26 May 2023 , 10:05
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A professor's warning about fungal skin infections has recently gone viral after two cases of a drug-resistant strain of ringworm, also known as tinea, were reported in the US.
The two women, who were suffering rash symptoms, were confirmed to have been infected with the first cases of the highly contagious fungal disease.
The women, aged 28 and 47, had lesions on their neck, buttocks, thighs, and abdomen - with family members also suffering symptoms.
David Denning, Professor of Infectious Diseases in Global Health at the University of Manchester, told The Mirror that the infection is spreading across countries and could lead to an epidemic that the world 'was not prepared for'.
"This new terbinafine-resistant fungus is a new species called Trichophyton indotineae and was first identified in India," he said.
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"The huge Indian diaspora has already seen this fungus spread to other countries including Canada and Germany, and now the USA."
And while there aren't any confirmed cases in the UK yet, a fungal specialist claims she has seen a rise in other treatment-resistant infections in the UK over the last few years.
The treatment-resistant infection has two cases in the US (Getty Images)Speaking to The Mirror, Marion Yau, a podiatrist from the Harley Medical Foot and Nail Clinic London, has warned about resistance to topical and oral antifungals.
She said: "In my practice, I have been treating many fungus foot (skin) and nail conditions for many years. The patients that I have treated report some fungal infections on the upper body, especially along the folds of the skin.
"However, I started noticing resistance to standard topical and oral antifungals such as terbinafine in the last three years. If topical medication fails in treating fungal foot or skin and nail infections, oral terbinafine is recommended.
"Clinically, I am experiencing resistance in some patients, which requires changing to itraconazole during treatment. Terbinafine resistance to common strains is becoming more common.
"Infections can sometimes have multiple strains of fungus species, so it is important to combine oral antifungal medication when appropriate.
"To prevent the infection from returning and becoming more aggressive, it is important to catch it early."
She added: "It is best to see a GP, dermatologist, or a podiatrist (if you have fungal foot and nail infections) if your fungal infection does not improve after the recommended guidance time."
The fungal expert went on to share a few tips for preventing fungal skin and nail infections urging people to wear the right clothing and avoid sharing personal items such as towels.
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Mairon listed the following:
- Since fungus grows in warm moist environments, make sure you wear clothes that are breathable in the summer to reduce perspiration. If you do naturally sweat a lot, bring two shirts or two pairs of socks
- Underwear, shirts, and socks made from cotton or bamboo fibres are recommended. Cotton and bamboo fibres are more absorbent than other fabrics, so they will absorb any excess moisture from the washing process. This will reduce the risk of fungal growth and infection
- To prevent infection, wear flip-flops in the community
- After exercising or going out, take a shower right away
- Regularly wash socks, clothes, and bed linen to prevent fungus growth
- Ensure that the affected areas are washed daily and after washing, make sure you dry properly especially folding of the skin
To avoid spreading the infection to other people:
- Personal items such as towels, clothing, brushes, and combs should not be shared
- Avoid going barefoot in communal changing rooms, swimming pools, or gyms if you have athlete's foot or a toenail infection.