Fungal Infections: Protect Your Health
Here are 10 questions you can use to understand fungal infections and know what you need to do to stay healthy.
Fungi are everywhere. Sometimes, they are too small to see with the naked eye. Fungi can live outdoors in soil and on plants indoors on surfaces and in the air and on peoples skin and inside the body. There are millions of fungal species, but only a few hundred of them can make people sick.
Mild fungal skin infections can look like a rash and are very common. For example, ringworm is a skin infection caused by a fungusnot a worm! Fungal infections in the lungs can be more serious and often cause symptoms that are similar to other illnesses, such as bacterial pneumonia or tuberculosis. Because of this, proper diagnosis and treatment are often delayed. Fungal infections like meningitis and bloodstream infections, are less common than skin and lung infections but can be life-threatening.
The more you know about fungal infections and your chances of getting one, the better you can protect your health.
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Are Ketoconazole And Selenium Sulfide Safe To Use While Pregnant Or Breastfeeding
Ketoconazole safety
- A small amount of ketoconazole is secreted in breast milk. Nursing mothers should probably avoid breastfeeding while using ketoconazole.
Selenium sulfide safety
- Use of selenium sulfide during pregnancy has not been adequately evaluated. It is not known whether selenium sulfide is excreted in breast milk.
Consult with your doctor about which drugs you can take when pregnant or breastfeeding.
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Is Pyrithione A Zinc Antifungal
Zinc pyrithione was originally used as an antibacterial and antifungal agent. It is still used as an antifungal, primarily as a treatment for dandruff and seborrheic dermatitis. Its current antibacterial uses are treating Streptococcus and Staphylococcus infections and psoriasis, eczema, ringworm, and athletes foot.
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Where Should I Keep My Medicine
Keep out of the reach of children.
Store at room temperature between 15 and 30 degrees C . Keep tightly closed. Throw away any unused medicine after the expiration date.
NOTE: This sheet is a summary. It may not cover all possible information. If you have questions about this medicine, talk to your doctor, pharmacist, or health care provider.
Common Dermatological Fungal Infections

Athletes Foot Most people will get this very common fungus at some point in their life, with more than 10% of the U.S. population suffering this problem each year. Most often it occurs between your third, fourth, and fifth toes, sometimes spreading to the sole. The skin between the toes becomes white, moist, and easily rubbed off the tops of the toes may be red, dry and flaky. Also, there is intense itching and burning. Athletes foot usually occurs with hot, moist conditions and mostly affects teen and adult males. It less frequently affects children before puberty. Contributing causes include sweating, not drying the feet well after swimming or bathing, wearing tight socks and shoes and warm weather conditions.
Jock Itch As with athletes foot, heat, moisture and poor air circulation can also cause a fungus infection of the groin or jock itch. Again, intense itching and burning are experienced, along with redness, flaking and peeling on the inner thighs, pubic area and scrotum.
Ringworm This is caused by a microscopic fungus, not a worm. The infected area spreads out slowly from its central starting point, creating a slightly raised, intensely red ring surrounding a less red, flaky, itchy area. This ring slowly enlarges over a period of several weeks. It can occur anywhere on the body and in more than one location on the body at once.
- Living in a warm climate
- Contact with other people or pets that have ringworm
- Lowered immunity from disease or medication
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Not Every Remedy For Toenail Fungus Works For Everyone
For a number of years, I had dealt with both big toenails being discolored, and so thick I could not cut them, even with large clippers. I had to soak my feet to soften the toenails and even then I had to get my husband had to cut them for me. Each time he always had trouble with the nails on the big toes. The nail salon where I had a pedicure did not fare any better. I did not have the money for a podiatrist so I decided to research home remedies. The four I found most recommended on the Internet were Vicks Vapor rub, Apple cider vinegar,Listerine mouthwash, and hydrogen peroxide.
I have tried each of these products separately as well as together many times. The original Listerine worked once, but not again. The other natural cures did not work for me at all. I continued to read online testimonies of their effectiveness, and I understood that not every Home Remedy is going to work for every person. I wondered, however, if there were one that would benefit my situation or if I had to make a trip to the podiatrist.
Fortunately, a few days later I noticed a bottle of Selsun Blue medicated shampoo in the bathroom. My sonâs doctor had recommended it for his dry itchy scalp. I read the ingredients and on a whim decided to see if it would help me with the toenail fungus.
What Causes Tinea Versicolor
An overgrowth of yeast on your skins surface causes tinea versicolor. This yeast thrives in warm, moist and oily environments, causing it to grow out of control in small colonies. These yeast colonies cause the symptoms of tinea versicolor.
