What You Need to Know About Fungal Infections Fungal infections are among the most frequently encountered skin conditions in our country, with their incidence increasing particularly during summer months. Dermatology Specialist Prof. Dr. Ayten Ferahbaş Kesikoğlu, Acıbadem Dr. Şinasi Can (Kadıköy) Hospital states that "Since fungi multiply in warm and humid environments, their occurrence increases during summer months. Superficial fungal diseases are infectious conditions caused by microorganisms that can affect the skin, hair, nails, oral cavity and genital area. One of the most common skin conditions affecting the entire body from the scalp to toenails, named according to their location, fungal infections affect 18 out of every 100 people in our country according to studies conducted." Prof. Dr. Ayten Ferahbaş Kesikoğlu, noting that walking barefoot at poolsides without slippers or in fields "to relieve stress" are among the factors that create conditions for fungal formation, and that the disease manifests particularly through symptoms such as itching, redness, scaling, burning sensation, discoloration and hair or nail loss depending on the area of the body affected, explained what needs to be known about fungal infections and provided important warnings and recommendations.

Factors leading to fungal infections!

Fungal infections can be transmitted through sharing clothing, slippers and personal items with others, contact with animals (cats, dogs, livestock) as well as from external environments (soil and grassy areas, poolsides, bathhouses, saunas, gyms, toilets and other shared-use surfaces). Dermatology Specialist Prof. Dr. Ayten Ferahbaş Kesikoğlu states: "Fungi causing fungal infections can be contagious dermatophytes or microsporum species, and yeast-type fungi found in the body that we call saprophytes (harmless), such as candida or pityrosporum, can also cause opportunistic infections when the body's resistance decreases."

Effective preventive measures against transmission risk!

Noting that the disease spreads very quickly and therefore great caution is required, Prof. Dr. Ayten Ferahbaş Kesikoğlu states: "For example, the main reason why foot fungal infections are frequently observed in our country is the use of shared slippers. To protect against transmission risk: do not share personal items such as clothing, slippers and shoes with others, do not walk barefoot even at home, be careful about hygiene in shared-use areas such as bathhouses, saunas and toilets and avoid stepping on floors barefoot. Since fungal infections of the genital area (such as vaginal candida) and skin folds between the legs can cause burning and pain sensations and there is a risk of transmission to partners, be cautious until treatment is completed."

How it manifests!

Severe itching is the most common complaint in fungal infections. In the area where the fungus appears on the body, persistent, intense itching that irritates the skin occurs. In addition to itching, redness of the skin, scaling, burning sensation depending on the body area affected by the fungus, discoloration and nail loss can also occur. Fungal infections appearing in the hair area can cause hair loss and, if left untreated, baldness.

If treatment is delayed!

Prof. Dr. Ayten Ferahbaş Kesikoğlu, noting that fungal treatment should be started as soon as possible, otherwise treatment becomes more difficult and can lead to secondary bacterial infections, provides the following information regarding fungal treatment: "In fungal treatment, if a limited, small area is affected, regular use of topical cream-lotion treatments for at least 3-4 weeks is sufficient. However, extensive body surface involvement, multiple site involvement, and scalp and nail involvement require systemic (oral tablet-capsule) treatment. In cases of widespread involvement of the scalp and trunk, shampoos and body washes containing substances effective against fungi are also added to the treatment."

Avoid this misconception during treatment!

Prof. Dr. Ayten Ferahbaş Kesikoğlu lists the main mistakes patients make during fungal treatment as: irregular use of medications, stopping treatment early and continuing exposure to transmission sources. "Fungal disease treatment varies depending on the location of the infection and the type of fungus causing it. Fungal infections continue to increase unless treated. The disease spreads, treatment becomes more difficult and leads to secondary bacterial infections. Stopping treatment early when complaints diminish causes both treatment resistance to develop and frequent recurrence of the disease. Moreover, the treatment process is not limited to medical therapy alone; necessary precautions must be taken in daily life against the factors causing fungal infections. For example, precautions such as keeping feet dry, not wearing the same shoes consecutively every day, not keeping the body moist, wearing cotton socks and not walking barefoot must be observed every day."

Avoid misinformation!

Dermatology Specialist Prof. Dr. Ayten Ferahbaş Kesikoğlu emphasizes that, as with all other diseases, there is misinformation in society about fungal infections, and particularly incorrect information obtained from the internet or friends can allow the disease to progress much further, concluding her remarks as follows: "For example, there is much information on the internet about natural methods for fungal treatment; soaking feet in carbonated water, washing with vinegar water or applying the gel from inside an aloe vera plant are just a few examples. However, in case of any suspected fungal symptoms, a doctor must be consulted and the disease should be treated using medical methods. Otherwise, the condition can progress much further, leading to a more complicated, difficult and risky process. For example, directly applying aloe vera can irritate the skin, while soaking feet in carbonated water or applying vinegar water to the affected area can cause irritation and burns if concentration is not properly adjusted. Therefore, random applications should be avoided."