As a practice nurse you regularly see patients for dermatological and gynaecological fungal infections and make a substantial contribution to patient management. This online guide has therefore been designed to provide information in managing this condition and covers all aspects of the assessment, management and available Canesten treatment options.
This resource includes:
- Diagnosis and treatment algorithms for quick reference
- Treatment guidelines
- Information leaflets for your patients
- Canesten product information
Fungal Infections
Fungal infections are very common ailments and, albeit unpleasant for the patient, they are mostly harmless. Predominantly caused by dermatophytes and yeast and very rarely moulds, fungal infections can occur anywhere.
The most frequently affected parts of the body are the:
- vagina (vulvo-vaginal candidiasis)
- feet (tinea pedis)
- torso (tinea corporis)
- groin (tinea cruris).
Fungi grow and thrive in warm, moist conditions such as between the toes and in skin folds. These infections of the skin are very contagious and usually only affect the epidermal layer.
Fungal infections are caused by three fungi:
- Dermatophytes
Common dermatophytes infections are athlete’s foot (tinea pedis), fungal groin infection (tinea cruris), also known as jock itch and ring worm (tinea corporis)
- Yeasts, most significantly Candida Albicans
Common yeast infections include thrush (vaginal candidiasis), fungal sweat rash (candida intertrigo) and candidal nappy rash
- Moulds
Mould species to present as skin infection include; scopulariopsis brevicaulis, scytalidinum dimidiatum and the aspergillus variety
