WILDERNESS MEDICINE TRAINING CENTER INTERNATIONAL
  • Home
  • Courses
  • Sponsor a Course
  • Recertification
  • About
    • Mission, Vision, History, & Educational Strategies
    • Why WMTC
    • Student Experience
    • Course Descriptions
    • Standard vs. Hybrid Courses
    • Staff Profiles
    • Consulting
    • Contact Us
  • Resources
    • Certification Database
    • Sponsor Resources
    • Downloads
    • Links
    • Affiliate Program
    • WMTC Instructor Site
  • Store
  • Blog

Blog

Fungal Infections

12/19/2017

2 Comments

 
Pathophysiology
Numerous types of fungi live on and in our bodies without causing harm; they are held in check by competing bacteria and our immune system. Disease-causing fungi can be divided into two groups: filamentous fungi and yeasts. Filamentous fungi are made up of branching threads known as hyphae; yeasts are single-celled organisms. The most common fungal infections are superficial and caused by Tinea, a filamentous fungi and Candida albicans, a yeast. Heat, humidity, immunocompromised states, long term antibiotic use, diabetes, and steroid therapy predispose people to both types of fungal infections. Fungal infections are more common in the summer and exerted by wearing synthetic clothing and sweating.

Tinia Infections
Tinea infections are caused by a group of fungi (ringworm) that live on keratinous structures and invade dead layers of the host's skin, hair, and nails; the transmission routes are direct contact with an infected person or animal or with contaminated soil. Clinically, tinea infections are classified according to the body region involved/infected: tinea capitis (scalp), tinea corporis and versicolor (trunk and extremities), tinea manuum and tinea pedis (palms, soles, and interdigital webs), tinea cruris (groin), tinea barbae (beard area and neck), tinea faciale (face), and tinea unguium (nails).

Candida Albicans (Yeast) Infections
Candida albicans skin infections may closely mimic tinea crurisare but are usually moister, more inflammatory, and associated with satellite macules, pustules, and scales. Unlike Tinea, Candida may also infect the mucus membranes of the mouth, vagina, penis, and eye. These infections are red, itchy, moist and often associated with a yeasty odor and a white cheese-like discharge. Most mucosal infections result from long-term antibiotic use.

Prevention
  • Avoid communal baths.
  • Keep potentially affected areas (between toes, genitals, skin folds) clean and dry.
  • People participating in contact sports are pre-disposed to tinea infections.

Assessment
  • Both Tinea and Candida skin infections present with localized itching and red rash. Candida may exhibit satellite lesions and pustules.
  • Vaginal Candida infections typically present with white, cheesy discharge and yeasty smell.
  • In the mouth, Candida shows up as thick, white lacy patches on the tongue, lips, gums, or inside of the patient's cheeks. The lesions are painful and swallowing may be difficult.
  • Candida infections on the scrotum often present as red bumps.
Picture
Treatment
  • Treatment varies and is based on the anatomic location of the infection. Most localized fungal infections may be treated with numerous topical antifungal agents: clotrimazole, econazole, ciclopirox, miconazole, ketoconazole, or nystatin prepared as creams, suppositories, lozenges, etc. Systemic or persistent infections are treated with oral antifungal therapy using either fluconazole or itraconazole and require liver function tests.
  • For skin rashes from either both Tinea or Candida, apply topical Lac-hydrin and Clotrimazole twice a day for 3-4 weeks; wash and dry thoroughly before each application.
  • For oral Candida infections dissolve a Clotrimazole lozenge twice a day for 7-14 days.
  • Begin a Level 3 Evacuation if S/Sx are mild and antifungals are unavailable or the patient does not respond. Begin a Level 2 Evacuation if patient is immunosuppressed or a systemic Candida infection is suspected.
Don't know where to begin or what to do? Take one of our wilderness medicine courses. Guides and expedition leaders should consider taking our Wilderness First Responder course.

Looking for a reliable field reference? Consider consider purchasing one of our print or digital handbooks; our digital handbook apps are available in English, Spanish, and Japanese. Updates are free for life. A digital SOAP note app is also available.
2 Comments
lorrenaine peltier
11/15/2018 12:35:25 am

Diagnosis, treatment, and prevention

The classic symptoms of a yeast infection make them easy to diagnose. Doctors may ask about the person's medical history, such as any previous yeast infections or sexually transmitted infections (STIs). They may also ask whether the person was recently taking antibiotics.

Doctors will then examine the vaginal walls and cervix for signs of infection, taking cells from the vagina if necessary for proper diagnosis.

Treatment of yeast infections depends on their severity. Standard treatments include creams, tablets, or suppositories, which are available via prescription, or over-the-counter or online. Complicated infections may require complex treatments.

Avoiding yeast infections begins with a balanced diet and proper hygiene. Wearing loose-fitting clothing made from natural fibers may also help prevent infection. Washing underwear in very hot water and changing feminine products often can also help prevent fungal growth.

Reply
EmoniNail link
7/9/2019 12:29:16 am

I like the helpful info you supply for your articles. Keep up the great work!


Reply

Your comment will be posted after it is approved.


Leave a Reply.

    Categories

    All
    1st Aid Kits
    Commentary
    Disaster Medicine
    Environmental Problems
    Epinephrine Auto Injector Laws
    Medical Problems
    Outdoor Program Mgt
    Pain Management
    Risk Mgt Case Studies
    Traumatic Problems
    WildMed Case Studies

    ​Our public YouTube channel has educational and reference videos for many of the skills taught during our courses. Check it out!
Cancellation Policy
Privacy Policy
​
FAQ
Contact​
509.996.2502
Picture
  • Home
  • Courses
  • Sponsor a Course
  • Recertification
  • About
    • Mission, Vision, History, & Educational Strategies
    • Why WMTC
    • Student Experience
    • Course Descriptions
    • Standard vs. Hybrid Courses
    • Staff Profiles
    • Consulting
    • Contact Us
  • Resources
    • Certification Database
    • Sponsor Resources
    • Downloads
    • Links
    • Affiliate Program
    • WMTC Instructor Site
  • Store
  • Blog