Fungal Culture - Pleural Fluid Tips

Fungal infections in nails are caused by an overgrowth of the fungi in your nails. When the growth of fungus happens on the fingernails or toenails, it is known as onychomycosis or tineaunguium. Here are the probable causes of why you might get a fungal nail infection:

Causes

1. Diabetes
2. Problems in your circulatory system
3.  Age
4. Artificial nails
5. Swim in public pools
6. Nail injuries
7. Skin injuries surrounding the nail
8. Fingers or toes which have been moist for an extended period of time
9. Immune system problems
10.Wearing shoes which have toes enclosed

It is also worth note that fungal infections happen much more frequently in your toenail as compared to your fingernail. This is because of two main reasons. The first reason is that fungi can grow very easily on your toenails because of the position. Your shoes are dark, warm and moist and therefore, perfect for the growth of fungi. The second reason for more fungal infections on your toenails as compared to your fingernails is because toes have less blood flow than fingers, thus making it harder for the immune system to fight off the infection.

Symptoms

Fungal infections in your nails are one of the easier infections to diagnose. This is because there are several symptoms which indicate you have this condition. Here are those symptoms.

1. Scaling underneath your skin
2. White or yellow streaks on your nails
3. Corners of the nail may crumble
4. Flaky surface of the nail
5. Yellow spots at the bottom of the nails
6. Loss of nail
7. A nail breaking off from the rest of the nails
8. An odour from the nail
9. Brittle or thick nails

There are many kinds of infections that may afflict the body from time to time. While some of them may be dormant conditions that flare up due to environmental factors, there may be others that may occur due to a change in season as well as other causes, including interaction with a carrier of the same infection.

A fungal infection is usually caused by the growth and accumulation of the harmful fungi in a particular part of the body or organ of the body. These kinds of infections may be caused between the toes, thighs, vagina and other areas where we tend to sweat a lot. The hands, feet, nails and the groin region are also quite susceptible to such infection. Let us find out the various ways in which homeopathy can be used in order to treat fungal infections in the body. One must keep in mind that these medicines must only be prescribed by a medical practitioner.

1. Fungal infection on the feet - The best homeopathic medication for fungal infection on the feet includes petroleum and silicea. These medicines may be used especially if there is a strong odour and excessive sweating. These medicines are good for clearing the infection entirely. Also, they are especially effective for conditions like Athlete’s Foot.

2. Fungal infection in the groin area - If the patient is suffering from a fungal infection in the groin area or around the thighs, like a Jock Itch or any related condition, then medicines like Graphites and Sepia may be prescribed by the doctor. These medicines are especially helpful when there is a great deal of itching along with an outbreak of rashes plus other signs of the infection.

3. Fungal Infection on the Scalp - There are many kinds of infections that may occur in the scalp of the patient due to excessive sweating as well as other kinds of pollution and exposure to chemicals. Thuja and Kali Sulphuricum may be prescribed for this purpose. It also fights related symptoms like excessive itching of the scalp and sensitivity to touch.

4. Fungal Infection on the Skin - When the skin suffers from a fungal infection which leads to boils, crusting, pus and bleeding, Tellurium, Sepia and Thuja may be recommended by the doctor. These medicines work well if the patient is experiencing severe itching, especially after taking a cold shower or bath.

5. Fungal Infection in the Mouth - The fungal infection in the mouth may happen due to lack of hydration as well as poor eating habits. In such cases, the doctor may prescribe medicines like Helonias and Borax. These medicines also deal with symptoms like the formation of ulcers or white lesions in the mouth. 

Homeopathy has the permanent cure for all these types of infections that impact the daily life of the patients. You just need to see an expert homeopath and he will prescribe you medicines as per your needs to provide quick and lasting results.

Your skin is the largest and most sensitive organ of your body. Fungi that live in the human body especially armpits, groin area, nails, and feet, cause fungal skin infections. Weak immunity is the leading cause, with over 300 million people fighting fungal infections globally, every year.

Some of the common types of fungal skin infections are-

• Athlete’s foot- Also known as Tinea pedis, Athlete’s foot occurs when the tenia fungus begins to grow on your feet. It is most commonly associated with athletes because it grows in warm and moist climates such as in socks, near swimming pools and in locker rooms.

Symptoms of athlete’s foot –

1. Infected area becomes soft and layers of skin begin to peel off
2. Redness, blisters, and cracking of skin

Treatment includes applying topical antifungal ointments such as terbinafine while, severe cases may require oral medication.

