Several factors contribute to the development of mycoses on the skin and scalp.
Predisposing Personal Factors:
Weak immune systemExcessive sweating on the body, hands, feet, headExcessive sebum productionOverweight and obesity with the formation of skin foldsClimatic and Occupational Factors:
Hot and humid summer seasonHeavy and protective clothing year-round, such as work uniformsMandatory individual technical equipmentHigh-intensity physical work activityWork environment with heat productionCan Anything Be Done for Prevention?
Avoiding Cutaneous Mycoses:Fungi, also commonly known as skin fungi, are pathogenic microorganisms that can spread on the skin, hair, and nails. They can cause infections known as mycoses. They are contagious and spread through contact with infected surfaces. They proliferate and develop rapidly in hot and humid environments, which can often occur in some work or leisure environments.
Sports and Leisure Environments:These are enclosed and heated places such as gyms, spas, thermal baths, and swimming pools, in warm and humid locker rooms where fungi find the best conditions to develop.
Work Environments:Sometimes, the microclimate of work environments presents the same characteristics of heat and humidity, such as premises intended for food processing and preservation, restaurant kitchens, hotels, and catering services. Favorable microenvironments can also be found in workplaces for metalworking and foundries, mineral extraction, underground tunnel excavations, and asphalt maintenance.
Factors Contributing to the Development of Mycoses:
Weak immune systemExcessive sweating on the body, hands, feet, headExcessive sebum productionOverweight and obesity with the formation of skin foldsClimatic and occupational factorsHot and humid summer seasonHeavy and protective clothing year-round, such as uniformsMandatory individual technical equipmentHigh-intensity physical work activityWork environment with heat productionHowever, it is possible to adopt small precautions and habits to reduce the frequency of contagion even in high-risk environments.
For Athletes: Appropriate Behaviors to Avoid Cutaneous Mycoses:
Never walk barefoot, use slippers even in showersDo not sit on the edges of pools or tilesPlace a towel on chairs and sunbeds before sitting, always using the same sideAllow the skin to breathe adequately, especially in high-risk areas such as the groin, armpits, and skin foldsAvoid harsh detergents that destroy the protective lipid layerUse only personal towelsDry yourself well before getting dressedWash clothes and linens at temperatures above 60°CUse breathable footwear and clothingFor Workers: Appropriate Behaviors to Avoid Cutaneous Mycoses:
Frequently change and wash work uniforms at high temperatures or dry cleanRegularly disinfect protective equipment, the inside of gloves, and safety shoesWear only cotton underwear under the uniformAvoid continuous sweating by alternating rest and work periodsShower at the end of the work shift, avoiding harsh detergentsThe Natural Protection of the Skin Is Not Always Sufficient to Counteract Mycoses:The hydrolipidic film on the skin normally protects against aggressions, including saprophytic fungal flora present on the skin surface. However, the skin barrier is continuously exposed to aggressions. The use of harsh soaps and detergents, for example, destabilizes the lipid components of the skin's surface microfilm, reducing its protective and waterproofing action and favoring mycoses.
Additionally, sweat causes maceration, fissuring of the skin, and alters its pH, similar to prolonged exposure to a hot-humid microclimate.
Other factors destabilizing the skin barrier come from within and are mainly related to an unbalanced or poorly managed diet, which does not provide all the necessary micro and macronutrients for tissue vitality and renewal.
Insufficient fluid intake or excessive evaporation through sweating dehydrates the skin, making it more vulnerable.
Fatigue and stress situations affect the efficiency of the immune system and thus the body's response to pathogens, including cutaneous ones.
Immune disorders facilitate the occurrence of inflammations and sensitizations (atopic dermatitis, allergic contact dermatitis, etc.).
The use of certain local or systemic medications can alter the composition of the cutaneous microbiota, sebaceous gland activity, or the hydroelectrolytic balance of the dermis (antibiotics, continuous hormonal therapies). In this case, the skin may react more weakly against external agents.
How to Easily Activate for the Prevention of Cutaneous Mycoses:
Use specific detergents with antifungal actives, removing the fungal flora that develops on the skin surface dailyKeep the skin healthy and hydratedSupport and strengthen the immune system for active body defenseAdopt a healthy lifestyle, paying attention to diet and fluid intake
Gel cleanser for hands, body, face, and hair, aiding in the prevention of superficial mycoses. For daily use. Particularly indicated as a hygienic adjuvant in association with specific dermatological treatments.