Mycoses are a group of diseases caused by fungi. These can be dermatophyte fungi, molds, yeast-like fungi of the genus Candida. All of them can cause numerous skin diseases. The source of infection is humans, animals and the environment as a whole. Fungal skin diseases have serious consequences. The treatment process is lengthy and complex.

Types of fungal skin diseases

Each type of fungal disease, depending on the location of the skin lesion, is divided into several separate types. The danger of each of them lies not only in discomfort, but also in the degree of negative impact on the body. Some varieties can have a toxic effect on tissues and internal organs. Yeast fungi become the causative agents of the most common female disorder - thrush.

On the body

Fungal skin lesions on the body always have pronounced symptoms. The rarest type is systemic mycosis. The disease affects not only smooth skin, but also penetrates the internal organs. Keratomycosis, dermatomycosis and candidiasis are considered more common. Diseases differ in the depth of penetration of the microbe, the scale of damage and symptoms.

On the face

The most common fungal diseases of the face are:

• keratomycosis (trichosporia, pityriasis versicolor);
• dermatomycosis (trichophytosis, mycosis, microsporia, favus);
• pyoderma (purulent rashes, which include acne, furunculosis, impetigo, hidradenitis);
• exanthema (viral fungal diseases, including herpes and papillomas).

On the scalp

Scalp fungus often goes undetected. For example, dandruff belongs to the category of fungal diseases. People are not always in a hurry to get rid of it, considering its appearance to be a seasonal reaction of the body, the result of using the wrong shampoos, or other consequences of environmental factors. The causative agent of dandruff is not only a pathogenic microbe, but also a number of serious diseases not related to the skin, but to the body as a whole. The most common scalp fungi are:

• trichophytosis;
• microsporosis;
• favus.

Symptoms of skin fungus

There are a huge number of varieties of fungal diseases. Some symptoms indicate a specific disease, but most of the signs are general. If several of them are identified, it is necessary to consult a specialist and undergo a special examination. When choosing how to treat fungus on the skin, you must be guided by many factors. Main symptoms of fungus:

• redness;
• peeling;

Fungus on the scalp is accompanied by the appearance of “crusts”, hair loss and dandruff. If a fungal infection affects the nails, then the development of the disease begins with thickening of the nail plate, yellow spots, peeling and deformation. On the genitals or mucous membranes, the disease is accompanied by a cheesy coating.

Treatment of skin fungus

Before prescribing a type of therapy for fungal diseases, a specialized examination of the patient is required. The doctor examines the condition of the skin and mucous membranes. A scraping, x-ray or ultrasound is prescribed if the fungus affects internal organs. The treatment complex includes not only antifungal agents for the skin, but also a special diet.

Basic hygiene and attention to your own body is the best prevention of fungal skin diseases:

1. You should not wear someone else’s shoes or clothes, or use shared hygiene products.
2. There is no need to be in contact with a person who shows signs of uncleanliness or skin irritation.
3. You should wash your hands as often as possible, especially after visiting public places.
4. You need to examine your own body regularly. This is especially true for the groin, feet, hands, head and face.

Tablets

Antifungal medications are prescribed only in cases of emergency or when a chronic form of the disease is detected. Most fungal infections are treated with creams, lotions, or patches. The most effective tablet drugs include Nystatin, Fluconazole, Pimafucort, Levorin. You should take any of the medications only as prescribed by your doctor and in accordance with the recommendations in the instructions.

Antifungal ointment

Some fungal diseases develop without physical discomfort. Mild forms of fungi can be treated with an antifungal skin cream. If there are complications, doctors prescribe additional measures - taking antibiotics. Erythromycin and salicylic ointments are considered the most effective remedies that have maintained their popularity in the treatment of fungal infections for many decades. Modern experts recommend using Clotrimazole, Decamine, Mycozolon, Zincundan.

Shampoo

The most common fungal disease is seborrhea. An effective way to treat it is with hair washes. It is recommended to use the products at any stage of fungal development. Experts prescribe antifungal shampoo Sebozol, Nizoral, Cynovit, Dandrhotal. The average course of use is 2 weeks. They must be used for some time after the symptoms disappear to consolidate the results.

Leather

You can become infected with fungi through close contact with a sick person or dog, cat, or through objects and things (towel, linen, washcloth, etc.) that the patient used, as well as through animal care items. Children often become infected with fungi from stray cats and dogs. Redness with burning and peeling can appear both on the body and on the scalp. After some time, the hair can also suffer - and the hair can suffer both from the outside and from the inside.

One of the well-known skin lesions is pityriasis versicolor, in which the most superficial layer of the skin suffers. The lesions are round in shape and vary in size with a color ranging from yellow to light brown. With sweating, the lesions can merge into large spots. Ultraviolet rays partially cure this disease, however, as a rule, one cannot do without ointments and solutions with antifungal antibiotics.

Microsporia, trichophytosis- these are also spots of regular shape, red, with peeling. These scales contain a large amount of fungus, which can be spread to other areas of the skin during bathing. If there are lesions on the scalp, eyebrows, the hair begins to break at a height of 0.5-1 cm (this is already ringworm). Mostly children suffer, and they become infected from kittens, puppies, guinea pigs and hamsters.

Treatment consists of long-term local use of antifungal drugs that inhibit the proliferation of fungi, and oral administration of antifungal antibiotics.

Nails

They are more often damaged in older people. It is difficult for fungi to get into healthy nails because they need certain conditions - for the nails to be loose, flaky. And a person creates such conditions with age, when he develops. Damage to blood vessels impairs tissue nutrition, nails begin to suffer and become easy prey for pathogenic fungus. Or it could be like this: when a person has severely injured his toes or nails. After some time, everything seemed to have healed, but blood circulation in the damaged area will no longer be the same, which will become the basis for fungal damage in later life.

Moreover, after 40-50 years, the thumb and little finger of those men and women who in their youth wore shoes that are too tight. This usually leads to the death of very small vessels. And as soon as the small vessels of the hands and feet begin to suffer, the nails thicken and peel, which makes it easier for the fungus to penetrate. At first, the damage may also involve only the skin of the foot, and then spread to the toenails.

Hair

Peeling skin on the scalp (what we call dandruff) is not necessarily a pathogenic fungus that causes the disease. When dandruff appears beyond what usually happens, you can periodically (a couple of times a week) use shampoo with tar or " Nizoral"(or others - with antifungal substances). This will help improve the skin microflora and remove not only fungus, but also microbes.

