Case 17-1991: A 68-Year-Old Man with Diffuse, Patchy Pulmonary Infiltrates: New England Journal of Medicine: Vol ...
Why Are Diabetes Patients More At Risk Of Fungal Infections?
Most people know what diabetes is. They know it is associated with high blood sugar levels and that eating excessive sweets can cause spikes, leading to complications. However, what many people don't understand is how the condition affects different parts of the body and increases the risk of other health problems. This includes fungal infections, which are illnesses caused by fungi that can affect your skin, hair, nails, mucous membranes, lungs, or other parts of your body.
In an interaction with the OnlyMyHealth team, Dr Mahesh D M, Consultant Endocrinologist, Aster CMI Hospital, Bengaluru, delves into the connection between diabetes and fungal infections, highlighting why diabetes heightens the risk of developing such infections.
Also Read: When Is The Best Time To Check Blood Sugar Level If You Have Diabetes?
Understanding Diabetes And How It Impacts The BodyDiabetes occurs when the blood sugar levels in the body are too high, either because the pancreas does not produce enough insulin or when the body cannot effectively use the insulin it produces.
Insulin is a hormone that regulates blood glucose, which is a kind of sugar that comes from our food and is converted into energy. Any irregularities in insulin production or use can result in a buildup of glucose in the bloodstream. If left unmanaged, it can cause serious complications, including nerve and blood vessel damage.
The complications can be divided into two categories: microvascular and macrovascular complications.
While microvascular complications affect the small blood vessels, including retinopathy and neuropathy, macrovascular complications involve large vessels, such as Coronary Artery Disease (CAD), Peripheral Artery Disease (PAD), and cerebrovascular diseases.
Why Diabetes Patients Are At A Greater Risk Of Fungal InfectionsAccording to Dr Mahesh, diabetes patients are at a greater risk of fungal infections due to high blood sugar levels and a weakened immune system. This is because the fungus that causes fungal infections feeds on sugar, and chronically high blood sugar levels in diabetics create a prime environment for fungal overgrowth.
Furthermore, diabetes weakens the body's defence system, making it harder to fight off these infections.
A study published in Diabetes Care found that diabetics experience higher rates of fungal infections and various other infections, especially bone infections, sepsis, and cellulitis, as compared to those without diabetes. Researchers noted that the risk seems to be higher for people with type 1 diabetes compared to type 2.
Common fungal infections to watch out for in diabetes patients include:
Symptoms of fungal infections:
Dr Mahesh says, "Diabetes-associated fungal infections can occur in various warm, moist areas of the body due to the increased sugar levels in the body fluids of diabetics. Vagina, skin, mouth, feet, and nails are the most common areas susceptible to fungal infections."
He adds, "It's important for diabetics to be aware of these areas and to practise good hygiene to help prevent fungal infections. This includes keeping the skin clean and dry, wearing cotton underwear, and managing blood sugar levels effectively."
Also Read: What Does An Ideal Breakfast Look Like For Diabetics: Foods To Eat And Avoid
How To Manage Diabetes And Reduce Risk Of Fungal InfectionsHere are some diabetes management strategies and ways to reduce the risk of fungal infections:
"If you have any concerns about a possible fungal infection, it is important to see your doctor so that they can diagnose the infection and recommend the appropriate treatment," says Dr Mahesh, adding that early diagnosis and treatment can help prevent the infection from worsening and spreading.
DisclaimerAll possible measures have been taken to ensure accuracy, reliability, timeliness and authenticity of the information; however Onlymyhealth.Com does not take any liability for the same. Using any information provided by the website is solely at the viewers' discretion. In case of any medical exigencies/ persistent health issues, we advise you to seek a qualified medical practitioner before putting to use any advice/tips given by our team or any third party in form of answers/comments on the above mentioned website.
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 To Know About Candidiasis When You Have HIV
If you have HIV, treatment called antiretroviral therapy (ART) can help you live a long, healthy life. But it's a good idea to be aware of some of the health risks you might face, including fungal infections like candidiasis.
This infection usually affects the mouth, throat, esophagus, or vagina. When it shows up in your mouth or throat, doctors call it thrush.
Candidiasis can bring on painful symptoms that could make it hard for you to do things like eat food or keep up with any medicines that you take by mouth. The infection can extend into the esophagus, which could lead to heartburn and difficulty swallowing. It can also extend into the trachea (airway) and lungs. Candidiasis of the mouth and throat (and lungs) are usually signs of advanced HIV and usually don't happen if you are taking your ART.
