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This week we continue our discussion of yeast and fungi focusing on Candida albicans, in a different patient population, that is in our infants and diaper wearing toddlers. When we think of the ideal environment for yeast and fungi to grow, we think of warm, dark and moist.  What...

The most mentioned vaginal yeast infection that our patients experience is actually the second most common vaginal infection. Yeast infection of candidiasis is the second most common cause of vaginitis symptoms and accounts for approximately one-third of vaginitis cases.  Bacterial vaginosis is the most common, but no over-the counter...

Lets talk about another member of the fungus family, Candida albicans, which is more specifically a yeast. Our first mucus membrane we will cover is the mouth.  Candida albicans infection of the mouth is commonly referred to as “thrush”.  Candida albicans is a yeast of our normal microbes on...

Your fingernails and toenails are composed of keratin and adherent connective tissue, the same stuff that your hair is made of. Nail grows at an average rate of 0.1 mm/day (1/2 inch every 100 days). Finger nails require 3 to 6 months to re-grow completely while toe nails require...

What is this rash that looks like a worm?? The fungus that causes “ringworm” is the same organism that can also cause jock itch, athlete’s foot, and nail fungus. Ringworm or “Tinea corporis” usually begins as a circle or oval, scaling patch that is itchy and spreads outward from...

Tinea cruris (jock itch) is a fungus infection involving the fold between the upper thigh and groin area. Tinea cruris is far more common in men than women. Often, infection results from the spread of the dermatophyte infection from concomitant tinea pedis, moving up the leg. Tinea on the...

Athlete’s feet is usually treated topically due to decreased side effects of this route of administration. It is the most common skin fungus infection, affecting up to 70% of adults. Infection is usually acquired by means of direct contact with the fungus as may occur by walking barefoot in...

Below is a chart, that describes the mechanism of actions for treatment of fungal infections of the skin and yeast infections.  Although there are other agents available, we are highlighting the most common and most effective agents we use over the counter, in community pharmacy practice. Topical over the...

DANDRUFF Cause: We are familiar with the appearance of dandruff, which the scalp shows fine, white, diffuse scaliness. The rate of turnover of the skin cells is about twice the normal rate in patients affected with dandruff. Malassezia (formerly called Pityrosporum) is a “oil dependent” fungus (yeast) that lives...