Fungal Diseases

Fungal Diseases (Skin, Nail, Hair, Genital Area)

Fungal diseases are among the most common skin conditions. Fungal diseases (skin, nail, hair, genitalarea) are among the contagious infectious diseases. Fungal diseases that occur in different parts of the body can spread to different areas over time. Redness, itching, inflammation and flaking of the skin can be symptoms of fungal diseases. This disease can be transmitted from infected people to healthy people. Depending on the severity and course of the symptoms, the most appropriate treatment method is determined. In general, creams, pomades and tablets are used for treatment.

What are Fungal Diseases (Skin, Nail, Hair, Genital Area)?

The definition of fungal disease can be made in the form of itching caused by single-celled fungi on the skin. This disease not only causes itching but also inflammation, redness and swelling. Different types of fungi settle in different parts of the body and impair human health. This condition, which is seen especially in the hands and feet, can spread to the face, body and scalp. First, skin eruptions with clear boundaries are observed. They then expand their borders and start to spread. The rashes turn into inflamed areas and the severity of the infection increases. Fungal diseases most commonly occur in the nails, feet, trunk, vagina, hair and groin. Sometimes, although rarely, fungus can also be seen in the lymph nodes and on the tongue.

Are Fungal Diseases (Skin, Nail, Hair, Genital Area) Transmitted?

Whether fungal disease is contagious or not is a matter of curiosity for people who suspect fungal disease. This disease can be easily transmitted both through skin contact and through the use of shared objects. Some strong fungal strains are highly contagious and can affect large numbers of people in crowded environments. For this reason, fungal diseases on children’s skin spread much faster in the school environment.

Fungal diseases are transmitted to people through shoes or towels. Common areas such as baths, pools, saunas and beaches are the most suitable environments for fungal contamination. The fungus can be transmitted not only in these environments but also in the soil. Areas such as gardens and fields are ideal for the fungus to infect.

Fungus is not only a disease that can be transmitted from person to person. This disease can also be transmitted from animal to human. Some types of fungi are harmful to humans, while others are more effective on animals. Fungi generally manifest themselves in the form of hair loss in animals.

What are the Types of Fungal Diseases (Skin, Nail, Hair, Genital Area)?

Common types of fungal disease are identified according to the area of impact. Below are details about the types of fungal diseases (skin, nails, hair, genitalarea) :

Onychomycosis Also known as nail fungus, this type is generally seen on toenails. The infection starts at the tip of the nail and over time appears in a wider area. The fungus manifests itself in the form of thickening and discoloration of the nails. Onychomycosis causes the nails to become flimsy and deformed.
Tinea Pedis It is a fungus on the feet. Athlete’s foot, one of the most common types, generally causes itching and rashes. Dryness, cracking and thickening of the soles of the feet are among the symptoms of this disease. Athlete’s foot affects the fourth and fifth toes of the foot, creating a moist appearance. This can cause a bad odor and, if it progresses further, can lead to infection.
Tinea Cruris: This fungus occurs in the groin area and is accompanied by itching and redness. The fungus, which occurs unilaterally or bilaterally in the groin, can also spread to the genitals.
Candidiasis: Fungus that forms in the vaginal environment. This fungus, which occurs in the vagina and vulva, has an uncontrolled spread. Severe itching is quite common with this fungus. This untreated fungus can spread to other areas over time.
Tinea Corporis: It is a type that can occur in any part of the body. It is generally seen as circular rashes. The fungus, which first appears in a small area, grows annularly, and spots and redness appear on the inflamed fungus. Itching and flaking also determine the course of this disease.

How are Fungal Diseases (Skin, Nail, Hair, Genital Area) Diagnosed?

Fungal disease is diagnosed by identifying the microorganism that causes the fungus. This requires some laboratory tests. The fungal area is carefully scraped and the sample is examined under a microscope. Some fungi are not diagnosed by scraping but by a special light system. In vaginal fungal disorders, a sufficient amount of discharge is obtained. This discharge is examined under a microscope with a slide and coverslip. In this way, it can be determined whether the discomfort is caused by bacteria or fungus.

Who has a higher incidence of fungal diseases (skin, nails, hair, genital area)?

Fungal diseases are more commonin the following groups ofpeople :

People who use the same shoes, towels or clothes as other people,
Those in the prepubertal period,
People with diabetes,
Pregnant women
People who are extremely overweight,
People with advanced cancer,
People whose hands are always wet,
People with low immune systems,
People who sweat excessively.

What are the Symptoms of Fungal Diseases (Skin, Nail, Hair, Genital Area)?

Symptoms of fungal disease vary depending on the body structure of the person. Common symptoms are listed below:

Circular reddening of the skin,
Swellings on a part of the skin,
Skin lesions that appear brown, pink or red,
Inflammation of the skin,
Scaly appearance of the skin,
Frequent and persistent itching of the skin.

In addition to these symptoms, some specific fungi can also cause nail deformities. While vaginal fungus causes redness and itching in the vagina, it can also increase the discharge. Blisters filled with fluid can be seen in superficial fungal species.

How are Fungal Diseases (Skin, Nail, Hair, Genital Area) Treated?

The treatment of fungal disease is carried out according to the area of effect. Although different methods are used for different treatments, the most common method is oral medication. Products such as creams, pomades and lotions are also used for fungal diseases (skin, nails, hair, genitalarea) . In advanced cases, both drug and cream methods are used together. Antifungal cream, antifungal lotion, antifungal shampoo or antifungal spray are perfect for eliminating fungi. The dose of medication to be applied generally varies according to the type and severity of the fungi. Regular use of the medicines prescribed for the treatment of fungal diseases is essential. Otherwise, reproduction of fungi can be observed.

Fungi that spread to different parts of the body can be eliminated with regular treatments. Vaginal fungus heals in an average of 10 days, while hair fungus takes 30-45 days. On average, it takes 6 months for nail fungus to heal.