10 precautions to avoid the appearance of mycoses in the summer

Should you be affected, seek a doctor, i.e., general practitioner or dermatologist, for proper diagnosis and treatment.

What is ringworm?

Mycoses include all fungal infections that affect the skin  , nails and scalp.

They are among the most common summer diseases because this season of the year offers heat and humidity, two conditions that favor the reproduction of these microorganisms.

The most common fungal infections at this time of year include:

• “White patch” (pityriasis versicolor) – characterized by light, reddish or darker patches on the skin (hence the name “versicolor”). It usually does not cause itching and is located in areas of the face, neck, shoulders, back and chest, covering the region as if it were a “white patch”;
• “Athlete’s foot” ( Tinea pedis ) – characterized by bruises and cracks between the toes, especially on the feet. In some cases, it is accompanied by a superficial layer, like a “whitish mass”, followed by itching and a strong odor, and can also affect the soles of the feet;
• Nail fungus (onychomycosis) – characterized in most cases by whitish and/or yellowish nails, thick, dull and with detached edges. In more severe cases, it can present permanent deformity of the nail.

Other common types of ringworm

The types of mycosis can vary, including depending on the area of ​​the body affected. Learn about some of them below.

Candida

Candida is a fungus that mainly affects the oral region (in children and the elderly) and the intimate region (in women), especially in people with low immunity or exposed to environments that are conducive to the manifestation and proliferation of the fungus (humid and warm) .

Oral candida is popularly known as “thrush” and manifests itself in the following ways :

• mouth ulcers;
• burning sensation;
• whitish plaques in the mouth and cheeks, which can progress to the tonsils, throat and esophagus if not treated correctly.

It is mainly seen in children or people who have a compromised immune system, such as in cases of flu , chronic diseases and HIV-positive patients.

When it affects the intimate region, for example, the disease is called candidiasis .

It is worth noting that candida is a fungus that is naturally present in women’s intimate microbiota, but when there is a change in immunity or acidity in the region, it can proliferate, generating symptoms such as :

• intense itching;
• whitish, “lumpy” discharge, without pain or odor.

Therefore, it is very important, when wearing swimwear (bikinis, swimsuits or trunks) after swimming in the sea or pool, to always keep them dry, change them and clean them so that the moisture in the fabric does not make the area prone to the development of fungus.

Tinea cruris or jock itch

Tinea cruris, which is also called jock itch, is an infection of the genitals, buttocks, and inner thighs that is caused by fungi. As opposed to candidiasis, it is not an internal infection that leads to itching or discharge in the genital area.

It is most prone to occur in tight clothing or in clothing that traps sweat and moisture. The major symptoms of jock itch are:

• itching;
• small rounded plaques (ring-shaped) or similar to diaper rash (when in the thigh folds), mostly reddish.

Tinea capitis or ringworm of the scalp

When ringworm manifests itself on the scalp, it is known as Tinea capitis , or ringworm of the scalp (capillary) .

This type of fungus is more common in children and has the following symptoms :

• itch;
• bald spots on the scalp (hair loss in rounded shapes);
• dry plates;
• increased flaking (better known as “dandruff”);
• slight pain or redness in the area.

In more severe cases, it may cause wounds with pus discharge, especially if the patient frequently scratches the area (which causes the fungus to proliferate and wounds from scratching the nails, favoring bacterial infections).

The condition can be completely reversed if treatment is started on time and correctly.

10 precautions to avoid the appearance of mycoses in the summer

Care to prevent mycoses must be taken throughout the year, but during periods of higher temperatures, extra attention must be paid.

Check out some tips that help prevent mycoses below.

• Wear flip-flops and ventilated shoes in places that are constantly humid, such as saunas, changing rooms, areas around the pool and communal showers. Avoid walking barefoot;
• Place a towel or mat on the sand before sitting or allowing children to come into direct contact with it;
• Cover surfaces (such as lounge chairs and sauna benches) with a sarong or towel before sitting down;
• Take a shower with clean water as soon as you get out of the sea or pool to remove some of the impurities that settle on the surface of your skin;
• Take a full shower and change out of wet clothes into clean, dry clothes as soon as possible;
• Dry yourself thoroughly after bathing, especially in areas with skin folds, such as armpits, groin and between the toes. If necessary, use a hairdryer;
• Do not lend personal items such as towels, socks, slippers, nail clippers, helmets, hats and caps, as they can transmit fungi from one person to another.

Although most mycoses are not serious, it is important to seek guidance from a general practitioner or dermatologist if any symptoms appear.

Treatment of mycoses

Treatment for mycosis depends on the region and type, and can involve tablets, ointments, creams, lotions, nail paints, or shampoos to suppress the fungus. Treatment could take anywhere from four to twelve weeks, depending on the fungus.

Fungal infections of the scalp, feet, and groin, for instance, take much less time than fungal infections of the nails, which take more effort to destroy.

Therefore, it is important to continue treatment as per medical advice, even if there is a “feeling of improvement.” Since the fungus can invade deeper skin layers, the condition can recur if proper therapy is not administered.