Prevention of fungal diseases

1. It is necessary to wash regularly with soap and use separate towels for body, legs, etc.
2. If your feet sweat a lot, this increases the risk of infection, so you should wipe your soles 2-3 times a week after showering. vinegar.
3. Do not wear tight shoes or sneakers with poor ventilation, which cause your feet to constantly sweat.
4. Don't wear other people's slippers.
5. Change socks daily. Don't wear other people's socks.
6. Use in the bathhouse, swimming pool shale.
7. Special precautions should be taken by people with diabetes mellitus, as they are very vulnerable to fungal damage.
8. Pay attention to diseases of the gastrointestinal tract. Sometimes it’s enough to treat gastritis, as well as the condition of the scalp also improves.
9. Pay attention to nutrition. If you significantly limit fatty foods, this can cause deficiency, which will lead to brittle nails. For beautiful hair, nails, and skin you will also need vitamin E, C,. Plus a trace element.

About treating fungus

• If only the skin is damaged, disinfectant solutions are needed that inhibit the growth of fungi.
• Ideally, you should get rid of any clothing that was used during treatment.
• It is advisable to treat the inside of shoes with a solution vinegar, formaldehyde, leave for some time for complete weathering.
• Take antifungal drugs in tablets per kilogram of weight.
• For external treatment of damaged areas (including healthy skin), a solution and cream are used. It is not as aggressive as iodine treatment can be.
• Elderly people should keep in mind that the healing process will be slow.

Mycoses - (fungal diseases), diseases of humans and animals caused by microscopic pathogenic fungi (fungi).

Mycoses are divided into 4 groups.

Trichophytosis.

Trichophytosis is a fungal disease that affects the skin and hair, and sometimes nails.

The causative agent is the fungus Trichophyton. Infection occurs through contact with a sick person, as well as his things (hats, combs, scissors, bedding, etc.). Possible transmission in hairdressing salons, kindergartens, boarding schools, schools. Rodents (mice, rats) and cattle (mainly calves) also serve as carriers of the fungus. Infection of a person, as a rule, occurs through contact with hay, dust, contaminated hair affected by the fungus, and less often through direct contact with an animal. The disease is recorded more often in the autumn, which corresponds to periods of agricultural work.

Manifestations of trichophytosis

There are:

superficial,

chronic

infiltrative-suppurative trichophytosis.

Superficial form of trichophytosis

The incubation period is 1 week. Depending on the location of the lesion, superficial trichophytosis of the scalp and smooth skin is distinguished. Nail damage in the superficial form is extremely rare. Superficial trichophytosis of the scalp occurs in childhood. As an exception, it occurs in infants and adults. The disease is characterized initially by single and later by multiple foci measuring 1-2 cm, with irregular outlines and unclear boundaries. The lesions are located in isolation, without a tendency to merge with each other; the skin in the area of ​​the lesions is slightly swollen and reddened, covered with pityriasis-like scales of a grayish-white color, the layers of which can give the lesion a whitish appearance. Sometimes redness and swelling increase, blisters, pustules, and crusts appear. Within the lesions, the affected hair loses its color, shine, elasticity, and partially bends and curls. Their thinning is noted due to breaking off at a level of 2-3 mm from the surface of the skin. Sometimes the hair breaks off at the very root, then it looks like “black dots”. The hair stumps are dull and covered with a grayish-white coating. Sometimes only peeling is observed on the affected area. In such situations, upon careful examination, it is possible to identify “stumps” of hair. Superficial trichophytosis of smooth skin can be isolated or combined with damage to the scalp. Its primary localization is open areas of the skin - the face, neck, forearms, and also the torso. This form occurs at any age, equally often in men and women. The disease begins with the appearance of one or several pink-red spots that are swollen and therefore slightly protruding above the level of the surrounding skin. Unlike lesions on the scalp, spots have regularly rounded outlines and sharp boundaries. Their surface is covered with scales and small bubbles, which quickly dry into crusts. Over time, the inflammation in the center of the lesion weakens, and the lesion takes on the appearance of a ring. Itching is absent or mild.

Chronic form of trichophytosis

Chronic trichophytosis occurs in adolescents and adults, mainly in women, and is characterized by scant manifestations. Adult patients are usually not detected for a long time, which is due, on the one hand, to the insignificant severity of the manifestations of the disease and, in connection with this, low appealability of patients, and on the other hand, to the rarity of this fungal disease at the present time. As a rule, the disease is detected during an examination of the “epidemiological chain” to establish the source of infection of children in the family. In chronic trichophytosis, the scalp, smooth skin and nails, usually the fingers, are affected, either alone or in various combinations with each other. The favorite location is mainly in the occipital region and is manifested only by slight pityriasis-like whitish peeling. In some places, the scales are located on a barely noticeable lilac background. Broken hair in the form of “black dots” is difficult to detect. However, “black dots” may be the only sign of the disease. This form of chronic trichophytosis of the scalp is called black spot. Often, delicate scars remain in areas of lost hair.

Chronic trichophytosis of smooth skin is characterized by damage to the legs, buttocks, forearms and elbows, and less often to the face and torso. Occasionally the process becomes widespread. The lesions are represented by pinkish-bluish spots without clear boundaries, with a flaky surface. There are no marginal ridges, vesicles, or pustules. When the palms and soles are affected, mild redness, peeling, and increased skin pattern are observed. A continuous thickening of the stratum corneum is possible, as a result of which deep furrows and even cracks are formed on the palms and soles in places of skin folds. With trichophytosis of the palms and soles, blisters never form. Chronic trichophytosis is often accompanied by damage to the nail plates. In the initial period of the disease, a whitish-gray spot appears in the nail area, which gradually increases in size. Subsequently, the nail plate becomes dull, dirty gray in color with a yellowish tint; its surface is bumpy. Nails thicken, become deformed, and crumble easily.

Infiltrative-suppurative form of trichophytosis

The incubation period of infiltrative-suppurative trichophytosis ranges from 1-2 weeks to 1-2 months. It begins with the appearance of one or more pale pink scaly spots with rounded outlines and clear boundaries. The marginal ridge is made of plaques, small bubbles that shrink into crusts. Subsequently, the lesions increase in size, inflammation increases, and they rise above the level of healthy skin. When the lesions merge, they form bizarre figures, their surface is covered with plaques, blisters, pustules and crusts. Vellus hair is involved in the process. When lesions are localized in the growth zone of long hair, “stumps” of broken hair are observed. Subsequently, inflammatory phenomena increase in foci localized in the area of ​​the scalp, beard and mustache growth - redness and swelling intensify, sharply demarcated hemispherical nodes of a bluish-red color are formed, the bumpy surface of which is covered with numerous lesions. The hair partially falls out, becomes loose and is easily removed. A very characteristic sign is the sharply enlarged mouths of the hair follicles, filled with pus, which is released when pressed in the form of copious drops and even streams. The initially dense consistency of the nodes becomes soft over time. These lesions on the scalp resemble honeycombs, and in the area of ​​the beard and mustache they resemble wine berries. On smooth skin, flat plaques predominate, sometimes very extensive, gradually transforming into pustules. Developing suppuration leads to the death of fungi. They are preserved only in scales along the edges of the lesions, where they are detected during microscopic examination. With infiltrative-suppurative trichophytosis, enlargement of the lymph nodes is often observed, and sometimes there is general malaise, headaches, and increased body temperature.

