Dermatophytes of the Nails - What Kind of Nail Fungus is It?
What is Dermatophytes of the Nails?
Dermatophytes are considered to be a parasitic fungus infection of the skin. Dermatophytes is actually the name for three types of fungus (Microsporum, Epidermophyton and Trichophyton), having 40 species of fungi within the three above types.
Causing infection to the skin, hair and nails, Dermatophytes causes an inflammation and the nail infection is known as Onychomycosis. Dermatophytes don't usually invade living tissue, but instead live on the outer layer of skin.
Diagnosis
Onychomycosis is diagnosed when a physician takes a scraping of the nail, skin or scalp and sends it off to the lap to be tested. Dermatophytes Test Medium (DTM) has been grown and formulated to identify Dermatophytes. The specimen is embedded in the culture medium where it will be incubated at room temperature for ten to fourteen days. If the fungus is Dermatophytes, the medium will turn bright red; otherwise no color change will be noted.Â
Transmission
Dermatophytes are transmitted by direct contact with an infected animal or human and indirectly when contact is made with infected skin, hair, brushes, seats, hats, furniture, bedding, towels, rugs and the floors in publicly used rooms (changing rooms, lockers, etc). Scars, burns and other injuries to the skin make a person more susceptible to having Dermatophytes transmitted to them.Â
Treatment
Dermatophytes may be treated with topical medications, such as creams. Lacquer and oral medications may also be used to treat Dermatophytes. Antibiotics also may be used to treat secondary bacterial infections.
Prevention
Skin should be kept dry. Dermatophytes thrive in warm, moist a place, which is why toes tend to harbor it, especially if the same shoes are worn continuously and are tight and uncomfortable. Be sure to wash your hands and feet regularly, especially if they've been exposed to moisture. Always pat your hands and feet dry with a towel after washing and make sure to dry thoroughly. Socks should not be worn more than one day and should be changed regularly. If persistent fungi infection is a problem for you, it may be recommended that you change your socks more than twice a day. You should be particularly conscious of this if your job requires your hands and feet to be continuously exposed to moisture. Be sure to wear protective gloves and change regular if needed.Â
If you can, wear sandals and open-toed shoes as often as possible (but avoid going barefoot in public places as the fungus can be spread from person to person). You may also want to implement talc or other drying or medicated powders to help cut down on foot moisture. Make sure to replace your shoes regularly and if possible, wash in a scent-free or delicate washing detergent once or twice a month. Following these simple common sense rules can make a big difference in prevention of fungi.
Related Articles:
Nail Fungus and Tinea Infections
Nail Fungus Causes
Dermatophytes are considered to be a parasitic fungus infection of the skin. Dermatophytes is actually the name for three types of fungus (Microsporum, Epidermophyton and Trichophyton), having 40 species of fungi within the three above types.
Causing infection to the skin, hair and nails, Dermatophytes causes an inflammation and the nail infection is known as Onychomycosis. Dermatophytes don't usually invade living tissue, but instead live on the outer layer of skin.
Diagnosis
Onychomycosis is diagnosed when a physician takes a scraping of the nail, skin or scalp and sends it off to the lap to be tested. Dermatophytes Test Medium (DTM) has been grown and formulated to identify Dermatophytes. The specimen is embedded in the culture medium where it will be incubated at room temperature for ten to fourteen days. If the fungus is Dermatophytes, the medium will turn bright red; otherwise no color change will be noted.Â
Transmission
Dermatophytes are transmitted by direct contact with an infected animal or human and indirectly when contact is made with infected skin, hair, brushes, seats, hats, furniture, bedding, towels, rugs and the floors in publicly used rooms (changing rooms, lockers, etc). Scars, burns and other injuries to the skin make a person more susceptible to having Dermatophytes transmitted to them.Â
Treatment
Dermatophytes may be treated with topical medications, such as creams. Lacquer and oral medications may also be used to treat Dermatophytes. Antibiotics also may be used to treat secondary bacterial infections.
Prevention
Skin should be kept dry. Dermatophytes thrive in warm, moist a place, which is why toes tend to harbor it, especially if the same shoes are worn continuously and are tight and uncomfortable. Be sure to wash your hands and feet regularly, especially if they've been exposed to moisture. Always pat your hands and feet dry with a towel after washing and make sure to dry thoroughly. Socks should not be worn more than one day and should be changed regularly. If persistent fungi infection is a problem for you, it may be recommended that you change your socks more than twice a day. You should be particularly conscious of this if your job requires your hands and feet to be continuously exposed to moisture. Be sure to wear protective gloves and change regular if needed.Â
If you can, wear sandals and open-toed shoes as often as possible (but avoid going barefoot in public places as the fungus can be spread from person to person). You may also want to implement talc or other drying or medicated powders to help cut down on foot moisture. Make sure to replace your shoes regularly and if possible, wash in a scent-free or delicate washing detergent once or twice a month. Following these simple common sense rules can make a big difference in prevention of fungi.
Related Articles:
Nail Fungus and Tinea Infections
Nail Fungus Causes