Fungal skin infection is a disease of the skin caused by a fungal infection. In the human body, fungi can grow in damp areas, for example in skin folds (eg armpits), between the fingers, and intimate organs. Fungi are organisms that can live in water, soil, air, or even in the human body.
Types of Skin Fungal Infection
Fungal skin infections are divided into several types, and among them are infectious infections, namely:
- Ringworm (tinea). Ringworm is a type of contagious skin fungal infection, which can occur in various areas of the body, such as on the body (tinea corporis), scalp (tinea capitis), crotch (tinea cruris), or at the feet (tinea pedis).
- Nail fungus (purple tineaium). This fungal infection (mycosis) occurs in the nails, both on the hands and on the feet. Just like ringworm, nail fungus can also be contagious.
- Panu (tinea versicolor). Panu is a type of fungal infection that attacks the top layer of the skin. This infection is not contagious.
- Diaper rash(diaper rash). Diaper rash is a common skin irritation in babies, one of which is a yeast infection.
- Candidiasis. This is a type of fungal skin infection that can affect a number of damp areas, such as the armpits, groin, between the fingers, the breast folds, and the stomach folds.
Causes and Risk Factors for Skin Fungal Infection
The most common cause of fungal skin infections is a type of fungus Candida, Dermatophytes, or Malassezia.
Ringworm
Ringworm is caused by a group of fungi Dermatophyta. This fungus lives on keratin, which is a protein found in skin, nails, and hair. There are several types Dermatophyta which can cause ringworm, namely: Epidermophyton, Microsporum, and Trichophyton. This fungus actually lives naturally on the skin and doesn't cause any problems. But when the fungus grows quickly, for example in a humid environment, it will infect the skin.
Ringworm can be spread through physical contact between people or contact with objects contaminated with fungi, such as sharing clothing or towels with an infected person. In addition, transmission can also occur due to contact with infected animals, as well as with soil containing fungal spores.
A number of factors can increase a person's risk of being infected with ringworm, including skin sores, swimming or bathing in public facilities, not wearing footwear in public spaces, and sharing toothbrushes or clothing with ringworm sufferers.
Nail fungus
Just like ringworm, fungal infections of the nails are also caused by fungi Dermatophyta. Infection can occur through the use of manicures or pedicures in salons, which are not sterilized after being used on other people.
Some of the factors that can increase nail fungus infection are diabetes, injury to the nail or the skin around the nail, a weak immune system, and the use of artificial nails. Another factor is long-term moist conditions on the feet, for example due to wearing the type of shoe that covers the toes for a long time. Age over 65 years can also be one of the triggering factors for nail fungus infection.
Panu
Panu is caused by fungal growth Malassezia on the skin. It is not known what causes this fungus to develop. Experts attribute it to a number of factors, such as hot and humid weather, excessive sweating, oily skin, hormonal changes, and a weak immune system.
Diaper rash
Diaper rash caused by fungus Candida albicans. This fungus thrives in moist areas. For example, in babies who wear wet diapers for too long due to urine or feces.
Rashes can also occur when the baby's skin blisters due to wearing a diaper that is too tight. In addition, exposure to chemicals from detergents can irritate baby's skin and cause rashes.
Kandidiasis
Candidiasis is caused by a fungal infection Candida. Actually, this fungus lives naturally on the skin, but it can grow uncontrollably and cause infection. This condition can be caused by several factors, including:
- Excess weight.
- Hot weather.
- Moist or wet skin conditions.
- Wear tight clothes.
- Not keeping the body clean.
- Use of certain types of medication, such as antibiotics or corticosteroids.
- Conditions that cause a weakened immune system, such as diabetes or pregnancy.
Symptoms of Skin Fungal Infection
Symptoms of a fungal skin infection depend on the type of infection you have. Below will be described the symptoms of each type of fungal skin infection.
Tinea corporis – A red rash with a ring-like border. In addition to having a scaly texture, the rash also feels itchy, and can blister and ooze fluid.
tinea cruris – The skin around the groin is red, peeling, and feels itchy or burning.
tinea pedis Symptoms that appear when a person experiences tinea pedis, namely itching accompanied by a hot and stinging sensation between the toes or on the soles of the feet. In addition, the skin on the soles of the feet will feel dry, peeling, or blistered.
tinea capitis - Itchy patches on the head, and red, bald and scaly scalp in the area affected by ringworm. Other symptoms that may arise are pain in the scalp, swollen lymph nodes in the head, and low-grade fever.
