampoos and creams. It may also require an oral antifungal medication, depending on the severity of the infection. You don't have to be an athlete to get athlete's foot. Damp feet, especially in the same shoes everyday create a nice "greenhouse" for the fungi that causes athlete's foot. Symptoms include itching or burning on the feet, redness, stinging, or flaking, peeling, cracked skin. The fungus can be picked up in public showers, pool areas, locker rooms and from shared towels. To help prevent athlete's foot, dry feet well, especially between toes; avoid sharing towels; wear aqua shoes or sandals in locker rooms; wear cotton or wool socks; rotate shoes; and when wearing sneakers, be sure they are well-ventilated. An over-the-counter antifungal cream or spray is the most common treatment. Occasionally, the use of an oral medication is required. You don't have to be a jock (or even male) to get jock itch. It most often occurs in the groin area and on the insides of the thighs. It can be itchy, red, and have flaking, peeling and cracked skin. It can hurt! To help prevent this condition, dry this area well after bathing and swimming. Powder or cornstarch can help keep this area dry during activities. Wear clothes that are loose enough to provide ventilation and prevent chapping. Wash clothing (including jock straps) frequently. As with athlete's foot, it is most often treated with an antifungal cream or spray. It may on occasion require an oral medication. Another common fungus that you may have heard of (and hopefully do not have) is a fungal infection of the toe or finger nails. When fungi infect the nails, they are much harder to get rid of than fungal infections of the skin. A nail may appear yellowish, thick and brittle if it is infected by fungus. Creams or lotions used for other kinds of fungal infections do not penetrate the nail enough to get to where the fungi live. There is a medication that is like a nail polish that you paint on, but it does not have a high success rate. Most nail fungal infections need to be treated with an oral antifungal pill. The cure rate is not 100% per cent, however and it may take up to a year to conquer the infection. Harvard researchers are working on an a new procedure where they drill tiny holes in the nail which allows a cream or lotion preparation to get into where the fungi live. For written information on this topic, District residents (Hamden, North Haven and Woodbridge) can call QVHD, 203.248.4528. Or you can request information online or through email, dculligan@qvhd.org
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Quinnipiack Valley Health District |
Phone. (203)248-4528 |
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