Fungal Culture - Pleural Fluid Tips

Also known as jock itch, ‘Tinea Cruris’ is a fungal infection of the groin; it commonly occurs in men. This disorder is primarily caused by a fungus known as dermatophytes. It is characterized by an appearance of circular patches on the skin which look similar to a ring. They usually do no harm. However, if conditions are right they can 'invade' the skin, multiply and cause infection. The conditions fungi like best are warm, moist and airless areas of skin, such as the groin.

Causes-

The fungus primarily tends to grow on the moist and warm parts of the body, such as the buttocks, thighs or the groin region. Men who are overweight are at an increased risk because of the excess sweat that provides the perfect thriving spot for the fungus. Athletes are also more vulnerable to this condition. Sharing objects such as shoes, towels and combs can also be a source of this infection.

Symptoms-

The groin becomes itchy and irritable, mainly in the crease between the top of the leg and the genitals. It is more common in men, and the scrotum may also be itchy. A red rash then develops in the groin, usually with a definite edge or border. Both groins are commonly affected. The rash often spreads a short way down the inside of both thighs.

Sometimes the infection spreads to the skin on other parts of the body (or may have first started in another area, such as athlete's foot). Fungal infections do not usually go deeper than the skin into the body and are not usually serious. 

Treatment-

This condition is usually mild, hence, can be treated with over the counter medications. It takes about a week or two for the symptoms to clear up completely. Anti-fungal creams and lotions are useful in getting rid of the infection. It is recommended to carry on with the treatment even after the symptoms subside; till you complete the required dosage. Also, continue the anti-fungal medication for at-least two weeks after symptomatic relief to prevent recurrence.

In addition to the treatments, there are certain preventive measures that you can adopt–

1. Don’t wear the same set of clothes every day while exercising.

2. Wear fresh and properly washed undergarments.

3. Wear loose fitting clothes; this prevents the area from getting too moist too soon.

4. Apply medicated talcum powder on the infected areas.

Fungal infection in the nails, otherwise called onychomycosis, is a frequently seen issue. Side effects include irritation, swelling, yellowing, thickening or itching of the nail. It is normally not painful, unless the infection spreads further.

The fungal infection has a tendency to occur under specific conditions, like unusual pH levels of the skin, a weak immune system, nonstop introduction to a damp surrounding including sweat-soaked shoes and socks, poor cleanliness and diabetes.

In case if left untreated, fungal infection in the nails can bring about breakage and even total loss of the nails. The good news is that the bacteria present inside the nails is reparable and can be dealt with reasonably. Various common home cures can cure the infection in a couple of weeks. These are as follows:

1. Apple Cider Vinegar: Apple cider vinegar is somewhat acidic and can keep fungus from spreading. In the meantime, it eliminates the bacteria and parasites.
2. Tea Tree Oil: Tea tree oil has germ-free and antifungal properties that help to a considerable measure in the treatment of fungal growth. This oil is likewise used to treat different sorts of skin infections.
3. Baking Soda: Baking soda is readily accessible in many kitchens and can be utilized to cure the fungal growth. It will also kill the foul smell.
4. White Vinegar: White vinegar is one of the best remedies for treating toenail fungus since it battles the infection and reestablishes the skin's pH levels.
5. Oregano oil: Oregano oil has germ-free, antibacterial, antiparasitic, antiviral, pain relieving and antifungal properties. This makes oregano oil a powerful treatment for fungal infections.
6. Listerine Mouthwash: Listerine mouthwash, which eliminates microbes and germs in the mouth, can likewise be utilized to treat the fungus. The mouthwash has a few mixes and liquor that act as a solid germicide to keep away destructive bacteria and organisms.
7. Garlic: Garlic contains compounds like allicin and ajoene, which have antifungal properties that can treat toenail fungus.
8. Lemon Juice: Lemon juice has both sterile and antifungal properties. The citrus extract in lemon squeeze likewise will prevent the fungal growth from spreading.
9. Lavender Oil: Lavender oil has a few unpredictable mixes and germ-free properties that can battle any sort of contamination and forestall skin swelling.
10. Orange Oil: Orange oil additionally has antifungal properties, and along can be utilized to treat contaminated toenails. Orange oil can bring about hypersensitive responses and can have reactions, so it is important to test some orange oil on a little spot of skin before using it as a cure.
11. Coconut Oil: Unsaturated fats, like for example, the ones discovered in coconut oil, normally embed themselves in the lipid (fat) layer of the infected area and bother it.
     