Diagnostics carried out by a dermatologist using laboratory and instrumental research methods.

Microscopic examination. From foci of superficial and chronic trichophytosis on smooth skin, scales and “stumps” of broken vellus hair are scraped off with a blunt scalpel. Broken hair is removed with tweezers. Microscopically, convoluted threads of mycelium are found in scales from lesions on smooth skin. When examined microscopically under high magnification, the affected hair has clear boundaries and is filled with large fungal spores arranged in parallel longitudinal chains.

Cultural research. Colony growth is observed on the 5-6th day after sowing in the form of a white lump.

Treatment of trichophytosis

When treating trichophytosis of smooth skin without affecting vellus hair, external antifungal drugs are used. Apply 2-5% iodine tincture to the affected areas in the morning and apply antifungal ointment in the evening. Apply 10-20% sulfur, 10% sulfur-3% salicylic or 10% sulfur-tar ointment. Modern antifungal ointments are widely used - lamisil, mycospor, exoderil, clotrimazole, etc. In cases of significant inflammation, combination drugs containing hormones are used. In case of multiple lesions on the skin, especially those involving vellus hair, as well as in cases of damage to the scalp, systemic antifungal therapy is necessary. The main drug used in the treatment of trichophytosis is griseofulvin. Griseofulvin is taken daily until the first negative test, then every other day for 2 weeks, and then another 2 weeks at 3-day intervals. Hair is shaved during therapy. Local antifungal therapy is carried out simultaneously with taking the systemic drug. If vellus hair is damaged, hair removal is performed with preliminary detachment of the stratum corneum of the skin. For detachment, lactic-salicylic-resorcinol collodion is used. In case of chronic trichophytosis of the scalp, to remove “black spots”, detachment of the stratum corneum is carried out according to the Arievich method: milk-salicylic ointment is applied under the compress for 2 days, then the bandage is removed and 2-5% salicylic ointment is also applied under the compress. The stratum corneum of the skin is removed with a blunt scalpel, and “blackheads” are removed with tweezers. Detachment is carried out 2-3 times. For infiltrative-suppurative trichophytosis, crusts are removed using 2-3% salicylic ointment. Disinfecting solutions are used (furacilin, rivanol, potassium permanganate, ichthyol solution), as well as absorbable ointments, in particular sulfur-tar.

Prevention consists of timely identification, isolation and treatment of patients with this disease. Periodic medical examinations in children's institutions are necessary. Relatives and people in contact with the patient must be examined. Particular attention should be paid to domestic animals (cows, calves), since they are often the source of infection.

Interestingly, fungal infection of the toenails usually begins with the first or fifth toe, most likely due to frequent injuries that provoke mycosis of the feet. Symptoms diseases of the nail plates: gradual loss of shine, cloudiness, yellowish or dirty gray color, thickening, detachment, deformation, cracking and brittleness of the nail. At the same time, the nail bed is partially exposed, its tissues look loose and cheesy.

How can you tell if your skin and nails are being attacked by fungi?

Although mycosis of the feet has a clear clinical picture, you should not draw a conclusion about the presence of the disease without resorting to specialized diagnostics, because proper diagnostics are quite expensive, long-lasting and sometimes not very easily tolerated by the body.

Peeling of the skin of the feet and hands, for example, can occur due to poor care or as a result of a chronic lack of vitamins, and nail damage such as mycosis of nails, often occurs when they are traumatically damaged, and very often when wearing tight shoes. Cloudiness and detachment of the nail may be a consequence of impaired peripheral circulation due to heart disease and diabetes. So, before taking any measures, you need to make sure that there is a fungus, and this can only be done by consulting a doctor and undergoing a special microbiological test. And even if you have already started treatment on your own, in order for the fungal analysis to be accurate, you need to not use any antifungal ointments or creams for 3-4 days.

Spray and gel Deo-Active Fresh

Sweat glands regulate body temperature - cool it by evaporating fluid from the body. The skin of the feet contains more than 250,000 sweat glands, which is an order of magnitude more than is found on the skin of any other part of the body, because increased sweating is necessary to maintain the natural moisture and elasticity of the skin. However, damp skin is an ideal environment for the growth of bacteria, which breaks down sweat, which leads to the appearance of an unpleasant odor.

Wearing closed shoes, using synthetic materials, and not observing personal hygiene rules lead to the fact that the moisture that accumulates in the shoes does not erode, but collects, creating a favorable environment for the appearance and reproduction of pathogenic organisms. This increases the likelihood of infections, in particular foot fungus.

Scholl produces two types of Deo-Active Fresh products to combat foot odor based on Aseptix technologies: spray and gel. Scholl products provide an instant deodorizing effect, have a long-lasting and effective antibacterial effect, eliminate and prevent the appearance of odor for a long time.

Deo-Active Fresh Gel has the additional benefit of its cooling components giving you a feeling of coolness and freshness, and the special Hydro-alcoholic Gel technology ensures that the growth of harmful bacteria on the skin of the feet is limited.

The Aseptix Active Oxygen Technology used in Deo-Active Fresh Spray is a patented antimicrobial technology whose key component is a special form of hydrogen peroxide that has been modified to ensure the safety, stability and high effectiveness of this ingredient for antibacterial purposes.

In order to improve the action of hydrogen peroxide at low concentrations present in Deo-Activ Fresh Spray, additional processing of the key component was carried out, which contributed to the creation of a special form of hydrogen peroxide - Plasma Enhanced Peroxide. The active substance is irradiated using ultra-short powerful electrical pulses, and the oxidizing ability of hydrogen peroxide is so high that the resulting substance can be classified as active forms of oxygen.

When stored, this special form of hydrogen peroxide (Plasma Enhanced Peroxide) is stable, and when in contact with the skin, it is activated and fights bacteria and fungi by destroying the cell wall and destroying the bacterial DNA, then breaking down into water and oxygen, which guarantees safety - both for consumer and for the environment.

