Approximately 50% of pathological changes in the skin and nails are caused by mycoses (fungal infections).
How to distinguish fungal infections?
Skin
Mycoses most often affect skin folds on the body: armpits, groin folds, the intergluteal area, the fold under the breasts in women, and the spaces between the toes. The toes, soles, and heels of the feet may also be affected. The disease manifests as redness and pink spots with clear borders, against which there may be peeling, oozing, blisters, erosions, and cracks. Skin lesions are almost always accompanied by itching, burning, and soreness.
Nails
Nails are affected by fungi either initially, or the infection spreads from the skin of the fingers and interdigital areas. The infected nail becomes dull, may acquire a dirty yellow, whitish or grayish tint. The nail plate thickens and deforms, streaks, waves, and bends appear on it, later it splits and crumbles. Redness and itching of the skin adjacent to the nail may be observed.
What causes a fungal infection?
Fungi of the dermatophyte group, as well as mold and yeast-like fungi (genus Candida), infect through direct close contact with an infected person, or through shared items and personal hygiene products. Often the source of the disease is one of the family members.
Fungal infection is promoted by:
- A warm, moist environment (swimming pool, bathhouse, gym with shared showers and locker rooms)
- Closed synthetic footwear and clothing
- Failure to follow personal hygiene rules
Who is at risk of getting a fungal infection?
The greatest risk is in people with metabolic disorders and tissue trophism. These include patients with diabetes mellitus, varicose veins, obesity, as well as those with diseases of the nervous, endocrine, and cardiovascular systems, immunodeficiencies (HIV), skin diseases (dermatitis and dermatoses), and flat feet. Long-term use of antibiotics and glucocorticosteroids contributes to fungal infection. The risk is high in people over 60 years of age.
Fungal infections are also common in athletes whose daily activities involve increased sweating, synthetic equipment, and prolonged stays in public areas (training grounds, gyms, locker rooms).
Can a fungal infection be diagnosed on your own?
It is not possible to determine on your own whether an infection is fungal. If the first suspicious and unpleasant symptoms appear, you should consult a dermatologist or a dermatologist-mycologist. The diagnosis of mycosis is made when the fungus is microscopically detected in skin scales or a piece of the nail.
Is it mandatory to treat a fungal infection?
If the affected skin usually itches, nail infection may remain hardly noticeable for some time. And although changes in the nail plate spoil its appearance, not everyone is bothered by this, and many people do not consider it necessary to see a doctor.
The danger is that the fungal infection progresses, spreads to nearby areas of the body, and can serve as an entry point for other infections. In patients with bronchial asthma, a worsening of the condition is noted when infected with fungi. In immunodeficient individuals, mycosis can spread beyond the skin or nails and affect internal organs.
A carrier of a fungal infection is contagious to other people.
The more advanced the disease, the more difficult it is to treat and requires a longer course, and sometimes even surgical methods.
How to get rid of fungal infection?
If a fungal infection is detected in time, the use of topical preparations is sufficient to get rid of it. These are products that are applied directly to the affected area, are practically not absorbed into the bloodstream, do not cause side or toxic effects, and act locally.
When several areas of the skin are affected or there is multiple nail involvement, in addition to topical therapy, the doctor will prescribe antifungal medications for oral administration.
Fungilam
An antifungal preparation for external use. The active ingredient is naftifine, which is active against a wide range of fungi. In addition, naftifine has antibacterial activity, due to which the drug acts on concomitant pathogenic flora and prevents infection. A significant reduction in inflammation and itching after starting the use of the drug Fungilam is due to the anti‑inflammatory effect of naftifine. The combination of naftifine with eucalyptus (Fungilam with eucalyptus) contains eucalyptus oil. Eucalyptus oil has an anti‑inflammatory, deodorizing effect, and promotes regeneration (healing).
How to use?
Fungilam is a solution in a dark glass bottle with a special dropper for convenient and economical application. The drug is applied to the affected surface plus 1 centimeter of apparently healthy skin around the lesion. The treated surface should be previously cleaned and thoroughly dried. The drug is used for the treatment of skin infections once a day, and for the treatment of nail mycosis twice a day. Before the first application of the solution, the affected part of the nail is removed as much as possible using scissors or a nail file.
How long does it take to treat a fungal infection?
Since an "undertreated" mycosis has a high probability of recurring, you should not stop treatment as soon as symptoms improve; it is recommended to continue using Fungilam for another 2 weeks after visible recovery of the skin. In the case of nail involvement, treatment should be continued until a new nail plate has fully grown out — up to 6 months.
It is also necessary to carry out antiseptic treatment of surfaces in the home, regularly and frequently wash underwear and bed linen, treat shoes with vinegar, formalin, or an ultraviolet lamp, or replace them with new ones.
When should Fungilam not be used?
- In case of increased individual sensitivity to the components of the drug
- During pregnancy and lactation
- In persons under 18 years of age
How to reduce the risk of fungal infection of the skin and nails?
- In public places with high humidity, move around in flip‑flops or sandals
- Observe hygiene, shower daily and wash hands and feet with soap
- Wear mainly footwear and clothing made of breathable materials, change wet socks and shoes in time, thoroughly dry wet shoes
- Do not use someone else's shoes or personal hygiene items
- Do not come into contact with a carrier of a fungal infection
- Treat any occurring disease in time to prevent its spread and reinfection