Today we suggest talking about varieties of fungus. This is the most common disease among the inhabitants of our planet. Surely many have heard the term “mycosis” at least once in their lives, but what does this mean? A vast group of diseases that are caused by microscopic organisms adversely affects the human body. This can be a lesion of the skin (in this case, the disease is referred to as “dermatomycosis”) or of the nail plates (the medical term “onychomycosis” is appropriate here).
A fungus is a common disease caused by a fungal infection. It is immediately worth noting that many of these microorganisms can live in harmony with humans and have a beneficial effect on the body. Others cause tremendous damage to our health. It is very important to notice the symptoms on time and start treatment. How to recognize the fungus and get rid of it, you can learn from this article. We will talk about the fastest treatment for nail fungus, consider recipes for traditional medicine.
This problem is encountered by absolutely all people, regardless of gender or age. In order to “pick up” the infection, it is enough to try on someone else’s shoes or walk barefoot in a public place.
Varieties
In total, two large groups of mushrooms are distinguished by the effects on the human body:
- Pathogenic. This category does not want to live in harmony with a person. Microorganisms are extremely contagious and extensively affect different parts of the body (nails, skin, intestines, and so on). They need to be identified as early as possible, listen to the signals of your body and immediately start treatment.
- Conditionally pathogenic. These are our "helpers." Thanks to the process of symbiosis, they support the proper functioning of the body as a whole. It is important to note that these fungi belong to the natural microflora.
Now let's talk briefly about the most common types of fungus. You can get all the information from the table presented in this section of the article.
Title | Spread | Description |
Dermatophytosis | Distributed to the scalp, legs, arms | This fungus is pathogenic. This disease is also called ringworm or shingles. Microorganisms love moisture, where they multiply. You can get it in public places (bath, sauna, pool and so on). The main symptoms are itching, the formation of scales, redness, the appearance of cracks or blisters |
Onychomycosis | Nail plate | As a rule, at first only the edge of the nail plate is affected, then the infection spreads down the nail. You can notice a thickening of the nail and the surrounding skin, discoloration, crumbling. They can easily become infected in a nail salon if the instruments have not been processed, and those who suffer from ringworm of the foot are also at risk. In total, three stages of nail fungus are distinguished. The sooner this problem is discovered, the easier it is to get rid of it. In this category, a very common remedy for fungus - “Oflomil varnish” |
Candidiasis | Oral cavity, intestines, skin, vagina | This is a conditionally pathogenic fungus, the reproduction of which is controlled by the immune system. If it is weakened, then rapid spread begins, which can lead to some health problems. |
Dermatomycosis | Open areas of the body (arms, legs, face) | Forms an annular red rash. Very contagious, lacking contact with a sick person. It is worth noting that the carriers may be sheep, cattle or pets |
Cryptococcosis | Internal organs (usually lungs) | This conditionally pathogenic fungus begins an attack only with prolonged low immunity. This problem often arises for those suffering from AIDS. |
Trichophytosis | Body part | The causative agent is a fungus called Trichophyton. As a rule, this pathogenic fungus develops on the scalp (most often on the head). Sometimes it can even go to your feet. |
Reason for appearance and transmission
Fungus is a fairly common human problem. Now we’ll try to deal with the question of how they can become infected. Let's start with why we are attacked by conditionally pathogenic fungal infections, because they are part of human microflora. They are capable of harming only if the immune system is weakened and cannot restrain their reproduction. Candidiasis often develops in the following cases:
- infectious disease (a problem may arise both during treatment and at the time of recovery);
- stress
- pregnancy;
- if you have taken or are taking antibiotics;
- if hygiene is not observed;
- poor nutrition;
- the presence of bad habits.
