Guidelines for Preventing Opportunistic Infections Among Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplant Recipients
Fungal Infections Of The Skin
A fungal infection, also called mycosis, is a skin disease caused by a fungus.
There are millions of species of fungi. They live in the dirt, on plants, on household surfaces, and on your skin. Sometimes, they can lead to skin problems such as rashes or bumps.
Bacterial vs. Fungal skin infections
The key difference between bacterial and fungal infections is how doctors treat them. You'll take an antifungal medicine for a fungal infection, which could take a while to treat. Doctors prescribe antibiotics to treat bacterial infections, and these medicines work more quickly.
A fungal skin infection might cause:
Fungal skin infections can happen anywhere on your body. Some of the most common are athlete's foot, jock itch, ringworm, and yeast infections.
Athlete's foot
Athlete's foot, or tinea pedis, is a fungal infection of the foot. Fungi thrive in warm, moist environments such as shoes, socks, swimming pools, locker rooms, and public showers. This infection is more common in people who wear tight shoes, don't change sweaty socks, and use public baths and pools. The fungi responsible for athlete's foot live on the dead tissue of hair, toenails, and outer skin layers, with Trichophyton rubrum being the most common culprit.
Jock itch
Jock itch is also known as tinea cruris. A type of fungus called tinea causes this infection. This fungus thrives in warm, moist areas such as the genitals, inner thighs, and buttocks. Infections are more common during the summer or in warm, wet climates. Jock itch appears as a red, itchy, ring-shaped rash.
Jock itch is only mildly contagious, spreading through direct contact or indirectly via objects carrying the fungus. Symptoms include:
Ringworm
Ringworm, or tinea corporis, is a fungal skin infection named for its ring-shaped rash with a worm-like edge. Ringworm is contagious and can spread through direct contact with infected people or animals or by touching tainted clothing or furniture. Heat and humidity can help the spread of the infection. Symptoms include a red, circular, flat sore with scaly skin — where the outer part of the sore might be raised, while the middle appears normal. Red rings or patches may overlap.
Yeast infections
Yeast infections of your skin are called cutaneous candidiasis. A type of fungus called candida causes these infections when it grows too much. Yeast infections aren't contagious. They're most common in warm, moist, creased areas of your body, including your armpits and groin. They often happen in people with obesity or diabetes. Also, if you're taking an antibiotic, you are more likely to get a yeast infection.
Onychomycosis
Onychomycosis is a fungal infection that affects the nails on your fingers or toes. It causes your nails to become discolored, thickened, and sometimes separate from the nail bed. The condition is more common in older adults due to issues such as poor blood flow, immune system problems, and diabetes. Onychomycosis impacts toenails more often than fingernails because they grow more slowly, have less blood flow, and are usually in dark, moist conditions.
You're more likely to get a fungal skin infection if you:
To treat a fungal skin infection, you'll need antifungal medications, which can be topical (applied directly to your skin) or tablets (oral).
Topical antifungals
These medications come as creams, lotions, and shampoos. You can usually buy them from a pharmacist without a doctor's prescription. Examples include:
You may need to continue treatment for fungal nail infections for up to a year. For other types of infections, you should add up to 2 weeks of treatment after your symptoms have disappeared to make sure the infection doesn't return.
Always read the leaflet with your medication and ask a pharmacist any questions.
Antifungal tablets
If your infection doesn't get better after using an antifungal, it covers a large part of your skin or affects your nails or scalp, your doctor may prescribe antifungal tablets. Examples of antifungal tablets include:
You'll take this medicine for up to 6 months to completely get rid of your infection.
Here are steps you can take to lower your chances of getting a fungal skin infection:
Athlete's foot, also called tinea pedis, is a fungal infection of your foot.
The fungi grow best in warm, moist places such as shoes, socks, swimming pools, locker rooms, and public showers. They're often found in the summer and in hot, humid climates. It happens more often in people who wear tight shoes, don't change their sweaty socks, and use public baths and pools.
Athlete's foot causes
The fungi that cause athlete's foot live on the dead tissue of your hair, toenails, and outer skin layers. At least four kinds of fungus can cause the infection. The most common is Trichophyton rubrum.
Athlete's foot symptoms
Signs of athlete's foot vary from person to person. You might have:
Types of athlete's foot
Interdigital. This is also called toe web infection. Most people with athlete's foot have this form. It usually occurs between your two smallest toes. The infection can spread to the sole of your foot.
