Superficial Fungal Infections
I'm like a fungus; you can't get rid of me - Adam Baldwin
image by: Jaypee Brothers
HWN Suggests
Slayers, Saviors, Servants and Sex. An Exposé of Kingdom Fungi
If there was a monster weighing over a hundred tonnes rampaging through the forests of Michigan eating the trees, you should know about it, right? I mean, it’s not like it’s a new arrival. It’s been there for the past fifteen hundred years. So why don’t you know about it? What are they hiding from you?
Maybe they don’t want you to know that the beast has a body of hair‑fine filaments and worm‑like strands that extends over fifteen hectares, thrusting across the forest floor and reaching up to tear the life‑wood out of the unsuspecting trees. No, maybe they don’t want you to know about that. Could keep you awake at night.
I can understand. Trust me. I sympathize. You might…
Resources
Explainer: why do we get fungal nail infections and how can we treat them?
About 10% of us (including 20% of people over 60 and 50% of people over 70) suffer from fungal nail infections. So why do we get them, and does it matter?
Toenail Fungus can make you a Toe Tucker
Toenail fungus usually doesn’t go away by itself. Without treatment, it’s more likely that the infection will get worse as time goes on. It may spread to the feet, leading to athlete's foot (tinea pedis).
What is the best medication for a fungal infection of the toenail?
We found high-quality evidence that compared to placebo, terbinafine and azoles are effective treatments for the mycological and clinical cure of onychomycosis, with moderate-quality evidence of excess harm. However, terbinafine probably leads to better cure rates than azoles with the same risk of adverse events (moderate-quality evidence).
6 fungal infections you need to be aware of
Fortunately superficial fungal infections are much more common and there are very few people who have not had to cope with at least one of the following at some stage of their lives...
Fungal Nail Infections (Onychomycosis): A Never-Ending Story?
The great majority of superficial fungal infections are caused by dermatophytes, which belong to one of three genera (Trichophyton, Epidermophyton, and Microsporum), with T. rubrum being the most prominent cause of nail infection...
Protect Yourself From Fungal Infections This Summer
During the carefree days of summer, you might not think twice about walking around barefoot at the pool or relaxing on the beach all afternoon in a damp bathing suit. But beware that both moves could set you up for something that’s not so enjoyable—a fungal infection. Summer is prime time for fungal problems, which are caused by fungi often found naturally in air, soil, and water; on plants and skin; and even inside your body.
Staying one step ahead of toenail fungus
There is no shortage of suggestions for treating toenail fungus, including chlorine bleach, hydrogen peroxide, tea tree oil, and Vicks VapoRub. A study published in the January 2011 issue of the Journal of the American Board of Family Medicine indicated that 12 weeks of daily applications of Vicks eradicated the fungus in five of 18 people and reduced it in 10 others. The researchers noted that the cost of a year's treatment was around $24.
What is the best home remedy for toenail fungus?
Medical treatment usually involves the use of prescription-strength antifungal medications. Though effective, some people experience unpleasant side effects, ranging from upset stomach to other skin issues. As a result, some people may choose home remedies to treat toenail fungus.
Slayers, Saviors, Servants and Sex. An Exposé of Kingdom Fungi
How many fungi can you name? Two? Three? A dozen? I’m willing to bet that it won’t be a large number. Yet there are more fungi on this planet than any other type of organism.
Mycology Online
hese are superficial cosmetic fungal infections of the skin or hair shaft. No living tissue is invaded and there is no cellular response from the host. Essentially no pathological changes are elicited. These infections are often so innocuous that patients are often unaware of their condition.
iCliniq
Some of the common fungal infections (also called superficial mycoses) according to the site of infection are as follows:
PedsinReview
Infections caused by pathogenic fungi and limited to the human hair, nails, epidermis, and mucosa are referred to as superficial fungal infections. Despite the fact that these infections rarely are dangerous or life threatening, they are important because of their worldwide distribution, frequency, person-to-person transmission, and morbidity. Furthermore, particularly severe infections or those refractory to treatment may be the first indication of an underlying immunodeficiency.
Introducing Stitches!
Your Path to Meaningful Connections in the World of Health and Medicine
Connect, Collaborate, and Engage!
Coming Soon - Stitches, the innovative chat app from the creators of HWN. Join meaningful conversations on health and medical topics. Share text, images, and videos seamlessly. Connect directly within HWN's topic pages and articles.