Vaginal candidiasis produces a thick, white discharge that can be itchy and painful. It can occur at any stage of HIV infection, and often in persons who are not infected with HIV.
That makes it important to get treatment as soon as you have symptoms of candidiasis. Your doctor has ways to get rid of the infection and help you feel your best again.
A type of yeast called candida brings on this infection. Yeast is a type of fungus.
Candida usually lives on your skin and inside the body. Normally, the body's defenses (immune system) keep it from multiplying and growing out of control. But when you're living with HIV, the virus weakens your immune system. That makes it easier for candida to overgrow and cause the infection candidiasis.
Candidiasis of the esophagus (the tube that connects your throat to your stomach) is not as common as thrush but is more serious. And people who get the infection in their esophagus usually get it in the mouth and throat, too.
Vaginal candidiasis (also called a vaginal yeast infection) is common whether you have HIV or not. But HIV is one of several things that can make you more likely to get it.
Some oral symptoms are:
Some vaginal symptoms are:
It's possible to have no symptoms.
Most cases of vaginal candidiasis are mild, you can get a severe infection that includes redness, swelling, and cracks in the wall of your vagina.
Talk to your doctor right away if you think you're having any symptoms of candidiasis. The sooner you speak up, the faster you can get the right diagnosis and treatment.
If you have symptoms in your mouth and throat, your doctor may be able to diagnose candidiasis by taking a look inside. They may take a small sample from your mouth or throat and send it to a lab for testing.
If you have symptoms in your esophagus, your doctor may order a procedure called an endoscopy to diagnose it. An endoscopy involves placing a thin, flexible tube with a light and a tiny video camera on it down your throat to get a look at your esophagus. Or your doctor might give you antifungal medicine without doing an endoscopy to see if your symptoms improve.
If you're having vaginal symptoms, your doctor usually takes a sample of any discharge. They may examine it under a microscope or send it to a lab for testing. If the test shows you have candida, that doesn't necessarily mean it's causing your symptoms. That's because it's possible to have this type of yeast in your vagina without it bringing on any symptoms.
Antifungal medicine is the usual treatment for candidiasis in the mouth, throat, or esophagus.
If you have a mild to moderate infection in your mouth or throat, your doctor may have you apply medicine (like clotrimazole, miconazole, or nystatin) to the inside of your mouth for up to 2 weeks. If your infection is severe, the doctor might have you take an antifungal drug called fluconazole by mouth. They may have you take a different antifungal if fluconazole doesn't help enough.
If you have candidiasis in your esophagus, your doctor will probably treat it with fluconazole or another type of prescription antifungal drug.
If you have vaginal candidiasis, it's also usually treated with antifungal medicine. You either apply it inside your vagina or take it once in pill form by mouth. Your doctor may have you take more doses of the fluconazole pill or apply different medicines in your vagina if your infection is severe, doesn't get better, or keeps coming back.
The most important thing you can do to prevent thrush and esophageal candidiasis is to take your ART as prescribed. You may be able to lower your chances of getting an infection in the mouth or throat by taking good care of your dental hygiene and keeping up with all your dentist appointments. If you take inhaled steroid medications, rinse your mouth or brush your teeth after you use them.
You might lower your chances for getting a vaginal yeast infection if you wear cotton underwear. Taking antibiotics can lead to vaginal candidiasis, so use these meds only when your doctor prescribes them. Follow the directions on how to take them exactly.
If you get frequent or severe candidiasis infections, your doctor might talk to you about taking fluconazole a few times a week to lower your odds of getting infected again. Take the medicine exactly as prescribed, and don't stop taking it unless the doctor tells you to.
HIV weakens your immune system and raises your chances of getting candidiasis and certain other fungal infections. Follow these tips to help protect yourself:
Understand your viral load: Your viral load gives you an idea of how much of the HIV virus is in your body. A low load means your treatment is working. Staying consistent with your antiretroviral therapy (ART) is important to keeping your load low or even undetectable.
Understand your CD4 count. This test shows if you're low on infection-fighting white blood cells called CD4 cells. If your doctor says your count is low, you're more vulnerable to infections. Work closely with the doctor to protect yourself.
Be aware of your surroundings. The CDC recommends taking these steps even though they're not proven to prevent fungal infections:
Comments
Post a Comment