Some things that can trigger the yeast to grow out of control are:
- Hormonal changes.
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What Helps Dry Flaky Skin On Dogs
Purchasing a humidifier to use when the weather is cold and dry, using a veterinarian-approved shampoo, and reducing the frequency of baths usually resolves dry skin on dogs, as long as those factors are the cause. Some dog owners will use a dog skin moisturizer to help sooth the dry skin.
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May Help Treat Pityriasis Versicolor
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Pityriasis versicolor is a skin condition that causes hyperpigmented and hypopigmented scaly patches. It is caused by the fungus Malassezia furfur. Research suggests that selenium sulfide may treat this skin condition effectively with its antifungal properties, besides showing better efficacy than sodium sulfacetamide . However, it may cause certain adverse effects. Hence, practice caution.
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How To Use It
Nizoral can be easily added to your usual skin and body care routine. âI typically recommend using it daily in the shower for two weeks or so or until the pimples improve, Zeichner suggests. âAfter that, I have my patients use it twice a week as maintenance. Because it comes as a shampoo, I tell my patients to use it like a liquid cleanser. It is important to get enough contact time on the skin for it to do its job, so you should apply, lather, and count to 30 before rinsing off.â
If you do have fungal acne, Nizoral is usually effective in a matter of weeks, but if you arent seeing signs of improvement just under the one-month mark, finding a different solution will likely be needed to experience results.
An effective part of treating any skin condition is becoming aware of how the active ingredients youre using works with other products in your skincare regimen. Some products may enhance the efficacy of Nizoral, like certain acids. âI commonly pair Nizoral with salicylic acid, a beta-hydroxy acid that helps remove excess oil and dead cells from the skin to keep the pores clear,â says Zeichner.
Is It Wrong To Eat Food With Selenium
No. Selenium is an essential nutrient for humans and animals. People receive a majority of their daily selenium intake from food, and to a lesser extent, from water. However, selenium can be harmful when regularly taken in amounts higher than those needed .
The seriousness of the adverse effects depends on how much selenium is taken and how often. Brittle hair and deformed nails can develop even if mildly excessive amounts of selenium are taken over long periods.
Anecdotal evidence suggests that people may also lose feeling and control in their arms and legs in extreme cases. Swallowing a large amount of selenium supplement pills could be life-threatening without immediate treatment.
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The Mental Burden Of Skin Flakes In Psoriasis And Psoriatic Arthritis
You dont need a medical study to tell you that scaling and flaking is bothersome, but the evidence exists nonetheless: 65 percent of patients rank flaking, peeling, and shedding on their body as one of the top three most distressing symptoms they experience, per research published in The Journal of Dermatological Treatment.
The problem with any skin disease is that its on the outside. You have to deal with how the world is interacting with you and your skin disease. It can cause a lot of pain and suffering, says Amy Wechsler, MD, who is board-certified in both dermatology and psychiatry and author of the book The Mind-Beauty Connection. For instance, if psoriasis flakes are on your hands, you may be worried about shaking hands in work or social settings to say hello.
The challenge then becomes controlling and responding to flares, cleaning up flakes, and explaining them to friends, colleagues, and loved ones. Generally, the more widespread the disease, or the more difficult it is to cover up, the greater the effect it has on quality of life, says Dr. Bressack.
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Selenium Sulfide Suspension 25%

When applied for 10 minutes every day for 7 consecutive days, the suspension resulted in an 87% cure rate at a 2-week follow-up evaluation. Blood and urine samples showed that no significant absorption of selenium took place. The suspension is applied to the entire skin surface from the lower posterior scalp area down to the thighs. Another commonly recommended schedule is to apply the lotion and wash it off in 24 hours. This is repeated once each week for a total of 4 weeks. There are many suggested variations of this treatment schedule. Wash the scalp with the lotion at the same time.
N.H. Choulis, in, 2014
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So What Is Kerassentials And How Does It Work Again
Kerassentials is an extremely potent combination of oils and skin supporting vitamins that you can apply every day after you shower to give your nail bed the boost it needs.These carefully selected ingredients will give your skin the support it needs to constantly rebuild itself and stay healthy. Kerassentials is the only complete formula that maintains the health of your nails in multiple ways.
May Help Treat Thickening Of Skin
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A study suggests that topical application of a selenium sulfide lotion or shampoo may treat hyperkeratosis , especially involving palms and soles . As part of the study, three individuals with hyperkeratosis were successfully treated with selenium sulfide in either a 2.5% lotion/shampoo or a 2.75% foam without any adverse effects. Besides, the response was not only rapid but also complete and sustained.