• Ringworm – Ringworm is a highly contagious skin infection and is spread by person-to-person or pet to person contact. The fungus can also spread through infected towel, clothes, and mud.

Symptoms of Ringworm –

1. Red itchy patches on the skin which develop into the raised ring-like bumps
2. Formation of scales on the patches

Treatment of the infection includes medicines like miconazole.

• Jock ‘s itch- Also known as Tinea Cruris, these fungi thrive in moist and warm areas of the body such as the groin, inner thighs and buttocks.

Symptoms of Jock’s itch –

1. Itchy red circular rashes over the body and burning
2. Chafing and peeling of the infected area

Treatment includes prescribed medication and maintaining personal hygiene.

Prevention is better than cure when it comes to fungal infections. Visit a doctor to know the cause and get appropriate treatment for the same. A medical exam is the best way to detect the cause of a skin infection. Do not use over the counter creams for fungal infection as they might contain steroid and cause fungal resistance.

Fungal infections in nails are caused by an overgrowth of the fungi in your nails. When the growth of fungus happens on the fingernails or toenails, it is known as onychomycosis or tineaunguium.

Here are the probable causes of why you might get a fungal nail infection:

Causes

1.        Diabetes
2.        Problems in your circulatory system
3.        Age
4.        Artificial nails
5.        Swim in public pools
6.        Nail injuries
7.        Skin injuries surrounding the nail
8.        Fingers or toes which have been moist for an extended period of time
9.        Immune system problems
10.        Wearing shoes which have toes enclosed

It is also worth note that fungal infections happen much more frequently in your toenail as compared to your fingernail. This is because of two main reasons. The first reason is that fungi can grow very easily on your toenails because of the position. Your shoes are dark, warm and moist and therefore, perfect for the growth of fungi. The second reason for more fungal infections on your toe nails as compared to your fingernails is because toes have less blood flow than fingers, thus making it harder for the immune system to fight off the infection.

Symptoms

Fungal infections in your nails are one of the easier infections to diagnose. This is because there are several symptoms which indicate you have this condition. Here are those symptoms.

1.        Scaling underneath your skin
2.        White or yellow streaks on your nails
3.        Corners of the nail may crumble
4.        Flaky surface of the nail
5.        Yellow spots at the bottom of the nails
6.        Loss of nail
7.        A nail breaking off from the rest of the nails
8.        An odor from the nail
9.        Brittle or thick nails

Nail fungus is a very common problem. Symptoms include inflammation, swelling, yellowing, thickening or crumbling of the nail. It is usually not painful, unless the infection spreads.

If left untreated, nail fungus can cause cracking, splitting and even complete loss of the nail. The good news is that nail fungus is curable and can be treated very easily. There are many specialized treatments required for bringing quickest recovery.

Most people think that medications are the only solution in this regard, but this is not true as there are many therapies that are needed along with medicines so that speed of recovery can be boosted to a great extent.

Treatments for fungal-nail infections-

Antifungal medications: Nails are first tested thoroughly in order to get the confirmation about nail fungus. Both growth and reproduction of fungal cells are prevented by consuming these medications. Some of these medicines are used for topical or external application while others are taken orally. Some of the physicians suggest continuing both types of medicines simultaneously for getting more powerful effects and quick recovery.

However, there are a few probable side-effects that occur while taking these medicines and these include loss in taste, rashes, diarrhoea, itching, headache and others.

Using antifungal nail-paint: Nowadays, you can use antifungal nail-paints so that the deepest layer of the nail can be well treated and infected parts can be healed quickly. But you have to continue the usage for a few months, or else, you will not be able to get the desirable results.

Laser treatment: This treatment is one of the most powerful ones and can treat your infected nail with greater speed and accuracy. Light energy in high doses is used for treating nail infection in this case.

The above treatments are really quite helpful, and you can choose any of them as per your necessity, preference and affordability.

Things you can do at home--

1. keep your hands and feet clean and dry
2. wear well-fitting shoes made of natural materials and clean cotton socks, these will allow your feet to "breathe"
3. clip your nails to keep them short, use a separate pair of clippers or scissors for the infected nail
4. don't share towels and socks with other people, and ensure your towels are washed regularly
5. don't walk around barefoot in public pools, showers, and locker rooms, special shower shoes are available to protect your feet
6. consider replacing old footwear as it could be the source of the infection
7. treat athlete's foot as soon as possible to avoid the infection spreading to your nails. Consult an expert & get answers to your questions!

