Fungal dermatitis in infants and adults: symptoms, treatment

Fungal dermatitis refers to an infectious skin disease of a chronic nature. As a rule, inflammation is of a recurrent nature with localization on the scalp and smooth surfaces of the skin.

Sometimes dermatitis has an allergic type of development, accompanied by characteristic symptoms that complicate diagnosis.

Causes of the disease

As a rule, dermatitis with mycotic etiology occurs as a result of the spread of fungi on the epithelium. The provoking factors are:

• hereditary predisposition;
• stressful situations, emotional stress;
• increased fatigue, disruptions in the hormonal system;
• low immunity;
• malfunctions of the gastrointestinal tract;
• improper nutrition;
• long-term antibiotic therapy;
• smoking, alcoholism, drug addiction.

The contagiousness of the disease is quite high. It can be transmitted through accidental contact with infected skin areas, the use of some hygiene products, etc. Often, the fungal infection spreads to the mucous membranes.

Fungal dermatitis can come in 4 forms

1.KERATOMYCOSIS - characterized by the spread of the fungus in the stratum corneum. Keratomycosis is unable to spread to the skin appendages and is most often found in middle-aged patients and adolescents.

2. CANDIDIASIS - the causative agent of the disease is Candida (fungus), which begins its active reproduction with reduced immunity. The most popular localization sites are mucous membranes and skin. The risk group includes the elderly and adolescents.

3. DERMATOMYCOSIS - this type of fungal disease is classified according to the degree of localization of the rash that can occur anywhere on the body. The development of dermatomycosis is provoked by several different groups of fungi.

4. SPOROTRICHOSIS - the characteristic places of localization are the limbs and the groin area. The source of infection is plant components (oak bark, hay, flowers, plant rot, etc.). Sometimes a cat or horse can be the causative agent.

Symptoms of the disease

Almost all fungal diseases spread on the skin, manifested in the form of a rash (papules) and the formation of a skin scab. The most severe disease occurs in young children, especially in infants, provoking diaper dermatitis.

The symptoms of the disease are characterized by the following manifestations:

• hyperemic skin, which itches a lot, cracks and flakes;
• the rash has a bumpy border with healthy skin;
• when combing, the formation of a scab is observed;

• the bacterial development pathway contributes to the formation of a purulent rash;
• possible imbalance of immune and humoral functions;
• increased sweating, burning at the site of the rash;
• diaper dermatitis and a weeping rash are possible.

In addition, general symptoms such as hyperthermia, increased fatigue and weakness can be observed.

The course of dermatitis in childhood

Dermatitis in children can occur as early as the first year of life. Intestinal infections, acute respiratory viral infections and allergic dermatitis can contribute to the development of thrush. Factors for the development of fungal dermatitis are the immaturity of the digestive and immune systems, when it is underdeveloped in children, which leads to the development of dysbiosis in children. In addition, it is likely that diaper dermatitis may occur in this case.

Dermatitis in infants most often appears in the mouth area. In the case when, when the baby's mouth is opened, a white curdled bloom is noticeable, localized on the inner side of the cheeks, tongue and palate, then we can say with 100% certainty that this is a fungal disease (thrush). In children, as a rule, thrush is caused by a fungus from the Candida family, which may be present in small quantities in the body.

The disease can be provoked by poor-quality child care (untimely replacement of diapers in children, non-observance of hygiene rules). Spitting up in an infant, as well as the bad habit of falling asleep with a bottle, can cause thrush. Very often in infants, perianal fungal dermatitis is observed, characterized by soreness and disorders of the skin in the anus. At the same time, the behavior of the baby is very restless.

It must be remembered that it is necessary to treat infant candidiasis at an early stage of development, otherwise the infection can spread to the gastrointestinal tract and esophagus. As a result, further treatment will require a lot of effort and patience, especially when treating a baby. Therefore, with the primary symptomatology of candidiasis, appropriate measures must be taken.

Treatment tactics

Dermatitis is treated in courses of 20-30 days. Treatment should be carried out after consultation with a dermatologist (mycologist), who, after a complete examination, may prescribe medications for systemic exposure and local agents (antimycotic ointments, creams, lotions, etc.).

• Most often, treatment is carried out with such antimycotic drugs as Lamisil and Nizoral, treatment of the affected skin areas with 60% solution of sodium hyposulfite. Fungal dermatitis, in addition to itching and an internal inflammatory process, can provoke the development of psychological problems. In this case, sedative sedatives are prescribed (Novo-Passit, Dormiplant, Valerian, etc.);

• immunoprophylaxis is mandatory. For this, it is recommended to take immunomodulators and vitamins of the E, C, B groups, which help to improve the protective functions of the body. To prevent skin scratching and relieve allergic symptoms, antihistamines are often prescribed (Zirtek, Suprastin, Erius). With severe development of dermatitis, it is recommended to perform a short course of hormone therapy (Prednisolone, Hydrocortisone, etc.);
• in order to avoid the risk of additional infections and speed up the process of cleansing the skin, you can use the non-hormonal Skin-Cap. It is able to prevent the bacterial path of development of the disease at an early stage, having a wound-healing and anti-inflammatory effect. Screen cap (cream) is recommended for use on dry skin, and aerosol spray can be applied to wet skin;

• fungal dermatitis provides for complex treatment with simultaneous adherence to diet and preventive measures prescribed by a doctor. It is recommended to exclude sweet, salty, smoked and spicy foods from the diet. The food should be balanced, rich in proteins, fiber and vitamins. This will help prevent allergic dermatitis, which most often occurs as a result of a negative reaction to food allergens.

In addition, mycoses can be effectively treated with the help of baths with the addition of various medicinal decoctions (chamomile, string, oak bark, etc.), which cleanse the affected skin. In addition, such procedures can be carried out for babies, which helps prevent diaper dermatitis and other negative manifestations on the skin.