Diseases caused by the reproduction of fungal microbes in the body are called fungal diseases and are extremely common. Fungi, which reproduce more easily in hot and humid weather, can cause disease in all parts of the body, most often in folded areas such as armpits and under the breasts, groin, between the fingers, and sometimes on the scalp and nails.
The disease can show very different symptoms depending on the region where it is located. These can be listed as:
Scalp itching, dandruff, hair loss or breakage
Acne-like symptoms in the beard area, beard loss
White sores inside the mouth, rusty appearance on the tongue
Cracks and watering in the corners of the lips
Red, white, or milky-brown spots on the trunk with dandruff
Bright red, watery, foul-smelling sores under the breasts and groin
Red spots on the feet, crusting, severe itching, bad smell, watering between the toes, whitening
Redness, swelling, itching or discharge in the genital area
Shape and color changes in the nails, chipping, breakage, purulent wound on the nail bottoms
Itchy, red sharp-edged, scaly patches anywhere on the body
Shared clothes, shoes and slippers, sunbeds, even hats can transmit the fungus. Walking barefoot in the pool and bath, and non-sterile manicure or pedicure can also cause the microbe to settle on the skin and nails. In addition, there are types of fungi that are transmitted from domestic animals such as cats and dogs and from the soil.
For diagnosis, it may be necessary to scrape a little from the skin, hair or nails and examine this scraping under a microscope. This method is absolutely necessary, especially for diagnosing nail fungus. Because nail fungus can be confused with other diseases that occur in the nails very often and can lead to unnecessary drug use for months with wrong diagnosis.
Fungal diseases are often treated with creams and solutions, depending on their region. In stubborn cases such as fungal disease of the scalp and nails, it may be necessary to use oral medication for a long time. However, special laser applications made in recent years can also treat nail fungus without using drugs. Thus, a definitive solution can be reached without experiencing the side effects that may occur with the use of oral drugs for a long time.
Things to pay attention
Along with the treatment, there are rules to be observed. Although the disease seems to improve in 1-2 weeks, treatment should be continued for about 6 weeks on hair and skin, 2 months on fingernails, and 4 months on toenails. This issue is very important for full recovery. In patients who cannot or do not want to use drugs, laser treatment is applied in 4-6 cycles. Another issue that requires attention is that this area should not be left damp. Clothes, underwear and socks should be cotton and not sweaty. Towels, laundry, shoes and slippers should be properly disinfected. Clothes, shoes and slippers should not be shared with others.
Fungus causes deterioration of skin integrity and paves the way for other diseases. In some cases, fungal disease may be a harbinger of a more important condition. For example, another disease that lowers body resistance, such as diabetes and anemia, may underlie. If necessary, the patient is also evaluated from this point of view.
In our clinic, fungal diseases are diagnosed by examining in detail, and modern treatment approaches are used directly for the causative agent.