Fungal skin diseases are brought about by various sorts of fungi and are the main reasons behind an irritated skin. Fungi attack and develop in dead keratin, a protein that makes up your skin, hair and nails. The various sorts of fungal diseases are caused by various groups of fungi. Some common fungal skin infections include ringworm, intertrigo, nail infections, Athlete’s foot, etc.

The likelihood of fungal infections increase in the following cases:

1. If you are overweight
2. Not drying your skin completely after a shower or wash
3. Walking barefoot in shower and wet locations
4. In case of a pregnancy
5. If you have a weak immune system
6. If you suffer from diabetes
7. If you come into contact with a person or animal with fungal infections.
8. Due to a recent course of antibiotics

Fungal rashes can at times be mistaken for other skin conditions, for example, psoriasis and eczema. Fungal skin diseases can bring about a number of skin rashes; some of them being red, textured and itchy. The organism can influence only one region, or a few zones of your body. In the event that you get a fungal disease of your scalp, you might lose some hair. There are steps which can be performed in order to protect yourself from getting a parasitic skin contamination:

1. Dry your skin properly after a shower
2. Try not to share hairbrushes, towels or combs since they might be carrying fungi
3. In case a family member has been infected with scalp ringworm, hats, pillows, combs or scissors should be soaked using water and bleach
4. Allow your shoes sufficient time to dry out by alternating them every two or three days
5. In order to keep moisture away from the skin, wear loose clothes that are made of cotton or other breathable materials.
6. Socks, bed linen and clothes should be washed regularly to prevent the growth of any fungi
7. In communal and wet areas like saunas, swimming pools, showers, etc., wear clean plastic shoes or flip-flops.
8. If you have diabetes, try to keep your blood sugar under control

Your skin is the largest and most sensitive organ of your body. Funguses that live in the human body especially armpits, groin area, nails, and feet, cause fungal skin infections. Weak immunity is the leading cause, with over 300 million people fighting fungal infections globally, every year.

Some of the common types of fungal skin infections are-

• Athlete’s foot- Also known as Tenia pedis, Athlete’s foot occurs when the tenia fungus begins to grow on your feet. It is most commonly associated with athletes because it grows in warm and moist climates such as in socks, near swimming pools and in locker rooms.

Symptoms of athlete’s foot –

1. Infected area becomes soft and layers of skin begin to peel off
2. Redness, blisters, and cracking of skin

Treatment includes applying of topical antifungal ointments such as terbinafinewhile, severe cases may require oral medication.

• Ringworm – Ringworm is a highly contagious skin infection and is spread by person-to-person or pet to person contact. The fungus can also spread through infected towel, clothes, and mud.

Symptoms of Ringworm –

1. Red itchy patches on the skin which develop into raised ring like bumps
2. Formation of scales on the patches

Treatment of the infection includes medicines like miconazole.

• Jock ‘s itch- Also known as Tinea Cruris, these fungi thrive in moist and warm areas of the body such as the groin, inner thighs and buttocks.

Symptoms of Jock’s itch –

1. Itchy red circular rashes over the body and burning
2. Chafing and peeling of the infected area

Treatment includes prescribed medication and maintaining personal hygiene.

Prevention is better than cure when it comes to fungal infections. Visit a doctor at the first signs of infection. A medical exam is the best way to detect the cause of a skin infection.

Fungal skin diseases are brought about by various sorts of fungi and are the main reasons behind an irritated skin. Fungi attack and develop in dead keratin, a protein that makes up your skin, hair and nails. The various sorts of fungal diseases are caused by various groups of fungi. Some common fungal skin infections include ringworm, intertrigo, nail infections, Athlete’s foot, etc.