Moccasin. This form can begin with irritation, dryness, itching, or scaly skin. Over time, your skin may thicken and crack. This infection can involve your entire sole and extend to the sides of your foot.
Vesicular. This is the rarest kind of athlete's foot. It usually begins with a sudden outbreak of fluid-filled blisters, often on the underside of your foot. They also can appear between your toes, on your heel, or on top of your foot.
Athlete's foot diagnosis
Not all itchy, scaly feet are caused by a fungus. Your doctor may scrape off a bit of skin and look at it under a microscope to check for a different condition.
Athlete's foot treatment
Your doctor might give you antifungal medicine to put on your skin or, in severe cases, another kind to take by mouth. Be sure to keep your feet clean and dry.
Athlete's foot prevention
To keep from getting athlete's foot, wear shower sandals in public showering areas, wear shoes that let your feet breathe, and wash your feet every day with soap and water. Dry them thoroughly, and use a quality foot powder.
A type of fungus called tinea causes jock itch. The infection is also known as tinea cruris. Tinea loves warm, moist areas such as your genitals, inner thighs, and buttocks. Infections happen more often in the summer or warm, wet climates.
Jock itch is a red, itchy rash that's often ring-shaped.
Is jock itch contagious?
It's only mildly contagious. It can spread from person to person through direct contact or indirectly through objects with the fungus on them.
Jock itch symptoms
Symptoms of jock itch include:
Jock itch diagnosis
Doctors can usually diagnose it by what it looks like and where it is on your body. They might look at a sample of skin under a microscope to be sure.
Jock itch treatment
Keep the affected area clean and dry. Over-the-counter antifungal medicines can treat most cases of jock itch. In severe cases, your doctor might need to give you a prescription cream. No matter your treatment, be sure to:
Ringworm, also called tinea corporis, isn't a worm but a fungal skin infection. It's named for its ring-shaped rash with a winding, worm-like edge.
Is ringworm contagious?
Ringworm can spread through direct contact with infected people or animals. You can also pick it up off clothing or furniture. Heat and humidity can help spread the infection.
Ringworm symptoms
Ringworm is a red, circular, flat sore that can happen along with scaly skin. The outer part of the sore might be raised, while the skin in the middle appears normal. Patches or red rings may overlap.
Ringworm diagnosis
Your doctor can diagnose ringworm based on your symptoms. They might ask whether you've come into contact with infected people or animals. They might also take samples from the area and look at them under a microscope to be sure.
Ringworm treatment
Treatment usually involves antifungal medications that you put on your skin. You might use an over-the-counter cream such as:
In more severe cases, you might need prescription medications to put on your skin or take by mouth.
Yeast infections of your skin are called cutaneous candidiasis. A type of fungus called candida causes these infections when it grows too much. Yeast infections aren't contagious.
The infections are most common in warm, moist, creased areas of your body, including your armpits and groin. They often happen in people who are obese or who have diabetes. People taking antibiotics are also at higher risk.
Candida can cause diaper rash in infants. It can also cause infections in your nails, vagina, or mouth (oral thrush).
Yeast infection symptoms
Signs of a yeast infection on your skin include:
Signs of a yeast infection in your nail beds include:
Signs of thrush (yeast infection of your mouth) include:
Signs of a vaginal yeast infection include:
Yeast infection diagnosis
Your doctor will ask about your medical history and do a physical exam. They might also take a sample from the affected area to look at under a microscope.
Yeast infection treatment
Treatment depends on the infection. Medicated creams can treat most skin yeast infections. For a vaginal infection, you can usually use medicated suppositories. A medicated mouthwash or lozenges that dissolve in your mouth may treat oral thrush. If you have a severe infection or a weakened immune system, you might need anti-yeast medications that you take by mouth.
Fungal infections, or mycoses, are skin diseases caused by various fungi that live in warm and wet environments. Common types include athlete's foot, jock itch, ringworm, and yeast infections, each presenting with specific symptoms such as itching, redness, and rashes. These infections are often not serious but can be irritating and are easily spread through direct contact or shared items. Prevention involves good hygiene practices, such as keeping skin clean and dry, avoiding sharing personal items, and wearing protective footwear in public areas. Treatment typically involves topical antifungal medications, with more severe cases requiring oral antifungals.
What Natural Treatments Work For H. Pylori?
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Some natural treatments, including probiotics and broccoli sprouts, may help reduce the number of H. Pylori bacteria in your stomach. However, eradicating the bacteria typically requires antibiotics.
