The number of genital fungal skin infections is growing

With the arrival of warmth, fungal and bacterial infections increase the risk of their morbidity. In fact, a study conducted in the United States has already identified the first case of this type sexually transmitted fungal infection Looks like bath, is highly contagious and, despite treatment, takes time to disappear. Additionally, another study reported a strain of fungus with similar characteristics that was resistant to standard treatments and affected a large group of patients.

Both types of mushrooms belong to the strain that causes bath or skin rashes and spreads to the face and extremities (ringworm), groin (athlete’s itch), and feet (athlete’s foot). However, two new forms of fungi have now been discovered. different symptoms which are caused by the currently known ringworm infection and are confused with eczema lesions. This results in a delay in making an accurate diagnosis and, consequently, a delay in initiating appropriate treatment.

One of the patients studied was described in the journal JAMA Dermatology. This is about 30 year old man New Yorker who developed symptoms of ringworm on the penis, buttocks and limbs after traveling to England, Greece and California. Genetic testing results obtained from fungal samples collected from the man’s rash showed that the infection was caused by a fungus. Trichophyton mentagrophytes type VII (TMVII).

U.S. health authorities warn that genital herpes zoster may be transmitted through sexual contact, which may be more difficult to diagnose.

This species has already been described in Europe previously. According to NYU Langone Health, in 2023 there were 13 cases in Francemost of them are in men who have had sexual relations with people of the same sex. After learning about this possible risk factor, the 30-year-old study subject admitted that he had various encounters with other men during the trip, although none of them had the same skin problems as him.

Having learned these data, US health authorities are warning about possible sexual transmission of lichen pubis What could it be more difficult to diagnosebecause “patients are often reluctant to talk about genital problems,” said Dr. John J. Zampella

, dermatologist, author of the study. “Doctors should ask directly about possible rashes around the groin and buttocks, especially in those who are sexually active, have recently traveled abroad, and report itchy areas on other parts of the body,” he adds.

Although this type of fungus takes months to disappear, it appears to respond well to standard antifungal treatments such as terbinafine. However, another strain poses a greater challenge, they said. Dr. Avrom S. Kaplandermatologist and author of a study studying this species Trichophyton indotinea. The species is widespread in India and now throughout the world, with the first case reported in the United States in 2023.

Symptoms of Trichophyton indotineae infection also cause a contagious itchy skin rash.

The symptoms of this new variant also cause contagious skin rashes and with pruritus similar to that of TMIII, but usually show resistance to treatment with terbinafine. All indications are that mutations in the fungal genetic code prevent the drug from attaching to fungal cells and punching holes in their protective membranes. He itraconazole It has been studied as a better treatment option, although it causes more side effects and may interfere with other medications.

Health authorities require take extreme precautions in the face of these new strains and their possible sexual transmission. Therefore, it is worth remembering measures to protect against STIs, which include the use of condoms during sexual intercourse and regular testing to detect possible infections. Likewise, to prevent ringworm outbreaks, it is recommended to keep skin clean and dry, not share personal care products, maintain a safe distance from affected people, and wash hands and clothing frequently after use.