Fungal Infections
Background
Skin infections can be caused by an invasion and multiplication of fungal organisms (including yeast), bacteria or viruses (Alcortin® A is not indicated for viral infections).
Every day, fungal organisms live on skin without causing an infection. Fungi can penetrate skin to cause infection when they find favorable conditions such as:
- An impaired immune system
- A breakdown in skin due to a tear, a cut, friction, wear or injury
- Abnormal skin bacterial flora (sometimes due to taking antibiotics)
- Moist areas by skin folds
Left untreated, infections start out being acute, but can become chronic or systemic if the microorganisms gain access to the lymphatic or vascular systems.
Types of Fungal Infections
Roughly 25% of the population are afflicted with fungal infections. They comprise the majority of skin, nail & hair infections. Fungi infect and survive in the dead keratin of the stratum corneum (top layer of the epidermis). Fungal infections typically occur in moist skin areas during warm weather. Sweating from exercise can also facilitate growth. Certain medications kill specific fungi while others have the ability to kill a broad range of fungi. Fungal infections can be found on different parts of the body. Common types of fungal infections include:
A fungal infection of the hair, skin, or nails. When it's on the skin, tinea usually begins as a small red area the size of a pea. As it grows, it spreads out in a circle or ring.
Tinea is often called "Ringworm" because it may look like tiny worms are under the skin (although they're not).
A fungal infection that usually appears between toes but can also affect the bottom or sides of the feet.
A fungal infection of the groin and upper thighs.
(This usually occurs in boys and men.)
A fungal infection of the scalp.
A yeast-like fungus most often affecting the skin around the nails or the soft, moist areas around body openings. (Candida albicans, a more modern name for Moniliasis albicans, is one of the most prevalent.)
Diaper rash in babies is a form of candidal infection, as is thrush, the white patches most often found in the mouths of children and babies (Alcortin A is not for use in children under 12).
Moist Area/Body Fold Infections
These areas can harbor fungal or yeast infections in the armpits, under the breasts or in other body folds. The incidence of these infections is heightened among those who are obese.
Dual Infections
Infections where bacteria as well as fungi are present can be common. The skin is infected by both types of microorganisms (when either a bacterium or a fungus takes hold, and then other type of pathogen takes the opportunity to invade the body as well).
For instance, in one clinical study of various antifungal agents, 18% of fungal infections had both bacteria and fungal pathogens present. (1)
An agent that is effective against both fungi and bacteria such as Alcortin A may be particularly useful for these situations.
Treatment
Anti-Fungal Medication
The primary treatment for fungal skin infections is an anti-fungal agent, either a topical cream, gel, ointment, or lotion applied directly at the site or a pill taken orally that works systemically. Your physician will help decide which therapy is most suited to your condition.
Anti-Inflammatory Medication
Skin infections often are accompanied by inflammation. Most times when there is an infection or breach of the skin, it sets off an immune response, which can cause a variety of biological responses to rush to the site.
These responses often lead to erythema (redness), edema (swelling) and pain at the site, otherwise known as the symptoms of inflammation.
In addition to an anti-fungal agent, Alcortin A contains an ingredient (hydrocortisone) to treat the inflammation that often occurs with infection.
(1) Konopka EA, et al. Antimicrobial effectiveness of locacorten-vioform cream in secondary infections of common dermatoses. Dermatologica 1975; 151:1-8.