Have you ever heard of a sexually transmitted fungal infection? You might be thinking, "Oh, there's such a thing?" Yes, there really is. It's a bit newer, and a bit more serious than the usual fungal infections. Today we're going to talk about a fungal infection called `Trichophyton mentagrophytes type VII`, also known as `(TMVII)` for short. It's important to know about this, because it's not as simple as it sounds.
What is this sexually transmitted fungal infection (TMVII)?
Simply put, it's a skin infection. But it's mainly spread through sexual contact. That means oral, anal, or vaginal sex. It's caused by the fungus Trichophyton mentagrophytes type VII (TMVII). When you get it, it can cause severe itching and pain on your genitals (the area around your penis or vulva), buttocks, face, or legs.
This is the only known sexually transmitted fungal infection. You may have heard of jock itch or yeast infections. Although they are sometimes spread sexually, they are not considered sexually transmitted infections (STIs). However, the damage caused by TMVII can be much more severe than other fungal skin infections.
These Trichophyton mentagrophytes infections that occur in the genital area are also called (tinea genitalis).
What are the symptoms of this (TMVII) infection?
The main symptom of this disease is skin lesions. These lesions can look like this:
- It can occur on your penis, vulva, buttocks, anus, legs, or face.
- It may be ring-shaped , with a slightly raised edge, or the edge may be darker or a different color than the skin around it.
- It can be red, pink or purple.
- It may be darker or more discolored than the surrounding skin.
- There may be severe itching .
- You may feel pain .
- Sometimes it can look like water-filled blisters.
- Some places can be salvaged like coral.
Imagine, a friend of yours, let's say Nimal, suddenly has a rash like this in his genital area or buttocks. He might think, "Oh, this is probably just eczema," and go get some cream from the pharmacy and apply it. But if it doesn't go away after a few days, and it gets worse, and if it's painful, then that's when you should start to suspect that this is something unusual.
What causes this? How is it transmitted?
This sexually transmitted fungal infection is caused by the same fungus called `Trichophyton mentagrophytes genotype VII (TMVII)` mentioned earlier. This is actually a type of ringworm .
Okay, now let's see how this `(TMVII)` spreads among each other.
It is mainly spread through contact with the skin of an infected person . So, it can easily spread during sexual intercourse. Not only that, but sharing things like towels, underwear, and sex toys with others can also spread this fungus.
Who is most at risk of developing this (TMVII) infection?
In fact, anyone who comes into contact with the fungus `(TMVII)` can develop this infection. However, some groups are at a slightly higher risk.
- For men who have sex with men
- People who receive or provide paid sexual services
This doesn't mean that others won't get it, but it seems to be more prevalent among these groups.
What complications can occur due to this infection?
`(TMVII)` is not a disease that just comes and goes. Sometimes it can cause secondary bacterial infections . That is, bacteria can also infect the same place where the fungal infection is. If that happens, you may have to be hospitalized and treated. Also, some people may have scars after these lesions heal. Therefore, this is not something to be taken lightly.
Important: If you have symptoms like these, it's best to seek medical advice immediately, without being embarrassed or afraid.
How does a doctor diagnose this (TMVII)?
When you go to a doctor, they may immediately think that you have a fungal infection when they see your skin lesions. However, if the lesions do not go away even after applying the usual topical antifungals, the doctor may suspect that it is TMVII. This is because the usual topical antifungals do not work on TMVII.
To confirm that you have TMVII, your doctor will take a skin scraping from the affected area. The sample will be sent to a lab to be examined under a microscope to see if the fungus Trichophyton mentagrophytes is present. Sometimes, they will also try to culture the sample. It can take several weeks for the results of these tests to come back. Therefore, your doctor may start treatment without waiting for the results.
How to treat Trichophyton mentagrophytes?
This is treated with oral antifungal medications . For example, medications like `(terbinafine)` or `(itraconazole)` are usually given. Again, antifungal creams cannot cure this `(TMVII)` infection. Therefore, it is very important to take the medication exactly as prescribed by the doctor, for the duration prescribed.
What should we expect if (TMVII) is formed?
If you get this sexually transmitted fungal infection, it will take some time to heal. That's true.
- You will need to take antifungal medication for two weeks to several months .
- During this time, do not apply steroid creams to the affected areas for any reason . Doing so may worsen the condition.
- Your clothes, bedding, and towels should be washed thoroughly and dried at a high temperature to kill fungus spores.
- Avoid sexual intercourse during this time and avoid other physical activities that could spread the fungus.
- Tell your recent sexual partners about this as well . They may also have this infection, so talk to their doctors and get tested.
You have to be patient for this to heal properly, but with proper treatment, it can be completely cured.
What are the ways to avoid this (TMVII) infection?
To avoid this, we need to be a little more careful.
- Avoid having sex if you or your partner has a fungal skin infection or rash.
- Do not share personal items, such as bedding and towels, with others.
- Avoid contact with broken skin.
- Use protective measures such as condoms or dental dams during any type of sexual intercourse. But remember, if the area where the fungus is located is not completely covered, it can still spread through it.
Simply put, practicing safe sex and taking care of personal hygiene is the best thing to do.
When should I see a doctor?
If you have persistent, painful ringworm, definitely see a doctor. If the ringworm doesn't go away even after using a prescribed antifungal cream, tell your doctor about it. That could be a sign that you have (TMVII).
When should I go to a hospital (ETU) as soon as possible?
If you have a high fever (over 103 Fahrenheit / 40 Celsius), or a sore or wound on your skin:
- If it doesn't heal
- If it gets bigger or spreads to other parts of the body
- If it feels hot to the touch
- If it is very painful
- If something like pus is draining
In that case, you need to go to an emergency room immediately.
What questions should I ask my doctor?
When you go to see a doctor, it's helpful to ask questions like these:
- How can I prevent this infection from spreading to others?
- How to properly care for these wounds/injuries?
- When should I come see you again?
- How do you take this medicine?
- How long do I need to take this medicine?
- Are there any serious symptoms I should be especially concerned about?
- When is it safe to have sex again?
Don't be shy about asking these questions. It's very important to clear up any doubts you have.
Finally, things to remember
Treating a sexually transmitted fungal infection called TMVII is not as easy as treating other fungal infections, such as jock itch. It won't be cured by just applying a cream. However, if you use the antifungal medication prescribed by your doctor correctly, it can be completely cured. However, you will have to take the medication for several weeks to get better. If you have any questions or concerns about this, don't hesitate to ask your doctor. The most important thing is to get treatment as soon as possible.
` Sexually transmitted infections, fungal infections, TMVII, skin diseases, sexual health, Trichophyton mentagrophytes, safe sex practices
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