Warmth and humidity provide the best environment for fungi. Fungal infections are caused by organisms called fungi. Fungi are a mass of plant-like cells and include edible mushrooms and molds, etc. But unlike other plants, they cannot obtain their food from water, soil, or air, and they become parasites of plants, animals, and humans.
Fungi typically live in warm, moist areas, and these areas on the human body include places like between the fingers, in the groin, and under the breasts. Only about 50% of fungi are actually harmful, and people usually get fungal infections when their immune systems are weakened or when they are taking antibiotics. Some common fungal infections include:
Ringworm, athlete’s foot, and jock itch, which is often found in athletes.
All of the above are caused by the Tinea species. Although these infections are not life-threatening or dangerous under normal circumstances, they can cause a lot of discomfort for the person. These infections can be spread from an infected person to other people and can be caused by contact with animals infected with these fungi or contact with contaminated surfaces, contaminated bathrooms, etc. Ringworm, contrary to its English name, does not mean the presence of a worm in your body at all, but rather due to red lesions resembling a ring on the skin of the affected area. These lesions are most common in areas of the body that sweat, on the scalp, or in tissues following contact with an infectious agent.
Ringworm occurs most often in children and can recur repeatedly and is often treated with topical OTC medications that are available to people in pharmacies without a doctor’s prescription and shampoos.
Sometimes, depending on the severity, ringworm may require oral antifungal treatment. Tinea versicolor is often treated with a four-week treatment (once a day), but if it does not improve or worsens with increased redness, swelling, burning, and itching, it is necessary to see a doctor.
Tips for preventing infection:
Skin: Keep your skin and feet clean and dry.
Scalp: Shampoo your hair regularly, especially after shaving
Hygiene tips: Never share towels, combs, other hygiene items, and underwear with others, and wash and dry thoroughly after each use.
Feet: Never walk barefoot in gyms, pools, and locker rooms.
Animal Contact: Never touch animals that have patches of dandruff in their fur.
Athlete’s Foot: Athlete’s foot is a common fungal infection that affects the spaces between the toes. Feet that sweat a lot or don’t dry well immediately after swimming or bathing, tight shoes, plastic socks that don’t allow air circulation, and hot weather are all risk factors for fungal infections of the feet and toes, which can cause the infection to grow and spread. Walking barefoot in places like public baths, pools, and locker rooms can cause fungal infections of the feet. Treatment for athlete’s foot between the toes often involves OTC medications. A visit to a doctor is recommended for more serious or resistant infections. OTC treatments often clear up the infection within two to four weeks.
To prevent infection:
1 – Wash your feet thoroughly every day (especially between the toes).
2 – Wear sandals or flip-flops when in public bathrooms, swimming pools, and locker rooms.
3 – Wear clean, cotton socks and change them daily. Avoid synthetic socks.
4 – Do not share personal items, slippers, or shoes with others.
5 – Keep your toenails clean and short.
Athlete’s foot: A fungal infection that affects the genitals, inner thighs, and buttocks. It usually causes a red, ring-shaped, itchy rash. This disease is called athlete’s itch because the main cause of it is excessive sweating of the body, and since athletes often sweat heavily while working, this disease is more common in athletes, but it can affect anyone who sweats heavily in these areas (especially obese people).
Treatment: Treatment of this fungal infection can also be done by prescribing topical antifungal medications and keeping the infected area clean and dry. In more resistant and serious cases, oral antifungal treatments can also be used.
To prevent it, keep the areas around the genital area clean and dry. Avoid clothing that irritates the skin in these areas or is too tight. Wash sportswear, jeans, and tight pants regularly. If you are prone to these infections, use antifungal powders after bathing.
10 important health tips to prevent common infections in the summer:
1- Wash your hands regularly throughout the day and if you do not have access to water, use antimicrobial solutions or alcohol-based disinfectants
2- Clean your hands and arms (areas above the elbow) immediately before starting sports that involve body contact, such as wrestling or using sports equipment in gyms, with disinfectants or with towels soaked in substances such as chlorhexidine. This eliminates the possibility of transmitting skin infections for up to 6 hours after use.
3- Take a warm shower immediately (even as soon as possible) after exercising and use antimicrobial detergents that contain 4% chlorhexidine. This substance kills agents such as methicillin-resistant staphylococcus from the time of use until 6 hours later.
4- Clean your sports equipment thoroughly and use antimicrobial cleaning agents to wash or wipe these items and wait until they are completely dry.
5- Cover your skin wounds with a completely clean bandage or tape, and if you develop discharge or redness around the wound or develop cold-like symptoms in your body, be sure to show your wound to your doctor.
6- Put contaminated clothes and towels in separate bags, not in your backpack
7- Wash your clothes and towels with the highest possible water temperature and make sure they are dry before using them.
8- Do not lend or borrow your clothes and personal belongings to anyone.
9- Pay attention to symptoms such as redness, yellow discharge, swelling, etc. that are seen in infections such as jaundice, ringworm, or staphylococcal infection in the body.
10- If you develop a fever, skin rash, insect bite, or painful wound while camping, consult a health professional.
