Transcript Athlete`s Foot

Definition

any inflammatory condition caused
by a fungus. Most fungal infections
are superficial and mild, though
persistent and difficult to eradicate.
Some, particularly in older,
debilitated, or immunosuppressed or
immunodeficient people, may
become systemic and life
threatening .







What causes fungal infections?
Different types of fungus cause a variety of fungal
infections:
Athlete’s foot, jock itch, and ringworm are caused by a
fungus called tinea.
Most yeast infections, such as vaginal thrush, oral thrush,
and fungal gastroenteritis, are caused by a fungus called
Candida albicans. Fungus can also cause fungal infections
of the lungs due to inhaled fungal spores.
Certain factors or conditions can result in an overgrowth of
fungus in the body. These include:
Taking antibiotics. Antibiotics can kill off “healthy” bacteria
in the body, as well as bacteria that cause disease. When
antibiotics kill the healthy bacteria, the normal balance of
microorganisms in the mouth, vagina, intestines, and other
places in the body is altered, resulting in an overgrowth of
Candida albicans or other fungi.
Having a weakened immune system due to certain
conditions, such as HIV/AIDS or taking steroid medications
or chemotherapy






Having high blood sugar due to diabetes, which provides food for
Candida albicans and encourages its overgrowth
Fungal infections can also be passed from a pregnant woman to
her infant during vaginal delivery or breastfeeding.
A change in the pH balance of the vagina or
a change in your hormonal balance
Staying in a wet bathing suit, wearing tight jeans or wearing
synthetic underwear
Douching and wiping from rear to front
Vaginal Candidiasis

Vaginal candidiasis is caused by the
fungus called Candida. Everyone has small
quantities of the fungus in the mouth,
vagina, digestive tract and skin. In healthy
persons, "friendly" bacteria and the
immune system prevent the fungus from
causing infection. However, if you have a
damaged or weakened immune system,
it's easier for Candida to grow and cause
disease.
Signs and symptoms

The symptoms of vaginal thrush
include vulval itching, vulval
soreness and irritation, pain or
discomfort during sexual intercourse
(superficial dyspareunia ,)pain or
discomfort during urination( dysuria )
and vaginal discharge, which is
usually odourless
Preventing thrush




Wear cotton or silk underwear, which allows
excess moisture to evaporate, unlike nylon and
other synthetics.
Wash and dry your underwear thoroughly and
change it often to prevent dampness which can
increase the chance of vaginal thrush.
Avoid using feminine deodorant sprays and other
products as these may increase the chance of a
vaginal yeast infection.
Be aware that using sanitary towels may increase
your chances of getting vaginal thrush.
Oral candidiasis(Etiology)
Candida albicans infection is due to:
inadequate sterilization of teats and
bottles.
from mothers’ breast of the attendant’s
hand.
Newborns are infected during passage in
birth canal.
The long use of antibiotic therapy.
Infant's auto-infection when he has
candida diaper dermatitis and he touch
the diaper area then put his hands into
Preventing oral thrush







rinsing your mouth after meals
visiting your dentist regularly for checkups
eating a healthy balanced diet with no
more than the recommended amount
of sugar
keeping your dentures clean
brushing your teeth twice a day with a
toothpaste that contains fluoride
flossing regularly
using a mouthwash as part of your
routine
Athlete's Foot


Athlete's foot, also called tinea pedis,
is a fungal infection of the foot. It
causes peeling, redness, itching,
burning, and sometimes blisters and
sores.
Athlete's foot is a very common
infection.
Types of Athlete's Foot
Interdigital :Also called toe web infection, this is
the most common kind of athlete's foot. It
usually occurs between the two smallest toes.
This form of athlete's foot can cause itching,
burning, and scaling and the infection can spread
to the sole of the foot .
Moccasin: A moccasin-type infection of athlete's
foot can begin with a minor irritation, dryness,
itching, or scaly skin
Vesicular: This is the least common kind of
athlete's foot. The condition usually begins with a
sudden outbreak of fluid-filled blisters under the
skin.
Epidemiology
* Athlete's foot is probably the most
common dermatophyte infection in the
World with up to 70% of the population
having had this infection.