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What Are The Symptoms Of Tinea Versicolor
For most people, tinea versicolor causes mild symptoms. These may include:
- Skin discoloration, usually on your back, chest and abdomen. Discolored patches can appear anywhere on your body and be shades of pink, yellow, brown, tan or white.
- Itching at or around areas of skin affected by tinea versicolor.
- Excessive sweating.
- Patches of skin that may dry out and form scales.
- Patches of skin that dont darken or tan in the sun.
Can I Use Baking Soda On My Dog
In between wet shampoos, baking soda may be used for dry shampooing dogs and cats, says Pickard. Start by brushing your pet to remove any dirt or loose hair. You may want to do the next step outside. Rub baking soda into your pets fur and massage it into their skin, making sure not to set it into their eyes.
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How Do You Wear Selsun Blue
In order to effectively cure dandruff or scalp dermatitis, it is important to follow the manufacturers instructions or to use the product as advised by your doctor. Damp the scalp and massage the drug into the wet scalp until it is completely absorbed. Allow it to sit on your scalp for 2 to 3 minutes before rinsing thoroughly. Some brands may necessitate the use of a second application.
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Can Tinea Versicolor Come Back
Tinea versicolor isnt a harmful infection and only affects the top layer of your skin. People often have more than one episode of tinea versicolor. Because the yeast grows naturally on your skin, it can recur . Using medicated soap a couple of times each week or month can reduce recurrences of tinea versicolor.
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Avoid Sharing Personal Equipment
Because fungal infections are contagious through direct contact, its important to avoid sharing clothing and towels that might pass along the fungus. This is also why your gym has all those signs about wiping down equipment after use.Fungal infections spread through contact, not the air. So people with fungal infections dont need to be quarantined from society. To prevent spreading it to others, keep your hands washed, surfaces cleaned, and keep the infected area from contacting others.
What Should I Watch For While Using This Medicine

Tell your doctor or health care professional if your symptoms do not improve after two weeks.
If used on blond, bleached, tinted, grey or permed hair, rinse for at least 5 minutes to minimize the chance for hair discoloration. This medicine should not be used within 48 hours of applying hair color or permanent wave solutions.
This medicine may damage jewelry. Remove any jewelry before use.
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What Are Some Side Effects That I Need To Call My Doctor About Right Away
WARNING/CAUTION: Even though it may be rare, some people may have very bad and sometimes deadly side effects when taking a drug. Tell your doctor or get medical help right away if you have any of the following signs or symptoms that may be related to a very bad side effect:
- Signs of an allergic reaction, like rash hives itching red, swollen, blistered, or peeling skin with or without fever wheezing tightness in the chest or throat trouble breathing, swallowing, or talking unusual hoarseness or swelling of the mouth, face, lips, tongue, or throat.
What May Interact With This Medicine
Interactions are not expected. Do not use any other skin products on the affected area without telling your doctor or health care professional.
This list may not describe all possible interactions. Give your health care provider a list of all the medicines, herbs, non-prescription drugs, or dietary supplements you use. Also tell them if you smoke, drink alcohol, or use illegal drugs. Some items may interact with your medicine.
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Tough On Dandruff Great On Hair
For Tough Dandruff SymptomsWith Selsun Blue Maximum Strength shampoos, you can be tough on dandruff. Selsun Blue Medicated, Selsun Blue Moisturizing and Selsun Blue 2-in-1 Maximum Strength Anti-dandruff Shampoo and Conditioner help prevent and eliminate itchy scalp & visible flakes associated with dandruff. |
Daily Dandruff ControlSelsun Blue targeted dandruff control shampoo is gentle enough for daily use. Selsun Blue Full & Thick, Selsun Blue 3-in-1 and Selsun Blue Itchy Dry Scalp anti-dandruff shampoos lather quickly to help eliminate itchy scalp and visible flakesand itch associated with dandruff. |
Healthy Looking Hair Every DaySelsun Blue Naturals is formulated with 8 intensive moisturizers, botanicals and vitamins B5 & E to promote healthy looking hair, plus the targeted dandruff control you expect from Selsun Blue. Selsun Blue Naturals is gentle enough for daily use to help prevent and eliminate itchy scalp and visible flakes associated with dandruff. |
Can I Use Selsun Shampoo While Pregnant Or Breastfeeding
- There is no information available about the safety of using Selsun shampoo during pregnancy or breastfeeding. Although its unlikely to be harmful, the manufacturer states it shouldnt be used by women who are pregnant or breastfeeding. You should get advice from your doctor before using Selsun if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.
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