Now a little when infected with pathogenic fungi. The first stage of infection is getting spores into a healthy body. This is possible in the following cases:
- direct contact with the carrier of the fungus or its thing (the method is called contact);
- through the mouth, often this occurs when breastfeeding (if the yeast infection has switched to the nipple, the child will easily pick it up, the method is alimentary);
- a very large number of bacteria and spores are floating in the air, it is worth taking a breath - they get into the lungs (as a rule, all these fungi are conditionally pathogenic, but if the body fails, they will undermine health, the method is air);
- with unprotected intercourse, even with a regular partner, infection is possible (men may have a thrush for a rather long time, but it does not manifest itself in any way, that is, it is asymptomatic, the method is sexual).
Symptomatology
Symptoms depend on where exactly the problem appeared. Since in this section we consider general symptoms, we will divide all manifestations into two types: superficial infection and internal (i.e. systemic) infection. A fungal disease can be asymptomatic, but more often some of its manifestations can be noticed. This information can be found in the table below.
Surface infection | Systemic infection |
Itching, redness on the skin, slow growth or loss of hair, peeling of the skin, irregularities in the growth of nails (crooked, too thick or thin), discharge (white, mucous, cream or curdled). | Cough, which persists for a rather long time and is not amenable to treatment with cold remedies; if an infection enters the bloodstream, fever may begin; bloating, intestinal colic, diarrhea (these three symptoms indicate that you have bowel candidiasis); if there is no appetite, you notice indifference or apathy, then this also signals a possible fungal infection, since these symptoms occur with immunodeficiency. |
Skin lesion
Fungal infection quite often attacks human skin. Legs are at risk especially for those who often visit public places (bath, sauna, pool, and so on). Never put footwear on someone else’s shoes, do not walk barefoot in public places. Use rubber slippers even on the beach. On the legs, the skin on the feet and between the fingers, the structure of the nails are often affected. Symptoms may include:
- itching
- redness of the skin;
- heavy sweating of the legs;
- ulcers are less likely to form.
There are many effective remedies against foot fungus. The most popular are listed below.
- “Oflomil varnish” from nail fungus;
- Exoderyl
- "Griseofulvin";
- Clotrimazole and other antifungal agents.
Often a fungus occurs on the head. Symptoms include severe itching, peeling, dandruff, and hair loss. If you notice these manifestations, then you need to go to a specialist who will make a scraping and issue a final verdict. This problem is treated with special shampoos, which include:
- "Nizoral";
- "Sulsena" and others.
In addition, the use of drugs called "Miconazole" and "Clotrimazole" is recommended.
Hands are also no exception. Itching and peeling may appear, the skin begins to dry and crack. Bubbles and burning appear less often at the place of their formation. The fungus can go to the nails, so treatment should be started immediately when the first symptoms are detected. The following medicines will help:
- Lamisil
- Candide;
- "Lotseril" and others.
It is possible to use folk remedies for the fungus in addition to the purchased ones, which we will talk about a little later.
Fungus in women
Speaking specifically about women, in this case, the most common disease caused by a fungal infection is candidiasis. The causative agent of the infection is Candida fungus, which belongs to the conditionally pathogenic species. The problem extends to the genitals. The causes of candidiasis are many, the main ones:
- weak immunity;
- long-term use of antibiotics.
Briefly about the symptoms. A woman can detect:
- perineal itching;
- burning;
- discharge, which in consistency resembles cottage cheese or cream;
- sour smell.
If these symptoms are detected, consult a gynecologist. An experienced specialist diagnoses this problem without analysis, but it is recommended to pass a smear. With the advanced form, you will have to take some more tests to exclude other diseases of the reproductive system.
Inexpensive remedies for fungus, but very effective and popular are: "Flucostat", "Miramistin" and others. Your doctor must prescribe them individually. To combat the problem was more effective, it is necessary to undergo treatment together with your partner.
Fungus in men
Fungus on the genitals in men is much less common than in women. It may result from wearing synthetic underwear or contact with an infected woman.
Symptoms include itching and burning, white plaque on the penis, or discomfort during urination. If you find this problem, you need to contact a dermatologist or venereologist who will make a scraping and send it to the laboratory. If the fears are confirmed, then immediately start treatment with Flucostat tablets or others, and Pimafucort cream.