Males are affected more than females.
The risk of getting athlete's foot increases
with age. Most cases occur after puberty.
Infection is most common between the
ages of 20 and 50 years.
Etiology

Athlete's foot is caused by a
microscopic fungus that lives on
dead tissue of the hair, toenails, and
outer skin layers. There are at least
four kinds of fungus that can cause
athlete's foot. The most common of
these fungi is trichophyton rubrum .
Pathophysiology


T rubrum ,Trichophyton mentagrophytes ,and
Epidermophyton floccosum most commonly cause
tinea pedis, with T rubrum being the most
common cause worldwide .
Using enzymes called keratinases, dermatophyte
fungi invade the superficial keratin of the skin,
and the infection remains limited to this layer.
Dermatophyte cell walls also contain mannans,
which can inhibit the body's immune response. T
rubrum in particular contains mannans that may
reduce keratinocyte proliferation, resulting in a
decreased rate of sloughing and a chronic state
of infection.

Temperature and serum factors, such as beta
globulins and ferritin, appear to have a growthinhibitory effect on dermatophytes; however, this
pathophysiology is not completely understood.
Sebum also is inhibitory, thus partly explaining
the propensity for dermatophyte infection of the
feet, which have no sebaceous glands. Host
factors such as breaks in the skin and maceration
of the skin may aid in dermatophyte invasion.
The cutaneous presentation of tinea pedis is also
dependent on the host's immune system and the
infecting dermatophyte .
?How Is Athlete's Foot Treated

Athlete's foot is treated with topical
antifungal medication (a drug placed
directly on the skin) in most cases.
Severe cases may require oral drugs
(those taken by mouth). The feet
must be kept clean and dry since the
fungus thrives in moist
environments .

Nonprescription antifungals usually
are used first. These include
terbinafine( Lamisil AT ,)miconazole
(Micatin ,)clotrimazole( Lotrimin AF),
and tolnaftate( Tinactin .)
Nonprescription antifungals are
applied to the skin( topical
medicines .)

Prescription antifungals may be tried if
nonprescription medicines are not
successful or if you have a severe
infection. Some of these medicines are
topical antifungals ,which are put directly
on the skin. Examples include naftifine
(Naftin ,)butenafine( Mentax ,)and
clotrimazole. Prescription antifungals can
also be taken as a pill, which are called
oral antifungals .Examples of oral
antifungals include terbinafine (Lamisil ,)
itraconazole( Sporanox), and fluconazole
(Diflucan .)
How to use antifungal medication


Apply antifungal medication directly to the
rash and surrounding area (4–6cm) of
normal, healthy skin. Make sure that the
area is dry before applying the treatment .
Skin may sometimes be infected with the
fungus without showing any symptoms.
Therefore, it is important to treat the
surrounding area of skin to help prevent
re-infection. Always wash your hands
before and after applying the treatment.
Athlete's Foot - Other Treatment
Tea tree oil or garlic (ajoene) may help 
tinea pedis) ( athlete's foot prevent or treat
is helpful for Burow's solution .fungi
treating blisterlike (vesicular) infection
. 
What can I do to prevent these
problems?








To help prevent fungal foot conditions, keep your
feet cool, clean, and dry by
• Cleaning your feet well after each workout
• Towel drying your feet completely after showering (use a blow dryer, if necessary)
• Wearing socks under shoes
• Wearing cotton socks
• Wearing shoes made of cloth or leather (not
vinyl), allowing the feet to breathe.
Vaccine

Recently researchers used
recombinant DNA to create a live
vaccine, and have conjugated fungal
antigens with diphtheria toxoid to
create a vaccine against Candida