HAUT 07 Fungal infections

Fungal infections

Fungal infections on the body are widespread and can affect various parts of the body, including the skin, nails and mucous membranes. They are caused by various types of fungi, including dermatophytes, yeasts and moulds.

Causes of fungal infections
The most common causes of fungal skin infections are
– Dermatophytes (filamentous fungi): These fungi feed on keratin and infect the skin, hair and nails. They are responsible for diseases such as athlete’s foot, nail fungus and ringworm.
– Yeast fungi: Candida albicans is a common yeast fungus that can cause infections on mucous membranes and the skin, especially if the immune system is weakened.
– Moulds: These are less common causes of skin infections, but can also play a role in certain conditions.
Risk factors for fungal infections include a weakened immune system, diabetes, heavy sweating, obesity and walking barefoot in public areas such as swimming pools and saunas.

Symptoms of fungal infections
Symptoms vary depending on the part of the body affected and the type of fungus:
– Skin: redness, itching, scaling and sometimes blistering.
– Nails: thickening, discolouration and brittleness.
– Mucous membranes: White deposits on a reddish background, especially in the mouth or genital area.

Treatment of fungal infestation
Treatment depends on the type of infection and its severity:
– Topical antifungals: Creams or solutions with active ingredients such as miconazole, terbinafine, clotrimazole or econazole are applied directly to the affected area.
– Oral antimycotics: For more severe or persistent infections, medications such as fluconazole or itraconazole may be prescribed.
– Hygiene measures: Regular washing and drying of affected areas and avoiding moist environments can help control the infection.

Prevention of fungal infections
The following measures should be taken to reduce the risk of fungal infection:
– Avoid walking barefoot in public areas.
– Keep skin dry and clean.
– Do not use shared personal items such as towels or shoes.

The chip should help to support the prevention of a fungal infection, strengthen the immune system and alleviate the causes.