फंगल दरअसल एक तरह का संक्रमण है जो कि कवक के माध्यम से फैलता है. फंगल नमी वाले मौसम में पनपने के लिए अनुकूलित होता है. मानसून भीषण गर्मी से तो हमें राहत दिलाता है, लेकिन बारिश का यह मौसम अपने साथ कई स्वास्थ्य और त्वचा से जुड़ी समस्याएं भी लेकर आता है. बारिश के नमी भरे मौसम में हमारे त्वचा पर लाल चकत्ते, मुंहासे इत्यादि फंगल संक्रमण के ही प्रकार कहे जा सकते हैं. मानसून की शुरुआत के बाद फंगल संक्रमण के रोगियों की संख्या बढ़ जाती है. मानसून के दौरान फंगस पैदा करने वाले कवक आमतौर पर कई गुना तेजी से फैलते हैं. आइए इस लेख के माध्यम से हम फंगल इन्फेक्शन पर एक नजर डालें.

फंगल कब और कैस फैलता है?
यह आमतौर पर पैर की उंगलियों के पोरों पर अथवा उनके बीच के हिस्सों पर या उन जगहों पर जहां बैक्टीरिया या यीस्ट इन्फेक्शन बहुत अधिक तेजी से होता है, वहां फैलते हैं. अक्सर मॉनसून के दौरान लोग हल्की बूंदा-बांदी में भीगने के बाद अपनी त्वचा को नजरअंदाज कर देते हैं. लेकिन यही छोटी सी गलती कई बार फंगस इन्फेक्शन का कारण बन जाती है.

फंगल संक्रमण का साइड इफेक्ट्स और इससे बचाव का तरीका-
फंगल इन्फेक्शन से बचने के लिए यह बहुत जरुरी है की त्वचा को ज्यादा देर तक गीली ना रहे. यह समस्या जुलाई और अगस्त के महीने के दौरान ज्यादा देखी जाती है. स्कैल्प में होने वाले फंगल इन्फेक्शन के लक्षण सामान्य फंगल इन्फेक्शन से अलग होते हैं. आम तौर पर यह स्कैल्प पर छोट-छोटे फोड़ों, दानों या चिपचिपी लेयर के रूप में दिखाई देता है. आपको ऐसा कोई लक्षण नजर आए तो शीघ्र ही डॉक्टर की सहायता लें, अन्यथा समय पर इलाज नहीं करने पर यह आपके हेयरफॉल का बड़ा कारण बन सकता है.

* लहसुन-
लहसुन में एंटी-फंगल गुण पाए जाते हैं इसलिए खाने में लहसुन के इस्तेमाल से फंगल इंफेक्शन का जोखिम कम हो जाता है. लहसुन के इस्तेमाल के लिए आप लहसुन की 3-4 कलियों को अच्छे से पीस लें और इसके पेस्ट को इंफेक्शन वाली साईट पर लगाएं. यदि आपने इंफेक्शन वाली साईट को ज्यादा खुजलाया है तो लहसुन लगाने से एक मिनट तक हल्की सी जलन हो सकती है लेकिन इससे ये इन्फेक्शन धीरे-धीरे खत्म हो जाते हैं.

* हल्दी-
हल्दी में भी एंटीफंगल गुण मौजूद होते हैं, इसलिए इसके प्रयोग से भी फंगल इंफेक्शन ठीक हो जाते हैं. इसके लिए आप इंफेक्शन वाली जगह पर कच्ची हल्दी को पीसकर लगा सकते हैं. अगर कच्ची हल्दी उपलब्ध नहीं है तो आप हल्दी पाउडर को थोड़े से पानी के साथ मिलाकर इसका गाढ़ा पेस्ट बनाकर इसे भी प्रभावित साईट पर लगा सकते हैं. हल्दी के इस्तेमाल से इंफेक्शन की वजह से होने वाले दाग-धब्बे भी मिट जाते हैं.

* ओलिव ऑयल-
ओलिव ऑयल बहुत प्रभावकारी होता है लेकिन इसके पत्तों में भी कई गुणकारी योगिक होते हैं. फंगल इंफेक्शन को ठीक करने के लिए जैतून के 5-6 पत्तों को पीसकर पेस्ट बना लें और इसे इंफेक्शन वाली साईट पर लगा लें. इस पेस्ट को त्वचा पर आधे घंटे तक लगा रहने दें और इसके बाद धो लें.