Nail fungus - Pale or dark nail color, changes in nail shape, thickening, and brittleness. Nail fungus is more common on the feet, but can also attack the nails on the hands.
Diaper rash – The skin on the buttocks and in the groin area to the thighs, is red and irritated, and warm to the touch.
Kandidiasis This type of infection usually occurs in the folds of the skin, with symptoms such as lumps filled with pus, and a rash accompanied by itching and burning. Candidiasis can also occur in the skin under the nails, with symptoms of swelling and pain, accompanied by pus.
There is also candidiasis that attacks the mouth. Symptoms include white spots on the tongue and inside of the mouth, which are painful and can bleed when scratched. Other symptoms are cracked skin around the mouth, difficulty swallowing, and a bad taste in the mouth.
In candidiasis that attacks the vagina, symptoms include reddened skin around the vagina, accompanied by itching and burning, and white or yellow discharge from the vagina.
Diagnosis of Skin Fungal Infection
Doctors can identify the type of skin fungal infection by looking at the signs that appear on the patient's skin, such as a rash. If necessary to confirm the diagnosis, a skin scraping sample that has been processed with potassium hydroxide (KOH) solution or a sample of infected skin (biopsy) can be taken for examination under a microscope.
Skin Fungal Infection Treatment
Some types of fungal skin infections can be treated with over-the-counter antifungal creams or ointments. However, if the condition does not improve, immediately consult a doctor, so that a more appropriate treatment is given.
Some types of antifungal drugs are: clotrimazole, fluconazole, miconazole, terbinafine, tioconazole, ketoconazole, and griseofulvin. In addition to the various drugs above, doctors can also prescribe mouthwash, such as: nystatin, to treat fungal infections in the mouth area. But for severe oral candidiasis, the doctor will prescribe amphotericin B.
Prevention of Skin Fungal Infection
Prevention of fungal skin infections can be done by taking a few simple steps, but depending on the type of infection experienced. The following will explain a number of preventive measures for each type of skin fungal infection.
Ringworm prevention
Ringworm can be prevented by routinely maintaining body hygiene, and avoiding sharing with toothbrushes, towels, or clothes. In addition, avoid direct contact with infected people or animals, especially for someone who has a weak immune system.
Keep your scalp clean by shampooing regularly, to avoid ringworm of the head. Meanwhile, to prevent ringworm of the feet, wash your feet with soap every time you get home from traveling. Don't forget to dry your feet immediately, especially between your toes. Remember not to share socks and shoes with others, and always wear sandals in public facilities.
Another preventive measure is to dry or dry the shoes after each use. This is to avoid damp conditions on the shoes, which trigger the development of mold. In addition, choose socks made of cotton or wool, and replace them immediately if they get wet.
Nail fungus prevention
Nail fungus can be prevented by keeping the nails short. Short nails will be easier to clean and avoid injury. Other ways to prevent toenail fungus are to not share manicures and pedicures, reduce the use of artificial nails and nail polish, and always use footwear outside the home. Also, always dry your feet when they are wet, especially between your toes.
Prevention of tinea versicolor
Thrush can be prevented by keeping the skin dry when in humid or hot areas. Also, don't share towels, clothes, and bedding with other people, especially those who are known to have tinea versicolor.
Research shows, tinea versicolor relapse in 40-60 percent of patients who managed to recover. In patients who often experience recurrence, skin care using shampoo containing selenium sulfide, can be done every 2 weeks. Another step that can be taken is to avoid exposure to the sun for a long time and not to do activities that trigger excessive sweating.
Diaper rash prevention
To prevent diaper rash, do not put the diaper too tightly on the baby. It's even recommended to leave the baby without a diaper every now and then. Always clean the baby's bottom with water every diaper change, then dry with a soft towel. Avoid using alcohol or perfume as a baby butt cleaner.
Prevention kandidiasis
Oral candidiasis can be prevented by maintaining oral hygiene, including by brushing your teeth or using dental floss. Gargle after every use of corticosteroids inhaler also highly recommended.
Meanwhile, to prevent candidiasis of the vagina, avoid wearing tight clothing. Do not use underwear made of less absorbent materials, such as nylon and polyester. Preferably, use cotton underwear that easily absorbs sweat.
Avoid using soap or feminine hygiene that contains fragrance, because it can cause irritation and interfere with the acidity of the vagina. Simply clean the outside of the vagina with water and mild soap without detergent.
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