Scholl also strives to best meet the needs of people with diabetes. In particular, the Scholl Deo Activ Fresh range of products has been tested for toxicity or potential for causing irritation to the skin of the feet. The results showed that these products are ideal for people with diabetes.

The products in the Deo-Activ Fresh line include specialized ingredients selected to provide gentle foot care.

The components of Deo-Activ Fresh products solve the problem of unpleasant odor through the complex use of antiseptics, active oxygen, and vitamin B5 and aloe vera carefully care for the skin of the feet. Thus, Scholl antiperspirants provide high efficiency, destroying up to 99.9% of bacteria, and guarantee long-term (up to 24 hours) protection against odor-causing bacteria.

I have a fungus on my skin, what should I do? First of all, don’t panic, all this can be treated. There are about two thousand skin diseases, fungal diseases occupy not the last place among them. Fungal disease can be acquired anywhere. To prevent this from happening, you need to know about such diseases and follow simple hygiene rules to prevent them. Well, fungal skin diseases need to be treated by a dermatologist.

Fungal skin diseases

The causative agents of fungal skin diseases are plant microorganisms (fungi). Infection occurs through contact of a healthy person with a sick person or with an animal, as well as with objects containing elements of the fungus.

Depending on the depth of penetration of the infection deep into the skin, there are:

• fungal diseases, in which fungi are localized in the uppermost layer of the epidermis - the stratum corneum, do not affect hair and nails; these are so-called keratomycosis, for example, pityriasis versicolor;

• fungi are localized in the deeper layers of the epidermis, causing a pronounced inflammatory reaction, affecting hair and nails; these are fungal infections of the feet, microsporia, trichophytosis and favus;

• deep mycoses, in which, in addition to the skin and mucous membranes, muscles, bones and internal organs are involved in the pathological process.

A separate group includes candidiasis, which is caused by yeast-like fungi. They affect mucous membranes, skin, nails and internal organs.

Multicoloredlichen

Pityriasis versicolor (varicolored) appears as pinkish-brown spots with slight pityriasis-like peeling on the skin of the neck, back, and chest. The spots become especially noticeable after sunbathing, remaining light against the background of pigmented skin. The main source of infection is wooden beach beds or sand, on which a sick person was lying shortly before a healthy person, as well as bed linen or underwear that was in contact with the patient’s skin. The disease is not very contagious and occurs mainly in people with excessive sweating and altered chemical composition of sweat. It does not occur in children under 7 years of age. When it occurs, 3% salicylic alcohol and sulfur ointment are used externally.

Fungus on the feet

Mycoses of the feet are very common. They usually become infected in bathhouses, swimming pools, showers, and gyms, where scales of the epidermis of patients containing elements of the fungus fall on the skin of a healthy person. Peeling appears in the interdigital folds, then weeping, and erosion occurs. There are blisters and peeling on the arches of the feet. Nails thicken, become deformed, and become brittle.

To avoid mycosis of the feet, you do not need to use someone else’s shoes, and do not walk barefoot in the pool or bathhouse. After the pool, you should take a shower and dry your skin thoroughly, especially in the folds. For prevention, the skin of the feet can be wiped with antifungal agents or lubricated with appropriate creams. At home, you should not keep rubber mats or wooden grates in the bathroom, on which mushrooms thrive. If mycosis of the feet does occur, then after treatment by a dermatologist, you should thoroughly disinfect all used shoes: lubricate their inner surface with a swab soaked in 70-80% acetic acid (do not touch with your hands - it can cause a burn), then each pair of shoes place in a plastic bag for 24 hours, sealing it well. After a day, the shoes are removed, dried and aired.

Manifestations of microsporia

Microsporia is caused by two varieties of the fungus, one of which is contagious only to humans (a rare type), the other - to humans and animals. Therefore, in the first case, the disease occurs when using other people's hats and combs, in the second - from sick cats, dogs, or through objects containing elements of this fungus.

With microsporia, characteristic foci of rounded outlines appear on smooth skin with a ridge along the periphery of fused vesicles, nodules and crusts. On the scalp, rounded lesions also have clear boundaries with slight peeling on the surface. The hair is broken off, as if it had been cut. Short (4-5 mm) stumps of hair, covered with a whitish coating of fungus, protrude above the surface of the skin.

Treatment of microsporia is carried out only by a dermatologist; treatment is fraught with a long course with the addition of complications in the form of various infections.

To prevent microsporia, you must follow the following rules:

• do not contact stray animals;
• do not wear other people's hats and clothes.

When the first signs of illness appear, children should not attend kindergarten. Domestic cats and dogs that were a possible cause of the disease should not be kicked out of the house (they will infect others!), they should be treated at a veterinary hospital. Objects that the sick have come into contact with are disinfected, and lost hair is burned.

Remember! Dermatology cannot be learned from a self-instruction manual. The basic basic knowledge you need to prevent skin diseases. Well, if some kind of rash appears on the skin, then it is better to consult a dermatologist.

Based on materials from an article by Galina Romanenko “ Fungal skin diseases»

Saprophytic fungi (fungi), mainly yeasts of the genus Candida, constantly live on our skin, in the mouth, on the genitals, without causing pathological changes. But they can cause diseases of the skin and mucous membranes, especially in infants, if the skin is excessively moist. The growth of fungi is facilitated by the suppression of the bacterial flora - usually with long-term use of combinations of broad-spectrum antibiotics.

The harmlessness of most of these fungi is relative: in the event of a decrease in immunity, they become aggressive, penetrate through the skin and mucous membranes, and even worse - into the bloodstream, into organs and tissues, causing extremely severe damage. Fortunately, this rarely happens - only in rare cases of congenital immunodeficiency, in patients with AIDS and in the treatment of malignant diseases. Therefore, with the development of “deep” fungal infections, it is imperative to find out the reason for the decrease in the body’s resistance.

Another part of skin diseases is caused by pathogenic fungi that live in animals.

Yeasts

These yeasts inhabit our skin and mucous membranes, and their growth is controlled both by the immune system and by other microbes living on these surfaces. If you suppress the activity of microbes with antibiotics, candida “comes to life” and manifests itself as pathogenic. Stimulates the growth of yeast fungi and disruption of the integrity of the skin, its constant hydration.

The disease caused by yeast fungi in infants is called diaper dermatitis; it is manifested by redness of the skin with clear contours, the formation of scales along the edges of the inflamed plaque, sometimes with vesicular elements.

Candidiasis in infants also develops in the form of thrush - white, loose deposits appear on the oral mucosa, usually not accompanied by anxiety in the child. They often occur during antibiotic treatment. This lesion is harmless, but persistent thrush may indicate that the child has an immunodeficiency, which requires examination.