Helicobacter pylori (H. Pylori) are bacteria that can cause an infection in the lining of your stomach.
The use of conventional treatments like antibiotics can cause challenging side effects in some people. It's possible to experience nausea, diarrhea, and loss of appetite.
Some people are resistant to antibiotics, which can complicate traditional approaches to treatment. As a result, interest in natural treatments for H. Pylori infection is growing. These may be used in addition to conventional, prescribed treatments.
Many in vivo and in vitro studies on natural H. Pylori treatments have been done. Most treatments reduced the number of bacteria in the stomach but failed to eradicate them permanently.
Be sure to talk with your doctor before beginning a natural treatment regimen. You shouldn't replace your recommended treatment for H. Pylori with natural remedies.
That said, read on to learn more about H. Pylori and what natural remedies may help treat it.
H. Pylori infections are really common, representing about 50% of bacterial infections in the U.S. It's also common in children and teenagers, although research shows the prevalence has been going slightly down in adults.
H. Pylori infections can be asymptomatic. Many people with H. Pylori don't know they have it. However, this bacteria can cause duodenal and peptic ulcers, as well as gastrointestinal symptoms such as:
It's also a risk factor for stomach cancer.
Can H. Pylori be treated naturally?Eradication rates of H. Pylori are high when antibiotic treatment is used. Rates are highest when antibiotics are combined with an acid reducer. That said, adding natural treatments may offer additional healing benefits.
With your doctor's approval, you can try natural treatments as adjuvant therapy.
Probiotics help maintain the balance between good and bad gut bacteria. According to a 2020 study, taking probiotics before or after standard H. Pylori treatment may improve eradication rates.
Antibiotics kill both good and bad bacteria in your stomach, so probiotics help replenish good bacteria. They may also reduce your risk of developing yeast overgrowth.
Learn more: The benefits of probiotics.
Honey has been found to have antibacterial abilities against H. Pylori. A systematic review supports this conclusion.
No research to date has shown that honey can eradicate the bacteria on its own, but it may help inhibit its growth. Raw honey and Manuka honey may have the most antibacterial effects.
Learn more: Everything to Know About the Health Benefits of Honey.
A 2020 review found that licorice root increased the eradication rate of H. Pylori and has an antibacterial effect.
Licorice root may also help prevent H. Pylori from sticking to cell walls and promote ulcer healing. Talk with your doctor before adding licorice root to your treatment plan.
Learn more: What are licorice root's benefits and downsides?
LED blue light therapy might be a way to treat antibiotic-resistant H. Pylori. Phototherapy uses ultraviolet light to help eliminate H. Pylori in the stomach.
A 2020 study found that using blue LED endoscopy enhanced curcumin therapy, resulted in less tissue damage, and reduced the production and activity of H. Pylori.
Learn more: Everything you need to know about phototherapy (light therapy).
Curcumin is an active ingredient found in turmeric, a spice. A 2019 study discussed how curcumin reduced inflammation and prevented H. Pylori from entering and damaging gastric cells.
The antioxidant and antimicrobial action of curcumin led the authors to suggest that adding curcumin to a combination of medications that include antibiotics can be beneficial.
Learn more: 10 health benefits of turmeric and curcumin.
Doctors typically prescribe a combination of two antibiotics and an acid-reducing drug to treat H. Pylori. This is known as triple therapy.
If you're resistant to the antibiotics, your doctors may add another medication to your treatment plan. The goal is to get rid of 90% or more of the H. Pylori bacteria present.
Treatment usually lasts no more than 2 weeks, but recovering from an ulcer due to H. Pylori can take longer. Using two antibiotics instead of one may reduce your risk of antibiotic resistance. Antibiotics used to treat H. Pylori include:
Acid-reducing medications help your stomach lining to heal. Some of these are:
Certain vegetables, such as broccoli sprouts, may have a protective mechanism against H. Pylori. Some studies have also found that berries like cranberry may have a similar effect. That said, more research is needed to verify this. In addition, there's also evidence that some foods, such as refined grains and certain fruits, may have a higher association with the infection.
Can activated charcoal cure H. Pylori?Activated charcoal may help stop the growth of H. Pylori. However, the supporting evidence is old and inconclusive.
What probiotic gets rid of H. Pylori?Research suggests that probiotics more likely to help with H. Pylori are bifidobacterium-lactobacillus or bifidobacterium-lactobacillus-saccharomyces.
The source of H. Pylori is unclear. There are no formal recommendations from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) to prevent it.
