When you hear the word mold, you might think of mushrooms growing on a wet tree trunk, mold on stale bread, or mold growing behind a refrigerator. It may be the most common form of yeast (in more ways than one), but did you know that there are up to 1.5 million types of yeast, and only about 300 of them cause disease in humans?
Are there mushrooms among us?
Molds, molds, and mildews are found in almost every environment, including air, soil, plants, trees, and water. Some species live on human skin. Mold thrives in cool, moist areas between basements and walls.
Fungi grow by releasing tiny spores (like plant seeds) into the air. These bacteria can land on the skin or be inhaled. High concentrations of mold spores are found in the air in damp, cool, dark places such as buildings, demolition sites, old barns, and dark caves.
What is a yeast infection?
Fungal infections can occur in the lungs or skin because the fungus is inhaled or lives on the skin. However, most infections do not go beyond the skin and are called “superficial”. These superficial yeast infections affect areas such as nails, skin, and hair, and can also be foot or vaginal infections. Fungal skin infections are usually harmless and can be treated with medication.
It is important to note that most people can breathe in fungal spores without becoming infected. However, people with weakened immune systems or lung disease can easily develop fungal infections in the lungs, blood, and other organs, including the sinuses, liver, spleen, and brain. Examples of immunocompromised people include people with HIV/AIDS, cancer, people who are hospitalized, and people taking immunosuppressive drugs (steroids, chemotherapy, etc.). Fungal infections of the blood, lungs, or other organs are called “systemic” infections and are usually more serious than superficial infections.
Fungal skin infections are common
Ringworm is a common group of fungal skin infections that affect areas such as the legs, groin, and scalp. Ringworm is easily spread from person to person by touching an infected person or by touching surfaces with the fungus (eg, shower floors, swimming pools, locker rooms). Some yeast infections are caused by Candida, a type of yeast. It can affect the skin, mouth, throat, and genitals. It appears especially in warm and moist areas such as armpits, under the breasts, behind the knees, and in the groin.
Here are some common superficial yeast infections.
Oral thrush: a yeast infection that causes white patches in the mouth and throat.
Vaginal yeast infection: An itchy vaginal infection can cause a white, cottage cheese-like discharge.
Diaper rash: a fungal infection on the skin of a baby’s bottom, usually due to the heat and moisture inside the diaper, causes a red rash.
Feet: a fungal infection that affects the skin of the feet, especially between the toes.
Jock itch: an infection of the groin and groin.
Nail Infections: Fungal infections of fingernails and toenails. Nails become thick, yellow or white, and are more likely to crack or break.
Superficial yeast and yeast infections are usually not a serious problem in healthy people, but they can happen easily to anyone and can be very annoying. To learn about the different types of yeast infections, visit the Take the Next Step website below.
Yeast infection treatment
If you are unsure whether your skin condition is caused by a yeast infection, see your doctor. Your doctor or pharmacist may recommend an over-the-counter antifungal treatment (usually an ointment or cream). But be aware that prescription treatments (ointments, creams, or oral medications) may be necessary to treat a hard yeast or yeast infection. If you have or think you have a yeast infection, consult your doctor or pharmacist.
What should be done to prevent superficial infections?
Anyone can get a yeast infection, especially those with weakened immune systems. Damp, dirty, cold, and unpolished parts of our bodies are fertile breeding grounds for superficial yeast infections. This can include your nails. It’s good to know what to do to prevent them.
Here are some things you can do to prevent a yeast infection from recurring:
Maintain general hygiene, including oral hygiene (prevents dry mouth). Keep skin clean and dry
Keep feet clean, cool and dry. Wear clean socks and change them daily. wear shoes that allow your feet to “breathe”.
Do not go barefoot in public areas such as bathrooms and gym locker rooms
Trim toenails and toenails to keep them clean and short
Wash your hands after touching people or animals. Fungal infectious diseases
If you think you have a pet