The likelihood of fungal infections increase in the following cases:

1. If you are overweight
2. Not drying your skin completely after a shower or wash
3. Walking barefoot in shower and wet locations
4. In case of a pregnancy
5. If you have a weak immune system
6. If you suffer from diabetes
7. If you come into contact with a person or animal with fungal infections.
8. Due to a recent course of antibiotics

Fungal rashes can at times be mistaken for other skin conditions, for example, psoriasis and eczema. Fungal skin diseases can bring about a number of skin rashes; some of them being red, textured and itchy. The organism can influence only one region, or a few zones of your body. In the event that you get a fungal disease of your scalp, you might lose some hair. There are steps which can be performed in order to protect yourself from getting a parasitic skin contamination:

1. Dry your skin properly after a shower
2. Try not to share hairbrushes, towels or combs since they might be carrying fungi
3. In case a family member has been infected with scalp ringworm, hats, pillows, combs or scissors should be soaked using water and bleach
4. Allow your shoes sufficient time to dry out by alternating them every two or three days
5. In order to keep moisture away from the skin, wear loose clothes that are made of cotton or other breathable materials.
6. Socks, bed linen and clothes should be washed regularly to prevent the growth of any fungi
7. In communal and wet areas like saunas, swimming pools, showers, etc., wear clean plastic shoes or flip-flops.
8. If you have diabetes, try to keep your blood sugar under control

In case you have a concern or query you can always consult an expert & get answers to your questions!

Fungi (the plural for fungus) are germs present all around us. They sometimes settle on parts of our body most conducive to their growth, such as in between fingers, groin area, armpits and nails. Out of all paediatric dermatoses, fungal skin infections are the most common. Fungal skin infections, based on their severity take around few months to two years to heal. Following are a few common fungal skin infections, their causes and tips to prevent them-

1. Ringworm- it is characterised by red circular often inflamed itchy sores on the skin, in between fingers and nails. It is spread through infected person-to-person, infected pet to person and infected mud to person contact. Ringworm can be prevented by keeping your skin clean and dry and staying away from infected persons, pets or objects. Do not share clothes, towels, comb, and wear sandals to washrooms and locker rooms.
2. Yeast infections- yeast infections are caused by yeast-like fungi called candida. The most likely to be affected areas are the armpits, vagina and mouth. A balanced diet with good hygiene is important to prevent yeast infections. Wearing loose light clothes and regular washing of intimate wear is also necessary.
3. Jock’s itch- Jock’s itch is a fungal skin infection caused by fungi called Tinea. This fungus grows in warm moist areas of the body such as buttocks, inner thighs and groin area. Jock’s itch can be prevented by keeping the groin area clean and dry at all time. Use only clean towels to wipe yourself after a bath or swim and wear innerwear that fits perfectly.

Taking preventive measures works better than searching for an effective treatment to cure to fungal skin infections. Notifying a doctor or taking a skin test as soon as you see the first signs of an infection can avoid serious complications. Fungal infections run from mild to severe and can be treated with over the counter medications.
 

The air is saturated with moisture during the rainy season. This makes the weather humid and everything else damp. This makes it an ideal breeding season for bacteria, viruses and fungi. Common problems of the season like water logging even deteriorate this situation further. Skin-related problems are on the rise during the monsoons, especially due to fungal infections.
 
Here is a list of a few fungal infections and how you should deal with them: 

1. Athlete's foot: This disease occurs if the feet are exposed to dirty water for a long time. The skin turns greenish with pus-filled scaly and itchy patches. You can treat this by using absorbent anti-bacterial and anti-fungal powder. Soaking your feet in vinegar or bleach solutions can be helpful for getting relief from Athlete's foot. It is also best to keep your feet dry all the time and carry a separate pair of shoes. 
2. Ringworm: Ringworm infection occurs in the shape of a ring on your neck, on the soles of your feet, in the armpits etc. It can be treated with anti-fungal powder or cream. Also, avoid scratching the infected area or wearing clothes made of synthetic material. 
3. Tinea capitis: This is a fungal infection on the scalp or in a beard (also called ringworm of scalp). It can be treated using anti-fungal shampoo containing ingredients like salicylic acid which exfoliates the skin and scrubs the infected cells off the scalp.
4. Nail infection: Dirt and mud that accumulate under the nails lead to fungal infection in both the fingers and toes. Due to the humid weather during the monsoons, accumulation of sweat under the nails is also responsible for such infections. The preventive measure is to keep short nails and remove dirt from under the nails. Anti-fungal powder is a remedy for this too. 
5. Eczema: This is a chronic skin condition where itching and bleeding blisters and patches appear on the skin. The disease is often aggravated during the monsoons due to the damp weather. This can be treated by applying salt and magnesium on the affected areas of the skin. Coconut oil helps to provide relief from the itching and burning sensations. A great way to keep your skin safe from these infections is to use only soft cotton clothes during the monsoon season. Materials like silk, satin, polyester etc. irritate the skin and do not allow the pores to breathe, so they should be avoided.