In general, you should practice good hygiene by frequently washing your hands and properly preparing your food.
Also, note that doctors seldom test for H. Pylori unless you have symptoms. If you have symptoms, call your doctor for an evaluation.
H. Pylori infection shares symptoms with other stomach conditions, such as acid reflux and GERD. It's important to get the right diagnosis to ensure correct treatment.
You may need to have an endoscopy, a colonoscopy, or both to check for other possible diagnoses.
If you test positive for H. Pylori, the sooner you start treatment, the better. Natural treatments aren't likely to harm you, but they aren't proven to eliminate the infection. Don't use them instead of conventional treatments without your doctor's supervision. If you're diagnosed with H. Pylori, complete your full course of treatment to reduce your risk of recurrence.
What To Know About Vaginal Yeast Infections
Vaginal yeast infection is a common type of fungal infection. It causes inflammation, irritation, itching, and vaginal discharge. People may get a yeast infection due to an overgrowth of the Candida yeast species.
Doctors may also refer to vaginal yeast infections as vaginal candidiasis or vulvovaginal candidiasis (VVC).
Treatment includes short-course medication for uncomplicated cases or a longer course for complicated cases.
This article will look at the causes, symptoms, and diagnosis of yeast infections, as well as medication and home remedies.
The main cause of a vaginal yeast infection is the overgrowth of yeast in the vulvovaginal area. Research suggests 75% of females experience it during their lifetime.
The yeast species Candida albicans causes common yeast infections, but other species of Candida can also cause an infection. They may need different treatment.
Balanced levels of yeast and bacteria are typically present in the vagina, but disturbances in this delicate balance can lead to the development of an infection.
Usually, the bacteria Lactobacillus creates an environment that does not encourage yeast overgrowth, but if yeast becomes dominant, symptoms of a yeast infection may emerge.
Yeast infections of the vagina are not sexually transmitted infections (STIs), but they can spread through oral-genital contact or during intercourse.
Factors that increase the risk of a vaginal yeast infection include:
Any activity that can cause changes in typical vaginal flora, including douching, can contribute to a yeast infection. Improper diet and lack of sleep may also increase the risk.
Yeast infections with discharge look thick and white, like cottage cheese.
Other symptoms of a vulvovaginal yeast infection include:
Sometimes a more complicated yeast infection may occur with more severe symptoms. Four or more infections may arise in 1 year. Doctors refer to this as recurrent vulvovaginal candidiasis (RVVC).
There may be severe redness, swelling, and itching, leading to skin fissures or sores with a complicated yeast infection.
Medical conditions that can cause a complicated yeast infection or RVVC include:
In males, a yeast infection can affect the head of the penis. Symptoms include redness, irritation, and discharge, according to the United Kingdom's National Health Service (NHS). It can also affect the skin or the mouth.
The fastest way to get rid of a yeast infection is to contact a doctor. They can provide a timely and accurate diagnosis. They will prescribe the right treatment for the condition.
Most cases of vaginal yeast infection are mild, and the condition is not bothersome. Some people have no symptoms at all.
The Centers for Disease and Prevention (CDC) recommends contacting a doctor if there are symptoms such as:
Treatment of the infection depends on whether it is complicated or uncomplicated. A complicated yeast infection may involve more symptoms or they may be more severe. For example, a person may experience vaginal or labial swelling.
Another sign of a complication is if a person has repeated infections or if the infections occur due to a weakened immune system.
Uncomplicated yeast infectionThere are two ways to treat an uncomplicated yeast infection: vaginal therapy or oral treatment.
When treating an uncomplicated yeast infection, a short course of vaginal therapy is usually sufficient.
One option is a one-time treatment of a prescription or an over-the-counter (OTC) medication, such as:
Some of these are available to buy online, including clotrimazole, Monistat 3, and terconazole.
Because these medications are oil-based, they can weaken latex condoms and diaphragms, potentially making them less reliable. A person can use nonlatex-based condoms instead.
Alternatively, a person can use an oral antifungal, such as fluconazole (Diflucan), in one single dose.
Complicated yeast infectionIn the case of a complicated yeast infection, treatment will include the use of long-course vaginal therapy or multidose oral formulations.
A doctor may recommend maintenance medications. A person might take these drugs regularly to prevent the infection from returning.
Long-course vaginal therapy includes treatment with a vaginal cream, ointment, tablet, or suppository for approximately 7–14 days.
Sometimes, a doctor may recommend two to three doses of oral fluconazole instead of vaginal therapy.
