The mycosis is basically different diseases caused by microscopic fungi, which tend to multiply on the skin surface (superficial mycosis) or do so at own organs. When this disease appears for the first time are common relapses, while medical treatment tends to be generally quite long.
That is, we are faced with fungal diseases. These are also known by the names of fungal infections, and characterized by frequent and contagious diseases, but that can be curable by administering adequate medical treatment.
Surely you know that, in humans, we can find some fungi that normally live in our bodies. Some are present in our mouth, skin, intestine or vagina of women, and in the majority of cases are in fact harmless. However, when it is multiplied considerably when do become a problem, resulting in alterations. It is at this time when we are faced with a Mycosis.
Among the most common fungal infections include the cutaneous mycoses, which are those that appear on the skin as a result of the multiplication of the various fungi that are normally found in it. In general there are benign infections.
Factors that favor the appearance of fungi
It is important to clarify that suffering mycosis is not necessarily synonymous with lack of hygiene, since several factors can facilitate the development of fungi, such as:
- The typical humidity of hot weather.
- Wear wet swimsuit for prolonged periods and tight clothing.
- Continue treatment with antibiotics.
- Frequently wear closed and synthetic shoes.
- Do not wear sandals when going to bathrooms in hotels or gyms.
The fungi belong to the plant kingdom and to be able to live (lack of chlorophyll) that they need to infest other organisms, such as animals or plants.
Within the group of these parasites, which is quite large, small amount is capable of causing harm to people; of these, there is a part that affects only the outer layer of the epidermis (superficial mycosis), such as scalp, feet, vagina, groins, armpits and nails.
However, there is also another set of fungi that settle in internal tissues of the body and infect vital organs, such as the brain and lungs, and can even reach the bones (deep mycosis).
What are the causes of mycosis?
The original cause is obviously the multiplication of certain fungi that commonly found in some parts of our body. But, why this multiplication or infection occurs?
These infections occur when fungi attack the outer layer of the skin, either the body or scalp, or also certain organs and body parts, such as is the case of the vagina in women.
For example, for some fungal infections occur it is necessary to have a moist skin, usually warm and dirty. Therefore fungal skin infections are common in the foot when walking barefoot on the floor in locker rooms or showers, swimming pools and gyms, especially shared with others.
It is also customary for this reason the appearance known as athlete’s foot, a common infection in athletes and adolescents as a result of having the extremely wet and dirty feet.
It is common for fungal infections are more common in people with some type of immune system deficiency, which is medically known immunodeficiency.
Symptoms of mycosis
Clearly, depending on the place or where the fungal infection occurs on the body, its symptoms will be different, since it will not be the same signs appear before a fungal infection in the vagina than one that arises in the skin. For example, if the infection occurs in the vagina is medically known by the name of vaginal mycosis, caused in turn by a fungus called Candida albicans.
Symptoms of vaginal mycosis
- Itching, irritation or burning in the vagina.
- Inflammation of the vulva with intense red color.
- Pain that feels especially at the urination and sexual intercourse.
- White and sticky discharge, accompanied by abnormal vaginal discharge.
Oral candidiasis or thrush symptoms
Form above all plates of whitish color on the tongue and inside of the cheeks. It also tends to be accompanied by bad breath.
Symptoms of skin mycosis
Often particularly affect different body folds as areas where there is excess moisture and sweat, such as the groin, armpits, navel and the space between the fingers and toes.
Injury usually begins with redness, oozing and finally an annoying irritation.
Symptoms of athlete’s foot
Particularly affects the spaces between the toes and it is very common among athletes, teenagers and seafarers. There arises redness and blisters on the folds, which then turn into cracks.
What is the medical treatment for mycosis?
Before medical treatment it is necessary to establish a proper diagnosis. To do this an analysis is carried out under the microscope of the secretion of the injury or a sample of the affected skin.
Once confirmed fungal or fungal infection is common administration of antifungal medications, whether local or general, depending on the injury and its location.
When it is superficial mycosis it is best to apply creams, ointments, lotions, powders and antimycotic sprays or antifungal treatment should last 3 to 4 weeks.
If the above is not enough to resort to the dermatologist, specialist prescribes oral medications, which, coupled with good hygiene, accelerates the healing process and prevent reinfection.
In case of candidiasis, women, as well as skin creams, pessaries can be used; but when it affects men requires the administration of oral antifungal medications.
It is essential that deep fungal infections be treated promptly by the dermatologist, who will recommend oral, topical or local antifungals and, in some cases, by surgical procedures, injuries should be eliminated and drain abscesses.
Prevention of mycosis
- Bathe daily and ensure that every part of the body is absolutely dry, especially skin folds.
- Apply antifungal powder or antifungal antiperspirant in feet, footwear and body, especially on hot days when you play sports and as it absorbs moisture.
- Never walk barefoot.
- Disinfect any wound helps prevent either invaded by fungi; antiseptics counter can be used.
- Avoid wearing tight-fitting clothes.
- Not stay with bathing suit or exercise clothes for prolonged periods.
- Daily change socks, stockings and shoes.
- Do not wear shoes made from synthetic materials, since it retains sweat.
- Prefer cotton socks or stockings because this material keeps feet cool.
- When you get wet shoes or socks take them off immediately.
- Avoid prolonged exposure to hot water that softens the skin and facilitates the penetration of fungi.
- Increased intake of vitamin C (broccoli, citrus fruits and fresh vegetables) and zinc (oysters, meat, mushrooms, whole grains, eggs and yeast) to strengthen the immune system, which can be supported by multivitamins and food supplements.
- Caring for the health of pets to avoid infection.