Fungal Infections
Ringworm, yeast infections, jock itch and athlete's foot are all fungal infections. Most fungal infections on the skin can be treated with a cream or preparation that is applied directly to it. Oral antifungals are another choice for infections that can't be reached by direct application. Washing regularly, use of powder and keeping skin dry can help prevent some types of fungal infection like athlete's foot.
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- Q What is fungus?
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A fungus is an organism that can grow on living and nonliving things. Fungi (the plural of fungus) include many types of organisms including yeasts, mold and mushrooms. Fungi that cause problems for people include yeasts and molds and other types of... Full Answer
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- Q What medications help treat fungal nail infections?
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Antifungal medicine is standard treatment for a fungal nail infection. The goals of treatment are to have few or no side effects, provide a long-term cure and reduce treatment time. Antifungal pills (oral medicine) offer the best chance of a cure.... Full Answer
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- Q How does my location affect fungal infections?
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Certain fungi are specific to a given location and, thus, the type of fungal infection you develop can depend on the location you are in. For example, the fungus that causes blastomycosis is only found in the south-east and central United States.... Full Answer
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- Q What do I need to know about caring for someone with a fungal infection?
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If you are caring for someone with a fungal infection you can help them by providing them the care and support that they need. You can help them manage their symptoms by following the indications of their doctor regarding medicinal treatment. If... Full Answer
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- Q How do medications treat tinea capitis (scalp ringworm)?
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Dr. Mehmet Oz, CardiologyMedications that treat scalp ringworm work by fighting tinea, the fungus that causes it and that can grow on your skin, scalp, or nails. Although some antifungal medications are available in topical ointments or creams, your doctor may recommend... Full Answer
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- Q What are the symptoms of scalp ringworm?
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Tinea capitis, referred to more commonly as scalp ringworm, is a skin infection named for the ring-shaped patches which characterize it. The infection is caused by fungi which assaults the top layer of your skin. Signs that you or your child has scalp... Full Answer
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- Q What is histoplasmosis?
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Histoplasmosis is an infection caused by a fungus called Histoplasma capsulatum. It usually affects the lungs. A person gets histoplasmosis by breathing in the spores of the fungus. It is not spread from one person to another. An infected person... Full Answer
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- Q How is scalp ringworm diagnosed?
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Dr. Mehmet Oz, CardiologyTo diagnose tinea capitis, or scalp ringworm, your doctor may start by doing a physical examination to look for symptoms of the fungal infection. These include a raised circular rash on the scalp, and patches of skin that may be swollen, scaly,... Full Answer
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- Q What is tinea capitis?
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Tinea capitis, also known as scalp ringworm, is a highly contagious but treatable skin infection on the scalp. It is not actually a worm of any sort. The infection earned its name from the marks it leaves on the skin: ring-shaped patches. These patches... Full Answer
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- Q What increases my risk for tinea capitis (scalp ringworm)?
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Dr. Mehmet Oz, CardiologyChildren under age 10 have the greatest risk for tinea capitis, or scalp ringworm. Tinea capitis is an infection caused by a certain type of fungus. The risk for developing tinea capitis is especially high among African Americans. Dermatologists... Full Answer
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