In older children, candidiasis usually develops in folds - in the groin, in the armpits, under the mammary glands, between the fingers, around the anus. Increased sweating with inadequate toileting plays a role in its development. The type of lesions differs little from those with diaper dermatitis.

Candida sometimes causes damage to the nails - they become dull and thicken. Candidiasis of the genital organs in girls and women (vulvovaginitis) is manifested by discharge and itching, sometimes very severe, in boys - inflammation in the cavity of the foreskin (balanoposthitis). The disease can also be associated with taking antibiotics, steroid drugs, or be a consequence of taking birth control pills.

Treatment of skin candidiasis requires, first of all, improved skin care - more frequent swaddling and washing the child with thorough drying of the folds, the use of powders, and ointments for irritation of the folds. For older children, you should also monitor the hygiene of the folds and avoid prolonged moisturizing of the skin.

For treatment, antifungal ointments with clotrimazole, ketoconazole and others are used; Since candidiasis often has an allergic component, the use of combined ointments - antifungal and steroids - is justified.

For thrush, the oral mucosa is irrigated with hydrogen peroxide and sugar syrup; a quick effect occurs with local treatment with pimafucin, clotrimazole, miconazole; in persistent cases, ketoconazole (Nizoral) or fluconazole (Diflucan) is taken orally as prescribed by a doctor. Infections of the genitals are treated with the same ointments or vaginal suppositories. Nystatin should not be used due to its low effectiveness and toxicity.

Ringworm

Nowadays, parents rarely encounter ringworm. Ringworm is a collective concept; it refers to a group of fungal diseases, which are sometimes called by the type of dermatophyte fungi that caused them - trichophytosis, microsporia. The source of infection is dogs and cats (kittens), but you can become infected with the fungus not only from animals, but also from humans, for example through a comb, although this rarely happens in our time; in hairdressing salons, combs and other common items are disinfected. So now street dogs are the main source of infection. But indoor cats, if they communicate with street cats, can become infected.

The disease is easily diagnosed by the type of lesion; to identify fungi, they are examined under a microscope (skin scraping) or grown on nutrient media.

In a child, one or several lesions with a mild inflammatory reaction appear on the affected areas. The skin in the outbreak thickens, becoming covered with scales containing fungal spores. In the area of ​​the outbreak, the hair is broken off 5-7 mm from the root (“hemp”), they are surrounded by inflamed skin. With late detection and treatment, the lesion increases in size, and “daughter” lesions appear. In advanced cases, purulent blisters form, scratches become infected with bacterial flora, and then the entire head becomes covered with a purulent crust - such forms are not observed now.

Having identified ringworm in a child, it is necessary to consult a doctor, since treatment includes a long course of the antibiotic griseofulvin, ketoconazole. Local treatment of such a disease (lubrication with iodine, ointments, tar, etc.) is ineffective, although many dermatologists prefer to combine the use of griseofulvin with ointments that act on fungi.

The patient must be removed from the children's team until he is cured. Persons in contact with him should be periodically examined to see if they have become infected. With modern treatment, there is no need to shave your head, remove hair or wear a cap.

Ringworm on smooth skin

This disease is caused by the same dermatophyte fungi as lichen of the scalp, the source of infection is the same.

The skin lesion has a round or oval shape with clear boundaries. The lesion grows slowly and subsequently becomes ring-shaped; more or less normal skin in the center indicates healing; small nodules forming a rim are visible along the periphery of the lesion. Sometimes nails are involved in the process - they thicken and crumble.

Miconazole, clotrimazole, econazole, naftifine, tolnaftate, ciclopirox ointments are used 1-2 times a day for four weeks. If ointments are ineffective, a course of griseofulvin or Lamisil is given. When nails are affected, Laceril, Lamisil, Exoderil are used topically.

Pityriasis versicolor

This disease is caused by two special fungi that differ from the causative agents of ringworm. The disease is contagious, although less contagious than ringworm.

Yellowish-brown spots appear on the smooth skin of the back, neck, limbs, and sometimes on the scalp; The disease got its name from the type of lesion - when scraped, it reveals fine, bran-like peeling.

Treatment is carried out locally with nitrofungin, micoseptin, miconazole, resorcinol alcohol. Since the fungus can nest in other areas of the skin without appearing for some time, it is recommended to lubricate the entire skin with a 25% sodium thiosulfate solution twice a day for two to four weeks or, more simply, 2.5% m solution of selenium sulfide once a month for three months.

The disease is caused by rubrophyton and epidermophyton

The disease is caused by a group of related fungi (rubrophyton, epidermophyton) living on our skin. Infection occurs from patients most often in shower pools or baths. These diseases usually occur in children over seven years of age and adults. Increased sweating of the hands and feet, as well as the inguinal folds, where the main lesions are localized, plays a role in the development of the disease.

The lesions usually have the appearance of reddish elements, sometimes scalloped with peeling; they do not bother the patient much - they do not hurt or itch. Nails are often affected; they thicken, become dull, and scaly. When rubrophytosis affects the scalp, dandruff appears; sometimes you can see reddish, scaly plaques or scalloped elements.

Treatment of these diseases requires eliminating excess skin moisture. Nitrofungin, bifonazole ointments, mycoseptin, clotrimazole, miconazole, and terbinafine are used locally. In persistent cases with constant relapses, the use of oral ketoconazole or fluconazole for four to six weeks (possibly two to three times a week) is justified.

If nails were affected, previously it was necessary to resort to removal, but now you can cure a nail from fungus using exoderil under a patch, Laceril, Lamisil. I don't recommend using these remedies yourself, however - the drugs are not without side effects and are sold by prescription, and nail ointments are expensive, so a doctor's advice can help you save money.

Based on materials from the article by Professor Vladimir Tatochenko “Fungal diseases of the skin and mucous membranes”

Fungal diseases of the feet

Fungal diseases of the feet today can be called a disease of civilization.

Fungi or their spores are everywhere - in the air, in the soil, on the skin of every person. A healthy body is in symbiosis with the fungus. But as soon as the conditions change, the fungus immediately violates “neutrality.”

Some have learned to take fungi on their feet philosophically, as a given. You can’t get rid of it anyway, so why waste energy, nerves and money! Others may be happy to join the fight, but they give up in advance, having read that victory cannot be easy and quick. In the end, everything turns into a real thriller, where the “villain” doesn’t even consider it necessary to hide and torments decent people openly, slowly and painfully.

“Surviving” a fungus is really not that easy. And only a qualified specialist can solve this problem.

