Identification Of Candida Species In The Skin Of The Patient Of Diabetes Mellitus At The Sentosa Baru Puskesmas Medan
Identification of Candida Species in the Skin of Patients with Diabetes Mellitus at the Sentosa Baru Puskesmas Medan
Introduction
Diabetes mellitus (DM) is a clinical syndrome characterized by hyperglycemia due to deficiency or decreased effectiveness of insulin. Patients with diabetes mellitus are at higher risk of experiencing various complications, including skin infections. One of the most common skin infections in DM patients is intertriginous candidiasis, which appears in areas such as armpits, thigh folds, intergluteal, breast folds, between fingers or toes, penis glans, and umbilicus. This type of infection is caused by Candida species, a type of fungus that thrives in warm, moist environments.
Background
Candida species are a type of yeast that is commonly found on the skin and mucous membranes of humans. In healthy individuals, Candida species are usually harmless, but in immunocompromised individuals, such as those with diabetes mellitus, the risk of skin infection due to Candida species increases. Intertriginous candidiasis is a type of skin infection that appears in areas where the skin folds together, creating a warm, moist environment that is ideal for the growth of Candida species.
Methodology
This study aimed to identify Candida species found in the skin of patients with diabetes mellitus at the Sentosa Baru Puskesmas Medan. The study used a descriptive observational design with a cross-sectional approach, involving 30 DM patients who met the inclusion and exclusion criteria. The patients were examined for skin scrapings, which were then processed with 10% KOH and fungal culture to identify Candida species.
Results
The results of this study showed that most DM patients were women (60%) with the most age groups in the range of 56-65 years (56.7%). In terms of education, 40% of patients had high school education, and 43.3% worked as entrepreneurs. Interestingly, 30% of patients had suffered from diabetes mellitus for 11-20 years. All DM patients (100%) indicated skin disorders, with the location of the skin rash most often found in the groin folds (63.3%) and intergluteal (36.7%).
In the 10% KOH examination, 60% of the skin scrapings were found showing positive results, namely 18 Candida spores. Furthermore, the fungus culture was carried out with natural resource media and identification of fungal colonies using medium corn meal agar, the identified Candida species reached 60%.
Discussion
The results of this study show that the most common species found are Candida Albicans. This shows the importance of monitoring and early detection of skin infections in patients with diabetes mellitus, given the significant risk factors related to diabetes complications. Intertriginous candidiasis in patients with diabetes mellitus is not only associated with high humidity and temperature in the fold area, but also related to immune system disorders. DM patients often experience poor blood circulation and uncontrolled blood sugar levels, both of which can worsen fungal infections.
Conclusion
Good diabetes management is very important to reduce the risk of infection. It is essential for health workers to realize the initial symptoms of candida infection in DM patients to be able to intervene on timely. Fast treatment will not only improve the quality of life of the patient, but also prevent more serious complications that can arise due to infection that is not well managed.
Recommendations
For infection control, education about personal hygiene and diabetes management must be part of the patient care program. In addition, supervision of eating patterns and compliance in the treatment of diabetes is also very crucial to maintain blood sugar levels within normal limits and prevent secondary infections. By taking the right prevention steps, it is expected that the incidence of intertriginous candidiasis in diabetes patients can be minimized, and improve the health of the skin and the overall quality of life of diabetes mellitus patients.
Limitations of the Study
This study has several limitations. Firstly, the sample size was relatively small, which may not be representative of the larger population of DM patients. Secondly, the study only examined patients with diabetes mellitus, and did not include patients with other types of diabetes. Finally, the study only identified Candida species, and did not examine other types of fungal infections.
Future Directions
Future studies should aim to examine the relationship between diabetes mellitus and other types of fungal infections. Additionally, studies should aim to identify the risk factors associated with intertriginous candidiasis in DM patients, and to develop effective prevention and treatment strategies.
