There is an increase in the number of Tinea fungal infections in the Anuradhapura district, Anuradhapura Health Services Director's Office Medical Officer Hema Weerakoon said.
She said Tinea (Dermatophyte) infections have been reported in several areas of the district. She further states that the infection is spread irrespective of age or gender. The main reason given for this is that the community does not properly treat fungal infections. As a result, many antifungal drugs are now resistant to this fungal infection.
Due to this resistance, more expensive antifungal medicines have to be used instead of cheaper drugs.
However, she said that the fungal infections could not be cured due to the antifungal ointments and medicines taken by the community from pharmacies without medical advice and prescription.
Antifungal medicines have also been prescribed by some health departments. To control this fungal infection, proper drugs should be used for more than six weeks.
The fungus can be transmitted by contact or by the clothing of an infected patient, and the infection is most common in the sweaty areas where the skin retains moisture.
It is most common on the face, especially under the chin, armpits and breasts. It starts as a small blister and gradually grows into a blister on the surface of the skin, which is more itchy at night. Excessive sweating increases the risk of fungal infections.
If there is a fungal infection, the use of antifungal drugs alone for more than six weeks can reduce the spread of the disease in the community. However, the doctor added that the fungicide should be used for more than two weeks after the fungal infection has healed and the infected spot should also be treated with ointment.
Add new comment