Development of the disease

The impetus for the development of the disease can be not only poorly chosen shoes, which cause increased temperature and sweating of the feet, but also endocrine diseases of the pancreas and thyroid glands. Loves fungus and areas of the body with impaired blood supply. An important factor that opens the way to the disease is the weakening of the immune system, while the entire flora that lives on the human body and usually does not cause diseases is activated.

As a rule, the disease begins with the skin of the feet - peeling appears, the skin between the toes cracks and acquires a white coating. Cracks and growths of rough skin appear on the heels.

Damage to the nail plates

If measures are not taken in time, damage to the nail plates occurs. The nail plates become yellow and often peel off from the nail bed. Sometimes multi-colored spots appear on the nails and they become cloudy. However, similar symptoms can occur in a wide variety of diseases not associated with fungal infection. Therefore, before prescribing treatment, it is necessary to confirm the diagnosis by examining the affected areas under a microscope or by sowing a culture.

Most often, fungus is considered as a cosmetic defect. However, the problem is that affected nails are a constant reservoir of fungal infection, which can spread throughout the body, even affecting internal organs.

Treatment of fungal foot infections

To prevent the occurrence of fungal nail infections, you need to treat fungal infections of the feet as early as possible. Previously, the fungus was treated by treating the affected areas with antiseptics or folk remedies. Now there are many drugs that can be used at the initial stage to get rid of mycosis of the feet (in the absence of pathology of the internal organs).

Difficulties arise if the disease has already affected the nails, or areas of hyperkeratosis (increased keratinization) have appeared on the skin of the feet. In this case, treatment must be comprehensive.

It should include the prescription of antifungal drugs - if there are no contraindications to their use. In this case, if necessary, the patient should receive a highly qualified consultation with a gastroenterologist or endocrinologist (as indicated).

The second important stage in the complex treatment of fungal diseases is the mechanical removal of increased keratinization on the skin or nails. Today, several methods are used.

The most common is to dissolve the upper layers of the nail or areas of increased keratinization of the skin with special liquids at home. However, this is quite lengthy and exhausting work that requires a lot of time.

Surgical removal of the nail plate has recently become less common. Abroad, this method has long been abandoned. In Russia it is still used (although it has a number of complications)

The fastest, safest and most painless way to mechanically remove increased keratinization on the skin or nails is the hardware method (“medical pedicure”). Using this method, using a special apparatus equipped with many devices, nails are polished, filed, excess keratinization is removed, calluses are removed, etc. When polishing, the surface of the nail is leveled and layers affected by fungus are removed.

And if the doctor has determined that in your case only local treatment (application of varnishes, creams) will be sufficient, then the thinner the affected nail tissue, the better the active substances contained in the varnish or cream will penetrate into the intercellular space of the nail plate.

Therefore, a “medical pedicure” will save you from long and exhausting work at home. After all, only a qualified specialist can determine the line where it is necessary to stop so as not to injure the nail bed.

Only an integrated approach to solving this problem will allow you to quickly and reliably get rid of the fungus.

Based on materials from the article by Oksana Makeenko “Fungal diseases of the feet”

Aspergillosis

Aspergillosis is an infection of the skin, paranasal sinuses and lungs or other internal organs caused by molds of the genus Aspergillus, in particular A. fumigatus. Infection occurs as a result of inhalation of fungal spores.

The disease is relatively rare, mainly among agricultural workers and pigeon keepers. Usually the tissue of the outer ear is affected (otomycosis), which is accompanied by itching and pain; When scratched, the skin may thicken and become gray or black in color.

A large number of spores entering the lungs causes extensive changes reminiscent of tuberculosis. Cutaneous aspergillosis responds well to antibiotic treatment. For pulmonary infections, amphotericin is used. However, systemic lesions sometimes lead to death.

Maduromycosis

Maduromycosis (Madura foot) is an infectious lesion of the feet (and sometimes other parts of the body) caused by various types of fungi or (in half of the cases) bacteria of the genera Nocardia and Actinomyces, which form long branching filaments and in this respect are similar to fungi.

The disease is found in the tropics and southern United States. Regardless of the type of pathogen, swelling appears around the site of its introduction. In the early stages, ulcerated tumors appear, but later they disintegrate to form abscesses connected by deep fistulas.

In advanced cases, the skin darkens and becomes covered with scars, ruptured abscesses and abscesses filled with mucous fluid with yellow, red, white or black granules. Coming out of the abscesses, these granules enter the soil, after which the pathogen can re-enter the body from the contaminated soil, usually through wounds on the foot, but sometimes on the hands.

If left untreated, the feet become deformed and eventually the muscles, tendons and bones are destroyed. Infection caused by Actinomyces is treatable with penicillin, caused by Nocardia - sulfonamide drugs. In severe cases, the limb is amputated to prevent secondary bacterial infection, which can be fatal.

Sporotrichosis

Sporotrichosis is a chronic infection that primarily affects the skin and superficial lymph nodes. Its causative agent is Sporotrichum schenckii, a fungus that usually attacks plants, in particular barberry. The disease occurs throughout the world, mainly among farmers and gardeners growing barberry.

Initially, a dense rounded nodule appears under the skin, which gradually fuses with the skin. When a superficial ulcer forms, the skin around it turns pink and then turns black. Numerous nodules and ulcers appear along the lymphatic vessels.

Sporotrichosis can develop on mucous membranes, bones and internal organs, and also spread throughout the body. With the exception of this latter, disseminated form, the disease is rarely fatal and can be treated with amphotericin.

Candidiasis (moniliasis)

Candidiasis (moniliasis) is an infection of the skin, nails, mucous membranes or internal organs caused by the yeast-like fungus Candida (Monilia) albicans. Candidiasis occurs throughout the world. The pathogen often enters the body through the mucous membranes of the mouth and throat and causes creamy white spots to appear on the tongue and oral mucosa, which spread to the roof of the mouth, tonsils and pharynx. Since the pathogen is ingested, infection of the lungs and gastrointestinal tract can occur if left untreated. Damage to the nails (onychia) or periungual tissues (paronychia) begins with painful swelling and redness. The nail becomes hard, thick, streaked and often turns brownish in color. Sometimes the nail plate detaches from the nail bed, which becomes white or yellow. Vaginal candidiasis causes symptoms similar to thrush. When the lungs are affected, bronchitis or pneumonia occurs, and severe infection may manifest as lobar pneumonia. When infection enters the blood or onto the meninges, the disease is always fatal. Treatment depends on the location of the lesion.

Dermatomycosis

Dermatomycosis is a superficial infection of the skin, nails or hair; the most common are dermatophytosis (the growth of fungi on dead parts of the skin and its derivatives), as well as the so-called. Athlete's foot (athlete's foot) and various other forms of dermatitis such as tinea versicolor and seborrheic eczema.