References
- [List of references cited in the study]
Appendix
- [Appendix materials, such as tables, figures, and additional data]
Abstract
This study aimed to identify Candida species found in the skin of patients with diabetes mellitus at the Sentosa Baru Puskesmas Medan. The study used a descriptive observational design with a cross-sectional approach, involving 30 DM patients who met the inclusion and exclusion criteria. The results showed that the most common species found are Candida Albicans. This study highlights the importance of monitoring and early detection of skin infections in patients with diabetes mellitus, given the significant risk factors related to diabetes complications.
Q&A: Identification of Candida Species in the Skin of Patients with Diabetes Mellitus
Q: What is intertriginous candidiasis?
A: Intertriginous candidiasis is a type of skin infection that appears in areas where the skin folds together, creating a warm, moist environment that is ideal for the growth of Candida species. This type of infection is common in patients with diabetes mellitus.
Q: What are the risk factors for intertriginous candidiasis in patients with diabetes mellitus?
A: The risk factors for intertriginous candidiasis in patients with diabetes mellitus include high humidity and temperature in the fold area, poor blood circulation, and uncontrolled blood sugar levels.
Q: How is intertriginous candidiasis diagnosed?
A: Intertriginous candidiasis is diagnosed through a physical examination, skin scrapings, and fungal culture. The skin scrapings are processed with 10% KOH and examined for Candida spores.
Q: What are the symptoms of intertriginous candidiasis?
A: The symptoms of intertriginous candidiasis include redness, itching, and swelling in the affected area. In severe cases, the infection can cause pain and difficulty walking.
Q: How is intertriginous candidiasis treated?
A: Intertriginous candidiasis is treated with antifungal medications, such as topical creams or oral tablets. In severe cases, hospitalization may be necessary to manage the infection.
Q: Can intertriginous candidiasis be prevented?
A: Yes, intertriginous candidiasis can be prevented by maintaining good hygiene, controlling blood sugar levels, and wearing loose-fitting clothing to reduce moisture accumulation in the skin folds.
Q: What is the importance of monitoring and early detection of skin infections in patients with diabetes mellitus?
A: Monitoring and early detection of skin infections in patients with diabetes mellitus is crucial to prevent complications and improve the quality of life. Early detection can also reduce the risk of hospitalization and improve treatment outcomes.
Q: What are the complications of intertriginous candidiasis in patients with diabetes mellitus?
A: The complications of intertriginous candidiasis in patients with diabetes mellitus include skin ulcers, cellulitis, and sepsis. In severe cases, the infection can lead to amputation of the affected limb.
Q: How can healthcare providers prevent intertriginous candidiasis in patients with diabetes mellitus?
A: Healthcare providers can prevent intertriginous candidiasis in patients with diabetes mellitus by educating patients about good hygiene practices, monitoring blood sugar levels, and providing regular foot care.
Q: What is the role of healthcare providers in managing intertriginous candidiasis in patients with diabetes mellitus?
A: Healthcare providers play a crucial role in managing intertriginous candidiasis in patients with diabetes mellitus by providing education, monitoring, and treatment. They should also refer patients to specialists if necessary.
Q: What are the future directions for research on intertriginous candidiasis in patients with diabetes mellitus?
A: Future research should focus on identifying the risk factors associated with intertriginous candidiasis in patients with diabetes mellitus, developing effective prevention and treatment strategies, and improving the quality of life of patients with diabetes mellitus.
Q: What are the implications of this study for patients with diabetes mellitus?
A: This study highlights the importance of monitoring and early detection of skin infections in patients with diabetes mellitus. Patients with diabetes mellitus should be aware of the risk factors and symptoms of intertriginous candidiasis and seek medical attention if they experience any symptoms.
Q: What are the implications of this study for healthcare providers?
A: This study emphasizes the need for healthcare providers to be aware of the risk factors and symptoms of intertriginous candidiasis in patients with diabetes mellitus. Healthcare providers should also provide education and regular monitoring to prevent complications and improve treatment outcomes.