If symptoms are severe, a doctor may prescribe a few days of topical steroids to help ease symptoms while the antifungal medication works.
Before using antifungals, it is important to be sure that the symptoms are due to a yeast infection. The overuse of antifungals can increase the chances of antifungal resistance, so the medications may not work in the future when they are needed.
If maintenance medications are necessary, these begin after one of the above methods of treatment has finished. It may include weekly treatment with oral fluconazole for 6 months or weekly treatment with vaginal clotrimazole.
If the person's sexual partner has yeast symptoms, they might want to consider treatment, too. Medical professionals often recommend the use of condoms or other barrier methods.
People sometimes try alternative therapies to help treat vaginal yeast.
These include a boric acid vaginal suppository and the oral or vaginal application of yogurt.
These alternative therapies are not currently supported by research studies, but they may provide relief from Candida symptoms and possibly reduce the presence of yeast.
When diagnosing a vaginal yeast infection, a doctor will ask about a person's medical history, including a history of any STIs or previous yeast infections.
They might also perform a pelvic exam to inspect the vulva, vagina, and cervix for signs of infection. They may send a sample of vaginal discharge to a laboratory to confirm the diagnosis.
The doctor will usually order laboratory tests if an infection does not go away or keeps returning.
Examining a swab of vaginal discharge under a microscope can reveal if high levels of yeast are present.
Once it is clear whether the infection is uncomplicated or complicated, treatment can begin.
While there is no guaranteed way to prevent a Candida infection, certain actions can reduce the risk of developing a vaginal yeast infection.
These include:
Anyone who believes they have symptoms of a yeast infection should speak with a doctor for an accurate diagnosis as soon as possible.
Even if someone has had a prior yeast infection, they should go to a doctor for a diagnosis. Other conditions like bacterial vaginosis and some STIs can look like yeast infections and require prompt treatment.
A person should also contact a doctor if short course treatment does not clear the yeast infection or if they have frequent infections. This may be a case of a complicated yeast infection that needs different treatment.
Below are some common questions and answers about yeast infections.
Do probiotics help prevent yeast infections?There is evidence that some probiotics like Lactobacillus acidophilus may help prevent yeast infections. However, there are conflicting data as to whether probiotics are a reliable treatment or tool of prevention.
How do yeast infections affect pregnancy?Pregnancy makes a vaginal yeast infection more likely. Treatment is a bit different during pregnancy.
Doctors typically recommend using a topical treatment, such as a vaginal cream or suppository. Oral treatment with fluconazole is not advised in the first trimester but may be used afterward.
Can a person get more yeast infections when they are menstruating?Changes in hormone levels can make a yeast infection more likely. That is why some people may have worsening symptoms or experience a yeast infection just before their period starts.
During a person's period, a yeast infection may clear up because blood is higher in pH and can help restore the vaginal pH balance.
Can a yeast infection go away on its own?According to the NHS, people usually need to take antifungal medication to treat a yeast function.
Below are some common myths about yeast infections.
Yeast always indicates yeast infection.Yeast naturally occurs in the body. Many people have yeast in the vagina but do not have a yeast infection.
Therefore, a doctor diagnoses a yeast infection based on signs and symptoms in addition to the presence of yeast.
A yeast infection is gender-specific.People of all genders can get yeast infections.
Someone with a penis may have symptoms like redness, itchiness, or soreness at the head of the penis, according to the NHS. There may also be discharge when they urinate.
OTC vaginal care products cure yeast infections.Vaginal douches and intimate care products do not cure yeast infections. These can make the condition worse by changing the balance of bacteria in the area.
OTC medication products like miconazole may be an effective treatment if there is an accurate diagnosis of a yeast infection.
A yeast infection is an STI.A yeast infection is not an STI. Sometimes people get an STI through sexual contact with another person who has a yeast infection if enough of the yeast gets into the vagina.
Vaginal yeast infection typically occurs due to the overgrowth of yeast in the vulvovaginal area.
Symptoms may include irritation, itching, and vaginal discharge that looks like cottage cheese. These symptoms can also indicate other conditions, like bacterial vaginosis, so a person should speak with a doctor for diagnosis.
A doctor may ask about a person's medical history and take a sample of vaginal discharge to test for high levels of yeast and other microorganisms.
Treatment for a vaginal yeast infection usually involves a course of antifungal medication. People should contact their doctor if their symptoms do not go away, worsen, or come back after treatment.
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