Versicolor (pityriasis versicolor)

Multi-colored (pityriasis). This common disease is caused by the fungus Pityrosporum orbiculare (formerly called Malassezia furfur). Only the outermost layer of skin is affected, usually on the torso and lower neck, where round, brownish-red, scaly patches appear, sometimes with mild itching.

Seborrheic eczema (seborrheic dermatitis)

Seborrheic eczema (seborrheic dermatitis). Develops on the skin around the sebaceous glands. It appears as flat or slightly swollen spots covered with greasy scales (see). Seborrheic eczema is most often caused by the yeast-like fungus Pityrosporum ovale.

Actinomycosis

Actinomycosis is traditionally considered as one of the mycoses, although this chronic, slowly developing infection is caused by several species of actinomycetes (most often Actinomyces israelii), which, according to the modern classification, are classified not as fungi, but as bacteria.

Having settled in the tissues of humans or animals, they form granules - clusters of numerous threads formed by their branching cells. Infection occurs when granules contained in the abscess fluid enter the respiratory or digestive tract. The infection can spread to any part of the body.

Initially, ulcerated tumors (granulomas) appear, which, disintegrating, turn into deep abscesses with internal passages and cavities. In most cases, the maxillofacial area and neck are affected. The skin in these areas thickens, loses its smoothness and becomes reddish or purple in color. Gradually, foci of infection open with the formation of fistulas.

In the chest, actinomycetes colonize the pleura, can grow into the wall of the chest cavity, forming chronic fistulas, and sometimes spread to the esophagus and pericardium (the outer lining of the heart). This form of the disease often ends in fatal bleeding. Another form leading to death is actinomycosis of the abdominal cavity. The first sign is the appearance of a tumor in the ileum and rectum. Then damage to the liver, spleen and kidneys develops, and in the absence of treatment, often also to the bones and central nervous system. The most effective treatments are penicillin and tetracyclines. The likelihood of recovery is highest in the case of skin lesions and decreases markedly as the infection spreads.

Operation: “clean feet”

Candidiasis. They can affect the mucous membranes, as well as the skin of the palms, soles, and nails (the nail plate becomes lumpy, turns brown, and easily peels off from the nail bed). By the way, the same fungi of the genus Candida, which have settled on the mucous membrane, are to blame for the development of thrush (vaginal candidiasis), which is so familiar to many women.

Where to expect the blow

According to dermatomycologist Yuri Tarasov, the main allies of the fungus are humidity and large crowds of people. The fungus ambushes:

• beach showers,
• wet coastal sand,
• sanatorium swimming pools,
• changing rooms of fitness clubs.

The risk of catching fungus directly in the water is lower. Hot, dry beach sand and pebbles are also not so dangerous in terms of infection. On areas heated by the sun, the fungus dies.

Also, “infiltrators” fungi can penetrate through poorly processed manicure tools. It is better to refrain from manicures and pedicures in random spa salons.

We strengthen the rear

Of course, the risk of contracting a fungus on a “wild” beach, where vacationers without medical certificates “huddle,” is much higher. But even in a decent sanatorium you cannot feel completely safe. For example, one of my friends brought a fungus from a prestigious resort in the south of France. So let's do prevention.

The fungus penetrates the skin within 3 to 5 hours. Therefore, when returning from the beach, be sure to wash your feet in your room with warm water and soap. It is advisable to buy any over-the-counter antifungal cream at the pharmacy and lubricate your feet with it after each trip to the beach or pool. Never wear someone else’s shoes or “public” footwear to try on shoes.

Conducting a massive attack

If, upon returning from vacation, you find yourself with symptoms of a fungal infection, then the action plan should be like this.

Go to a dermatologist: fungi cannot be treated with folk remedies. Lemon juice and baths with a decoction of St. John's wort or plantain can only relieve the itching and smooth out some external manifestations - the fungus itself will remain in the body.

A piece of nail and skin flakes will be taken for examination, which will help determine what kind of fungus you have become infected with and whether it is a fungus at all. The fact is that of all the diseases associated with changes in the nails and skin of the feet, the fungus is to blame only in half of the cases.

The doctor should prescribe antifungal agents for both external (ointment, cream, gel) and internal use. The most effective are now considered to be agents that destroy the durable cell membranes of fungi.

Fungus is difficult to cure

Fungal spores have a very dense chitinous shell: our protective cells cannot “get through” it. Therefore, our body cannot independently resist the fungus by developing antibodies against it.

Who's at risk

Most vulnerable to infection:

• people with reduced immunity,
• who recently had to take antibiotics,
• suffering from endocrine disorders,
• pregnant women,
• women taking hormonal contraceptives.

What if you surrender to the fungus?

Doctors do not understand why people try to hide the fact that they have a fungus to the last minute, “mask” their disfigured nails: women cover it with varnish from the heart, men lie: they say, I pinched my nail. 80% of people only go to the dermatologist when the itching becomes unbearable!

What happens if you start treatment too late? You will certainly infect everyone in your household. You will not be allowed into any decent sanatorium. Diseased nails will be surgically removed. It hurts and takes a long time to heal. The stronger the fungus is in the body, the larger the spores, the longer you will be treated with antifungal drugs - up to 6 months. In addition, the fungus gradually affects the nervous and circulatory systems and can cause serious complications on the heart and brain.

Very often the cause of itching of the scalp, flaking and inflammation, and often, against this background, hair loss, is a scalp fungus. It is impossible to immediately understand that you have “acquired” a fungal infection, however, during the initial examination when contacting a specialist, the doctor can easily identify the cause of your concerns. Fungal diseases of the scalp can now be successfully treated, although some require longer time and patience.

The fungus (mycosis) that affects the scalp has many varieties. The symptoms of each type of fungus are different, therefore the therapy is individual in different cases. Often, diseases are of an infectious nature, so they are easily transmitted through personal contact with a patient or through the use of shared things and hygiene items. The only prevention of fungal infections is scrupulous personal hygiene.

Symptoms of fungus on the scalp.
The symptoms of fungal disease and treatment methods are determined by the type of fungus that has affected the patient. Meanwhile, we can name the general symptoms of a fungal infection, inherent to varying degrees in each variety, and indicating the presence of the disease. Among them:

• The general condition of the hair has worsened, with dryness, dullness, loss of shine, and hair loss.
• Peeling of the scalp, the appearance of individual flaky areas with unclear contours and a rounded shape.
• In the affected areas, hair falls out greatly, thins, and bald patches appear.
• There is the appearance of pink plaques on the scalp that stand out above the surface of the skin. Small blisters may appear on the plaques, gradually becoming covered with grayish or yellowish crusts.
• Hair breakage occurs at the base of the follicle, resulting in black spots appearing on the skin.
• With the superficial form of ringworm, foci of purulent lesions appear on the scalp.

