Fungal Skin Infections
These common problems are unsightly, irritating and often distressing to patients, yet they can respond very successfully to appropriate treatment and hygiene measures.
Image source: DermNet NZ
Treatment overview
- Fungi contains a fatty substance which forms a very important part of their cell wall
- Most antifungal treatments interfere in some way with this fatty substance, so damaging the cell wall and causing the fungus to fail
- Without treatment, the fungal infection can cause increasing discomfort and may occasionally spread to other areas
- It is very important to use antifungal treatments as often and for as long as advised – inadequate treatment can mean that infection will return
References
- Fungal infections in general practice. Practice Nursing 2008, Vol 19, No 1