Candidiasis of the skin
Candidiasis of the skin is a fungal disease affecting the upper skin. Researchers call Candida fungi the cause of its occurrence. The external manifestations of this disease are expressed in edema and redness of certain areas of the skin, including erosive manifestations, papules, vesicles.
The content of the article:
Classification of candidiasis of the skin
Causes of candidiasis of the skin
Symptoms of candidiasis of the skin
Diagnosis of candidiasis of the skin
Treatment of candidiasis of the skin
Candidiasis of the skin
Basically, candidiasis can be observed in the folds of the skin of the groin and armpits, under the mammary glands, as well as between the fingers. Any laboratory examination of the scraping material easily confirms that it was the Candida fungus that caused the disease. This ailment is treatable, but the healing process can be not only local, but also general. The main responsibility for the cure falls on antifungal agents that need to be taken by the course.
Infection with fungi, including Candida fungus, is observed more and more often today. The number of cases of skin candidiasis is also increasing. At the same time, the age of a person does not matter, such a lesion occurs both in the elderly and in newly born babies. Candida flora is considered conditionally pathogenic and may be present in a healthy body. And this means that the possible metamorphosis of the fungus into the state of the causative agent of the disease indicates any disorders in the body as a whole. First of all, the impetus for the development of candidiasis of the skin can give reduced immunity for some reason.
A factor favorable for the development of candidiasis is humidity, therefore, those people who, by the nature of their activities, constantly have contact with water are at risk. In particular, these are cleaners, sellers in grocery stores, employees of catering establishments, bath attendants, housewives, medical workers, flower sellers and others.
Classification of candidiasis of the skin
To date, experts distinguish several types of candidiasis of the skin. The classification of this disease is quite extensive, but most often doctors adhere to the following division of types of candidiasis:
candidiasis of large skin folds (candidiasis intertrigo). It is observed in the inguinal, axillary interstitial folds, as well as under the mammary glands. Its other name is “yeast diaper rash”;
candidiasis of the skin is dressing. The development of this type of disease is observed in bedridden patients. Candidiasis occurs under plaster linings and bandages, as well as on the back. A favorable environment is natural humidity due to sweating;
candidiasis of the skin in the genital area (this includes vulvitis, balanoposthitis, balanitis);
candidiasis of the diaper skin. This type of disease occurs in infants in the perineal area. There are primary and secondary candidiasis diaper;
candidiasis folliculitis. Some of its manifestations are similar to dressing candidiasis. It can occur in the armpits, as well as on the head under the hair. In men, it develops on the face, on areas in the area of the mustache and beard;
interdigital candidiasis. In this case, there is a lesion on the hands and feet in the spaces between the fingers;
humid candidiasis. It can occur on any areas of the skin if they are closed and moist. This condition contributes to the development of the disease;
candidiasis of the lips and candidiasis congestion. These types of candidiasis can develop in the mouth area: on the lip border and in the corners of the mouth.
In order to prescribe treatment for candidiasis of the skin, the doctor must classify a specific case of the disease and determine exactly where the lesion of the skin is localized.
Causes of candidiasis of the skin
The overwhelming number of patients become carriers of Candida fungus almost immediately after birth. This does not mean that a person immediately becomes ill with candidiasis of the skin, he is a carrier of the fungus. After Candida fungi pass from the saprophytic stage to the pathogenic stage, candidiasis begins to develop rapidly. This is often due to various changes occurring in the human body. Diabetes mellitus, obesity and general disorders of the metabolic system can quickly lead to candidiasis and skin lesions. The same thing happens if a favorable environment is formed for the development of the disease: various infections, dysbiosis, vitamin deficiency, decreased immunity. The use of antibiotics can also lead to candidiasis.
A serious factor that causes the transition of Candida fungus into a pathogenic state and its subsequent development is a humid external environment. Increased sweating, provoked by an increase in external temperature, for example, being in a sauna, can lead to the same result. In addition, there is a danger of the disease for food production workers, as they expose the skin of their hands to food acids (malic, citric, etc.), as well as sugary components.
Symptoms of candidiasis of the skin
It is not difficult to identify candidiasis of the skin, since its clinical picture is pronounced. Candidiasis begins with redness of the skin in certain areas, then there is a slight swelling and a rash appears in various manifestations: bubbles, pustules, papules. After the lesions are opened, erosive areas of a wet nature are immediately formed under them, often merging and forming the edges of the affected area of the skin.
Usually, the surface of the ulcers forming on the skin has a light coating and smoothness. Bubbles and edematous spots can be observed along the edges of lesions. Candidiasis of the skin most often occurs in large folds of the skin, so they need to be examined first.
Experts distinguish two main forms of candidiasis of the skin: vesicular and erythematous. They differ in symptoms. The vesicular form is characterized by the predominance of papules and vesicles on the skin. With erythematous form, erythematous-edematous lesions with erosive skin lesions appear.
Candidiasis of the skin can have a chronic course. If there is a relapse of the disease, then the patient needs to be prepared for the fact that these lesions occur periodically on the skin throughout the year. They spread to a greater extent than during the period when candidiasis is acute and first developed.
Treatment of chronic candidiasis is more complex. There is also a risk of the transition of chronic candidiasis into a particularly complex form, when the disease is associated with various disorders of the activity of many body systems. Anemia, pneumonia, osteoporosis and other diseases can be observed here, and they are recurrent.
Diagnosis of candidiasis of the skin
The diagnosis of cutaneous candidiasis is based on the examination of a scraping sample from one of the damaged areas of the skin for the presence of pathogenic Candida fungi. PCR diagnostics, enzyme immunoassay, and the study of the immunofluorescence reaction are also often used. The doctor must examine the patient to find out what is the number of pathogenic fungi in his body. If their number is not excessive, then this indicates the normal state of the microflora.
Treatment of candidiasis of the skin
The treatment course necessary for healing from candidiasis of the skin involves taking antifungal drugs: antibiotics, azoles, medications aimed at suppressing and localizing lesions.
If the case of candidiasis is not severe, the doctor prescribes local treatment with the use of antifungal gels and ointments. If the areas affected by the fungus are extensive, then oral administration of drugs will be required. The duration of treatment is directly dependent on how difficult the disease process is and how effective the procedures used are. If the drugs are used in unreasonably small doses, or the course of treatment is short-term, a person falls into the risk group of relapsing patients.
Since candidiasis of the skin is often associated with a decrease in immunity, measures aimed at strengthening the body as a whole are carried out in parallel with the treatment of the disease itself. Concomitant diseases should also be treated immediately, otherwise the effect of antifungal drugs will be minimized.