Often, in cases of fungal infection of the scalp, doctors identify superficial or deep trichophytosis (popularly ringworm) and microsporosis (microsporia). There is also another dangerous fungal disease called favus (scab), but it does not occur here and is distributed mainly in the Middle East and Central Asia. In rare cases, it can be brought by tourists.

Fungal diseases can occur (most often this happens) in a latent form, so it is difficult to detect the disease in the early stages of development. A signal to sound the alarm is the appearance of severe dandruff in a person who does not have it.

Trichophytosis (ringworm).
Trichophytosis, or, as people say, ringworm, is perhaps the most severe fungal disease of the scalp. As a result of this disease, intense hair loss and the formation of bald spots are observed. Most often, the disease affects children aged three to twelve years. The disease is highly contagious and is transmitted through direct contact with a sick person and direct use of his personal belongings. You can also become infected from a sick animal; fortunately, this happens much less frequently. There are superficial forms and deep forms of ringworm.

When infected with a fungus that causes a superficial form of the disease, a person experiences its first signs five to seven days after infection. The main signs include the appearance of areas of flaking on the scalp, fragility of the hair at the base of the follicles (from 2 mm to 2 cm), which creates the appearance of black dots on the head. Moreover, on the surface of the hair that remains on the head after breaking, there is a gray coating, which is a product of the activity of the fungus. The lesions of the superficial form of trichophytosis can reach two to three centimeters. In addition to peeling, the lesions may become red, itchy, and may experience swelling.

When infected with ringworm of a deep form (infiltrative-purulent form), the incubation period is two months. At the very beginning, the disease does not reveal itself at all. Two months after infection, symptoms of general malaise, weakness and intoxication of the body are noted, some swelling and pain on palpation of the lymph nodes, some increase in body temperature, and an allergic rash are also observed. The deep form of trichophytosis is characterized by the appearance on the scalp of round tumor-like spots with clear red contours. The contours of each spot peel off more intensely; crusts and vesicles (vesicles) may be observed on them, onto which, when pressed, the purulent contents are released outward. Simultaneously with these signs, deformation of the nails and a change in their color may be observed. Such symptoms require urgent treatment, since the lesions will intensively spread to other areas, which threatens the development of an abscess and extensive inflammation.

Microsporosis (microsporia).
Microsporosis is observed mostly in children and, accordingly, members of their families. Sources of infection are sick people (infected with rusty microsporum) and less often animals (fluffy microsporum), as well as objects shared with the patient. In terms of speed of spread, this disease ranks first among other fungal infections of the scalp and hair. Under favorable conditions, microsporums spread so quickly that they can be compared to an epidemic. The symptoms of microsporia are similar to the symptoms of superficial trichophytosis, therefore, in order to accurately identify the form and type of the disease, in addition to a visual examination, a laboratory test is required. Rounded areas with sharp outlines appear on the scalp. These areas have peeling, brittle hair is also observed, the remaining hairs are covered with a grayish coating. Inflammatory processes are mild, the affected areas are swollen and have purulent crusts. Nails are not affected by this disease.

Favus (scab).
The sources of infection are the same as in the above fungal diseases. The disease is expressed in the appearance of crusts (scutellums and scutes) of a yellowish tint on the scalp and other parts of the skin of the body with a so-called indentation in the center, in which hair often grows. In the absence of proper treatment, the formations grow and form large areas of damage with crusts. Under these same crusts, skin atrophy develops and persistent baldness is observed. When the scalp is affected by this disease, the hair becomes dull, weakened, easily pulled out, and in general, resembles an old, worn wig.

Causes of fungal scalp infection.
The main cause of infection is bacteria, fungi and viruses that affect the scalp.

Diagnosis of scalp fungus.
To accurately diagnose the type of fungal infection, in addition to a visual examination of the scalp, a micro-examination of a broken hair is prescribed, and samples of flaky skin are taken. Broken hairs are examined under a Wood's lamp to identify fungus. If the result is positive, the specialist prescribes bacteriological cultures and cultural tests for the patient.

Treatment of scalp fungus.
If itching or unusual dandruff appears, especially if you do not have predisposing factors to its appearance (you have not changed your hair care product, you have not had stress, etc.), you should immediately contact a specialist. Only after identifying the source of the symptoms, namely the type of fungus, should we talk about treatment.

Therapy for scalp fungus is aimed primarily at the use of systemic antifungal drugs. In this case, it is important to know that such modern-generation medications are highly toxic, despite their effectiveness. Therefore, they are contraindicated in cases of renal failure, cancer, blood diseases, metabolic disorders, and vascular pathology of the extremities. Most often, drugs such as Clotrimazole, Griseofulvin, Miconazole, keratolic agents (ointments, tablets), and local agents (antifungal balms and shampoos) are prescribed for the treatment of scalp fungus. Treatment takes more than a month; in especially severe cases, patients may be prescribed hormone-containing drugs, antibiotics, as well as preventive measures for the development of dysbacteriosis.

Folk remedies for treating scalp fungus.
For mild forms of fungal infections, it is effective to use eucalyptus oil; it soothes irritated and itchy skin. Distribute a few drops over a brush or comb and comb your hair without damaging the scalp.

Here is a recipe for another effective remedy for relieving itching and redness of the scalp. Combine a teaspoon of garlic juice, olive oil (almond oil can be used), and lemon juice. Soak a sponge in the mixture and rub into the scalp with gentle movements. Wrap the top with film and a towel and leave for an hour. I must say that there is a slight tingling sensation. After an hour, wash your hair with shampoo, rinse with vinegar water (a liter of water and 2 tablespoons of vinegar). Do this procedure every time you wash your hair. Relief occurs from the first time, and the condition of the hair improves noticeably after the fourth procedure. The only drawback of this treatment is the garlic smell. But it is only felt when the hair gets wet.

Dilute vinegar and distilled water in a 1:1 ratio. Lubricate the affected areas with this composition every day for one to two months. Real relief comes on the third day.

To get rid of dandruff, you can use the following remedy: pour a tablespoon of common tansy into 400 ml of boiling water, leave for two hours, strain. Infuse to wash your hair without shampoo for a month. Or rinse your hair once a week with a decoction of lemon peels. Remove the peel from four lemons and add a liter of water. Cook for fifteen minutes over low heat.