* एलोवेरा जेल-
फंगल इंफेक्शन में एलोवेरा जेल के इस्तेमाल से राहत मिल सकती है लेकिन इसके लिए फ्रेश पत्तियों का जेल अच्छा होता है. इसके लिए आप एलोवेरा के ताजे पत्ते को तोड़कर वर्टिकल रूप में काट लें और जेल वाले हिस्से को त्वचा पर सीधे ही रब करें. रब करने के बाद बचे हुए रेशों को त्वचा पर 30 मिनट तक रहने दें फिर गुनगुने पानी से धो लें.

* दही-
दही में एसिड होता है जो खराब बैक्टीरिया को मार देता है. हालांकि दही में पहले से ही बैक्टीरिया होते हैं लेकिन वो बैक्टीरिया हमारे बॉडी को कोई नुकसान नहीं पहुंचाते हैं. फंगल इंफेक्शन के लिए आप दही को इंफेक्शन वाली जगह पर कॉटन की सहायता से लगाएं और मसाज करें. इसके लिए ध्यान दें की इंफेक्शन वाली साईट को कभी भी हाथों से न छुएं, क्योंकि ये इंफेक्शन संक्रामक होता है.

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 the 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 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.

If you are experiencing symptoms such as swelling, inflammation, thickening, yellowing and crumbling of your nails, toenail fungus or onychomycosis is indicated. This is a very common problem, which is usually painless, unless the infection gets spread. The fungus thrives under certain conditions like abnormal levels of pH in the skin, a weak immune system, poor hygiene, diabetes and a continuous exposure to moist or damp environment. If not treated properly, toenail fungus can lead to cracking, splitting or total loss of your toenail. There are various ways of treating fungal infections in the nails. Some of them are as follows:

1. Tea Tree Oil: Tea tree oil contains antiseptic and antifungal properties, which help in treating toenail fungus. You need to mix some drops of tea tree oil with coconut oil and olive oil. Using a piece of cotton, apply the mixture on your affected nail, keep it for 10 minutes and scrub off the nail with a toothbrush. For ideal results, you must repeat this process more than twice regularly.

2. Baking Soda: Baking soda is a commonly used remedy for fungal infections in your nails. It also helps in neutralizing foot odor. Add baking soda, hydrogen peroxide and Epsom salt in hot water, add vinegar to the mixture and soak your affected nail in the solution. After this, wash your feet with water. Repeat the procedure twice a day for several weeks.

3. White Vinegar: This is an ideal ingredient for the treatment of toenail fungus. It helps in restoring the pH balance of the skin and fights against infections. Add one part of white vinegar to warm water and soak your affected toenail in it for about 10 minutes. After this, you must wash it off. Carry out the process twice a day for effective results.

4. Oil of Pregano: Oil of oregano is considered effective because of its antibacterial, antiviral, analgesic and antiseptic properties. It is an ideal way for treating fungal infections in your nails. Mix oregano oil with olive oil, apply the solution on your nails and leave it for over 30 minutes. Repeat the process thrice a day for good results.

5. Listerine Mouthwash: Listerine mouthwash is another important home remedy for treating fungal infections in the nails. This mouthwash contains certain compounds along with alcohol, which have very strong antiseptic properties and help in eliminating harmful fungi and bacteria from your nails.

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

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- Homeopathic medications are the best for fungal infection on the feet. These medicines may be used especially if there are 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. Homeopathic medicines are 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 fungal infection which leads to boils, crusting, pus and bleeding, Homeopathic medicines are the best solution. 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 prescribes homeopathic medicines which are best suited to the patient. These medicines also deal with symptoms like the formation of ulcers or white lesions in the mouth.

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!

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. If you wish to discuss about any specific problem, you can consult a Dermatologist.

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

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

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

1. Diabetes
2. Problems in your circulatory system
3. Age
4. Artificial nails
5. Swimming 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 enclosed toes

It is also worth noting that fungal infections happen much more frequently in your toenail as compared to your fingernails, this is because of two main reasons. Firstly, that the fungi can grow very easily on your toenails because of the position as 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.

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 some of 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 nail
8. An odor from the nail
9. Brittle or thick nails