The health of the human being is usually exposed to a series of environmental factors, which generate diverse diseases. Many of these diseases are associated with the presence of fungi and bacteria, which cause from skin rashes to serious infections that endanger the lives of many people.
The objective of this article is to explain the most important aspects about fungi, those unicellular or pluricellular organisms with a talus structure, without sensitivity or movement, that behave like heterotrophs, but they do not form authentic tissues.
Most of these microorganisms live on dead organisms, it means, they are saprophytes, they reproduce themselves sexually or asexually by means of spores, and many of them are parasites that cause diseases and others are symbiotic. Although for men they are threats that affect their health, these organisms play a fundamental role in the life cycle, because they act as decomposers of matter, and some are producers of antibiotics or food.
On the other hand, the great majority of fungi are terrestrial such as moulds, mushrooms, yeasts, mildews, white rusts, among others, but some live in the water, called freshwater fungi, being parasites or saprophytes of fish or plants. They are characterized by having cellulose walls and branched mycelia which lack transverse partitions.
As for the infections caused by fungi, they are also known as candidiasis, when the fungus that causes them is a yeast of the Candida species, which grows in the mucosal contact with the skin.
Thus, one of the best known uses of mushrooms is their performance in brewing and bread, where they act by means of the fermentation produced by the yeast, which is a unicellular fungus, and which is basic in the manufacturing process of these products. It should be noted that the most common are those that live in the soil, but many of them live in the leaves of some plants, in trees, usually inhabiting materials that are in a state of decomposition.
Parasitic fungi represent a latent threat to the health of people, since they have toxic effects that attack the body, usually causing infections. Also, fungi that cause dermatological effects, are known as dermatophytes, and they damage quickly and directly the skin tissue, causing infections, which can become contagious.
Another damage that parasitic fungi can inflict is the one caused to different crops through the pests they generate, which has been related to the excessive use of chemicals, which is why some of the methods and procedures have been modified in the agriculture.
It is important to clarify that the infections caused by fungi are not hereditary, but they are contagious, so precautions must be taken, so the prevention of them is promoted through the acquisition and maintenance of good hygiene habits, as well as the strengthening of the immune system, in order to keep it resistant and prevent the arrival of skin enemies. However, if the infection has already begun, there are very effective and diverse treatments, ranging from typical home remedies with fruits and minerals to different dermatological ointments.
With respect to the parts of the body that usually attack fungi causing infections, it should be noted that one of the most common is the one that develops on the feet, but can also occur on the hands or genitals.
The fungi that attack the feet, can usually extend from the fingers to the plant or the nails, causing the origin of cracks and / or blisters, as well as itching, burning, and irritation, affectations that may be accompanied by pain in some cases. As a rule, they cause an unpleasant odour.
Therefore, you have to be careful with the mushrooms, imagine that they have an important meeting and they had planned to put on those new sandals that leave their fingers exposed and that you bought for the occasion, and surprise, those nasty enemies arrive at your feet, obviously You must change your plans and wear closed shoes, so prevention is the best option against fungi.
However, there are many home remedies that attack and eliminate them effectively, such as white vinegar, baking soda, pineapple, lemon and salt baths, which regulate irritation, pH and degree of dryness of the skin. Another effective alternative to eliminate fungi are ointments or antifungal creams, which act directly on the affected area quickly and effectively.
When fungi attack the toenails and hands, they cause a fungal infection known as “onychomycosis”, which usually starts on the fingers, spreading rapidly throughout the area. Nail fungus is very contagious, so caution is advised when sharing showers and personal items such as nail clippers.
This fungal infection is the highest incidence worldwide, due to the environment in which it develops, affecting approximately 3% to 4% of the population, with men being more likely to acquire this disease that can be controlled with home methods or ointments.
This type of affectation, called mycosis, is much more common in the toenails, due to the use of footwear, socks and / or exposure of the extremities in humid and warm places, which favours its development and proliferation. However, you should be very careful with fungi, because regardless of the part of the body that they attack, they are very annoying and the appearance that the nails take is unsightly, due to the weakening of the nails, the yellowish colour they take, in addition to that the skin around it becomes red and cracks.
Fungi can also grow on the hands. One of the factors that triggers them is to bite their nails, use artificial nails, have excessive sweating or keep their hands in water for a long time.
Also, they can also appear in the mouth, although they are not very common. Its appearance in an area as delicate as the mouth produces very unpleasant discomforts such as bleeding when brushing teeth, inflammation of gums with pain, itching and cracks in the corner of the mouth, pain when speaking and eating, as well as a lot of irritation.
This appearance is related to a high level of blood sugar, with malnutrition levels, a weak immune system, and constant consumption of tobacco or alcohol. In addition, these fungi commonly attack very young children who have not yet developed the oral flora.
One of the very common diseases caused by fungi that directly affects women is vaginal candidiasis, which is estimated to be experienced by all women at least once in their lives. This disease is caused as a rule by the use of very tight underwear, which is naturally moistened by heat, as well as the use of steroids, antibiotics and / or contraceptives, because these drugs could eliminate the natural bacteria, which slow the growth of the yeast that is causing this affectation.
The symptoms that appear are constant irritation, pain when urinating, burning and redness in the vulva, as well as the appearance of a thick white discharge that, although it does not have an unpleasant odour, generates a rather annoying itching.
To attack this disease, treatments based on suppositories or vaginal creams are usually followed, as well as the use of cotton underwear, not using wet or damp suits for a prolonged period of time and avoiding douching. However, when the infections are very strong, a consultation with a specialist is necessary, in order to perform an examination through a sample of whitish secretion, to later choose the most appropriate treatment for the case.
Some of the natural alternatives or antifungal remedies, which can help attack and eliminate fungi, include apple cider vinegar, which has alkaline properties that regulate the pH of the skin, altering the conditions that fungi need to spread, which is convenient to immerse the affected area for 15 or 20 minutes, in a mixture of this substance with enough water.
Another option is garlic, which is a natural antibiotic with antimicrobial action that favours the elimination of germs and fungi to prevent infections. It can be used in the form of pasta made with 10 cloves of crushed garlic mixed with warm water.
Natural yogurt is also widely used in the treatment of fungi. This probiotic has a very effective action in the treatment of infections, when applied directly on the affected areas. Also, a few drops of tea tree oil applied on the infected area produce an antiseptic action on it and eliminate microorganisms.
For its part, a paste of sodium bicarbonate with lemon juice fights fungi and microorganisms that affect the health of the nails. The bicarbonate powder can also be used on shoes or the affected area, as well as directly applied lemon juice.
Finally, it is advisable to avoid the proliferation of fungi by maintaining proper hygiene, wash your feet twice a day and dry your feet and hands well, wear shoes and socks that facilitate foot ventilation, avoid synthetic and nylon stockings and as much as possible use antibacterial liquid soap.
ALFA