The treatment must necessarily be comprehensive, and if there is a constant partner, she also needs to consult a gynecologist and take candidiasis medications for prevention.
Mouth infection
What does the fungus look like in the oral cavity and how to recognize it? It is important to know that all people in the oral cavity have fungi of the Candida genus, but when the immune system malfunctions, they begin to multiply, which leads to the appearance of the following symptoms:
- sour taste is always present in the mouth;
- dryness;
- white plaque formation;
- the appearance of ulcers;
- bad breath is felt from the mouth;
- itching and burning are possible;
- gums begin to bleed.
If you notice these problems, then go for a consultation with a dermatologist or dentist. The doctor will take a scraping from the affected area.
Now about the methods of treating a fungus in the mouth. Antifungal agents made on the basis of fluconazole are used (for example, Flucostat). It is necessary to restore the microflora with the help of Linex or Acipol.
Intestines
With prolonged use of antibiotics and reduced immunity, the fungus begins to attack the gastrointestinal tract. You can identify the problem using fecal analysis, endoscopy or x-rays. Symptoms: flatulence and bloating, pain, a feeling of heaviness and lack of appetite. It is also possible to detect streaks, mucus or plaque in the feces.
The treatment is the same as with other types. It is necessary to take antifungal drugs (for example, Pimafucin) and restore the intestinal microflora (for example, Bifidumbacterin).
Ear fungus
Let's talk a little about how the fungus of the ears looks, what are the symptoms of the disease. This ailment is called otomycosis and occurs only when:
- frequent cleaning of the ears (so the protective film is erased);
- skin injury;
- the use of other people's hygiene products.
Symptoms may include discharge, pain, itching, burning, swelling, hearing loss, peeling of the skin, and the formation of crusts. Endomicroscopy and x-rays must be taken to identify the problem. You also need to pass scraping.
Treat this disease with the following methods:
- washing with special solutions (for example, "Nystatin");
- tablets against fungal infection (for example, Econazole);
- creams (for example, Exoderil);
- drops for the ears (for example, Candibiotic).
Eye fungus
Fungus is a common disease that can develop on absolutely any organ, the eyes are no exception. Of course, this species is much less common, but it can cause a person a lot of inconvenience. The fungus of the eye develops very slowly, but can cause great harm to the eyeball.
If a fungus has got on the mucous membrane, then you can notice the following symptoms:
- itching (both inside and out);
- redness
- discharge containing pus;
- the formation of a fungal film, the result is blurred vision;
- the presence of eczema and so on.
For an accurate diagnosis of the problem, you need to go to an ophthalmologist. If a fungal infection is detected, he will diagnose “fungal conjunctivitis” and prescribe treatment:
- laying during sleep nystatin ointment;
- taking a course of antifungal agents (for example, "Flucostat");
- if the fungus stage has already been started, then intravenous administration of Amphotericin B will be required.
ethnoscience
In this section, we propose to discuss the most effective folk remedies for fungus. Let's start with the most common phenomenon - fungus on the nails. Propolis tincture will help to get rid of it. For two months, twice a day, lubricate the affected areas with these products. You will notice how a healthy, strong nail will gradually grow. So what to do with a running nail fungus? Treatment at home and in this case is possible:
- baths with salt and soda (one tablespoon of bulk ingredients per liter of water, soak your feet for twenty minutes, and after the procedure, treat the affected areas with iodine);
- use celandine as a nail polish or make baths (pour five tablespoons of grass with a liter of boiling water, leave for half an hour and pour into a basin with hot water, you need to soar your feet every day for twenty minutes).
Do not forget to cut off the affected nails. To get rid of the fungus on the legs, use garlic and salt. It is necessary to process the garlic into a mushy state and add small salt. Make compresses from this product. This method should be carried out in a course of one to two months.
There are many herbs that can fight this disease: calendula, thyme, coneflower, hemlock and others. Do not start the fungus, fight it immediately after detecting a problem.