Preventing skin mycoses is possible, taking care to avoid situations that increase the risk of contracting them and following the advice of experts. Here are some simple rules.
Fungus-induced skin infections are not dangerous, but they are undoubtedly very annoying and unpleasant and, once established, are often difficult to treat.
Especially in those areas where humidity tends to stagnate, such as skin folds, armpits, pollution, the space between the fingers.
The most frequent triad
Ringworm, candidiasis and pityriasis versicolor are the most frequent, and can affect anyone, proliferating on all structures that contain keratin. So skin, but also hair and nails.
The agents that cause mycoses are mainly dermatophytes, candida and malassezia.
Dermatophytes cause fungal infections among more common, such as tinea capitis, which particularly affects children, tinea corporis, which does not distinguish between adults and children, nor between men and women, and the tinea pedis, better known by the name of foot athlete, which develops on the skin of the foot.
Their spread is related to overcrowded environments, to conditions precarious hygiene and attendance at gyms, swimming pools and others places where you practice sports closely in contact with others.
The following table summarizes the main characteristics of these three forms of ringworm.
| Mycosis | Affected areas | Features of lesions | Symptoms |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tinea corporis | Face, neck, trunk, arms and legs, in hairless areas | Circular patches, with raised edge, reddened and peeling, vaults with vesicles, and lighter and smoother central part, which progressively enlarge | Usually asymptomatic; sometimes mild burning or itching |
| Tinea pedis | Space between the toes, especially between the 4th-5th toes | Soft, yellowish-white, macerated, slightly skinned scaly and with slight redness. If severe and infected, they are present more intense redness, swelling, fissures and erosions exuding | Almost always associated with itching; often burning and discomfort |
| Tinea capitis | Scalp | Erythematous and desquamatous patches, roundish, with net limits, with a diameter varying between 1 and 10 cm, without any inflammatory character. Patches can be unique or, more rarely, multiple, isolated or confluent in patches Polycyclic contours | Often associated with itching |
Especially in summer and when practicing sports, pay attention also to candida that prefers all areas of the body where the skin often remains moist, such as the folds of the armpits, groin and breasts.
In such areas the fungus, which is part of the normal skin microflora, becomes more aggressive, causing the so-called candida intertrigo (or candidiasis of skin folds).
Pityriasis versicolor, also known as “sea mushroom” is attributable to malassezia because the spots become more evident on tanned skin.
Even in this case, however, it is not the sun and the sea that are responsible for the multiplication of the fungus, but the abundant sweat and the hot and humid environments.
Beware of heat and humidity
How to protect yourself from these unpleasant guests? There are certain situations that favor the development of these microorganisms and must therefore be avoided if we want to counteract their proliferation.
First of all the hot and humid environment. Especially in the summer months, therefore, it is always good to wear light clothes, natural fiber linen and shoes that let the skin breathe and avoid excessive sweating as much as possible.
The use of stretch fabrics should be limited to swimsuits, to be changed immediately once out of the water.
After bathing, in the sea or in the pool, dry the skin well, especially in those areas where water tends to stagnate such as skin folds, armpits, groin, with a soft towel.
In the gym, pay attention to the rubber mats or benches of the locker rooms: in their interstices you can nest fungi and contagion; Especially if the weather is hot and humid, it is very easy.
In the pool. Do not walk barefoot and, above all, do not sit on the tiles, much less those of the edge of the tub. It is healthier to use deckchairs or sunbeds, but only by spreading a towel on them, always resting it on the same side.
Public places. Not only in the pool, but also if you attend sports facilities, saunas, showers or crowded public places, it is good to avoid contact between bare skin and all potentially infected surfaces by protecting yourself with slippers and towels.
Towels. Do not use towels, towel or footwear of others, even if they are friends or family.
On the way back. Always wash slippers or clogs, costumes, overalls and towels. It would be good to use linen, towels and sportswear that can be washed in the washing machine at high temperatures (preferably above 60 °).
Joycelyn Elders is the author and creator of EmpowerEssence, a health and wellness blog. Elders is a respected public health advocate and pediatrician dedicated to promoting general health and well-being.
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