Fungal Culture - Pleural Fluid Tips

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 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 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 :

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.

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

Ringworm of the scalp usually affects children. This is a common type of a fungal infection of the scalp and has nothing t-d-with the worms as the name suggests. This is treated with antifungal medications and though the antifungal shampo-is not to-effective, it might be advised along with medication.

Causes of scalp ringworm:

1. Most of the times a ringworm infection is caught by person t-person through sharing towels and touching. The fungi and its spores can remain alive on brushes, combs, sheets, furniture and unwashed towels for long. Some people are only carriers of fungi, meaning that they carry the fungi and its spores in their hair and skin but d-not have any infection and symptoms. But they might pass these fungi t-others wh-may develop the symptoms.

2.  From pets like cats and dogs wh-are very prone t-fungal infection of the skin. They easily pass their infection t-children and other family members. Farms animals are als-a source of fungal infection 
and if the farm gate is touched where the infected cattle pass, is enough t-cause infection.

3. Also at times, there is no reason and fungi infection can just happen out of the blue. Like for example, the fungi spores can get transmitted through air, they might get int-the air by an infected person and land on someone else's head. This can develop int-fungi and cause infection.

Symptoms of scalp ringworm:

1. The infection looks more like dandruff, a severe form of dandruff in different parts of the scalp. This is often mistaken t-be psoriasis.

2. In some infection there is loss of hair leading t-bald patches. These patches become scaly and inflamed. The patches might have broken off small hair.

3. Several painful pustules and boils occur on the scalp

4. In severe infection there is boggy swelling of some part of the scalp, which is known as kerion. This might be tender and oozing, and if not treated can lead t-hair loss and permanent scarring.

5. In severe infections like with pustules and kerion, one might develop high fever and the glands of the neck might swell. 

Treatment of scalp ringworm:

The treatment of the fungal infection of the scalp involves the following:

1. Antifungal Medicines: These are usually taken in the form of tablets. The following are advised:
2. Griseofulvin: This is often the first choice and a course of 8-12 weeks is required. The tablet can be crushed and taken with water.
3. Terbinafine: The course for this is four weeks and is important t-complete the course in order t-get rid of the 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!

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

Fungus or fungi are microorganisms which are present everywhere around you. From inside the house to out on the road, fungi are present all over. At times, they may enter the bloodstream through your skin and cause various fungal infections. Fungal infections should not be left to heal on their own.

They need immediate medical treatment and can be cured as soon as proper medicine is administered. Homeopathy uses some of the most natural extracts or natural ingredients to cure fungal infections. This means that not only would your infection heal but also there would be no scope of any side effects. 

Some of these natural medicines against fungal infections are discussed below:

1. Garlic: The medicinal properties of garlic are not less known to anyone. In fact, you can start consuming more garlic in your food to speed up your recovery. The antibacterial properties of garlic are many. You can make a fine paste of garlic and olive oil and apply on the affected area for at least thirty minutes before washing it off. Furthermore, for fungi infections in the vagina, wrap garlic in a gauge and then place it in the vagina for half an hour before removing it. However, since the vagina is one of the most delicate parts of the human body, it is recommended that you consult the homoeopathic practitioner before opting for self-medication.
2. Tea Tree Oil: This might take some time or at least two to three weeks to show its effects. All you have to do is take tea tree oil and mix it with olive oil. Apply this mixture on the infected area at least twice a day. The anti-fungal properties of tea tree kill the infection causing fungi and the antiseptic properties prevent spreading of the infection further. However, pregnant women must not make use of this method.
3. Olive Leaf: Not only do olives boost the immune system, but the leaf of the olive trees helps in curing fungal infections with its antifungal properties. Grind some of the olive leaves and apply the paste onto the affected area. This would help in curing your fungal infection faster.

Thus, these are some of the best natural remedies against fungal infections. It is always advisable to consult your local medical practitioner before administering any of these medicines. In fact, if the infection spreads or takes an unnaturally long time to heal, then it is best to consult your homoeopathic practitioner again for a higher dose of medicine.

There are many commonly occurring fungal infections of the skin like athlete's foot, ringworm, yeast infection and jocks itch. These infections are caused because of warm, moist and humid environment which is ideal for fungal growth. There is no need to worry, as all these conditions are treatable with topical ointments and medicines.

Here is all you need to know of common fungal infections of the skin:

1. Athlete's foot: It is diagnosed with skin sample tests. The common symptoms are:

• Burning and itching
• Redness, blisters, softening or breaking down of skin.
• Peeling, cracking and scaling of feet.

2. Jock's itch: Jock itch, also called tinea cruris, is a common skin infection that is caused by a type of fungus called tinea. The fungus thrives in warm, moist areas of the body and as a result, infection can affect the genitals, inner thighs, and buttocks. Infections occur more frequently in the summer or in warm, wet climates. Jock itch appears as a red, itchy rash that is often ring-shaped. Symptoms can be described as:

• Itching, chafing, or burning in the groin or thigh
• A circular, red, raised rash with elevated edges
• Redness in the groin or thigh
• Flaking, peeling, or cracking skin

3. Ring worm: Ring worm is a fungal infection which can occur anywhere on the skin. It is circular in appearance and often cause the surrounding skin to become scaly. Symptoms are common as of most fungal infections. Ring worm can be treated with many over the counter creams.

4. Yeast infection: They occur when yeast on the skin grows more actively and causes a red, scaling, itchy rash on the skin. Yeast infections are not contagious. It is especially common among people who are obese or who have diabetes. People taking antibiotics are also at risk of such. Yeast infection is one fungal infection with most varied symptoms.

Signs of yeast infection in skin folds include:

• Rash
• Patches that ooze clear fluid
• Pimple-like bumps
• Itching or burning

Signs of yeast infection in the nail beds include:

• Swelling
• Pain
• Pus
• White or yellow nail that separates from the nail bed

Signs of thrush (yeast infection of the mouth) include:

• White patches on tongue and inside of the cheeks
• Pain

Signs of vaginal yeast infection include:

• White or yellow discharge from the vagina
• Itching
• Redness in the external area of the vagina
• Burning

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

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

Tinea capitis, a disease easy to detect but difficult to treat.