When fungal infections are allowed to spread throughout the close quarters of a nursing home, this can provide more medical difficulties for residents. Nursing home residents usually have weakened immune systems due to age, medical conditions, or medications, so they often can’t fight off infections effectively. Knowing the signs of various fungal infections is important if your loved one lives in a nursing home.
If nursing home staff don’t regularly clean and disinfect surfaces, launder bed sheets and clothing, or help with the regular bathing and the changing of clothing for residents, they’re being neglectful regarding the spread of fungal infections. A skilled nursing home neglect attorney from Dalli & Marino, LLP can help get your loved one the compensation they deserve to mend any health issues resulting from fungal infections.
Types of Fungal Infections in Nursing Homes
There are various types of fungal infections that may occur in nursing homes, such as:
Yeast Infections
When there is an overgrowth of yeast in warm areas of the body or on damaged skin, this is called a yeast infection. Nursing home residents who are more at risk of getting a yeast infection are those who wear dentures, take antibiotics, receive cancer treatments, or have underlying health conditions like HIV or diabetes. The locations on the body where yeast infections can thrive are:
- Skin folds or navel
- Genitals
- Mouth
- Nail beds
Each of these areas can have their own set of symptoms. Signs that your loved one may have a yeast infection in any of these locations can include:
- Burning
- Itching
- Redness or soreness
- Rashes
- Discharges and pus
- White patches on the tongue and inside of the cheeks
- Cracks and or tiny cuts at the corner of the mouth
- Nails that separate from the nail bed
If you notice any signs of this infection, reach out to the nursing home immediately to see if they are properly taking care of your loved one. If they are not, an elderly abuse and neglect lawyer can help.
Athlete’s Foot
Athlete’s foot may occur when a nursing home resident’s foot comes in contact with contaminated materials or surfaces. If the floor, towels, or bed sheets are contaminated with this infection and come in contact with your loved one’s feet, they are at risk of contracting athlete’s foot. They are at a greater risk of contracting this infection if they have a weakened immune system or are diabetic.
Diabetics can have severe complications as a result of untreated athlete’s foot. Because the circulation in their feet is poor and they have weakened immune systems, the skin on the foot becomes susceptible to cuts and abrasions.
The signs that your loved one may have athlete’s foot are itching, peeling, and cracking on the bottoms of the feet and between the toes. It can also cause symptoms like redness, blisters, and burning.
Ringworm
This fungus infection, very much like athlete’s foot, is a contagious infection that can spread through towels, bedsheets, and other poorly laundered items. A nursing home resident has an even higher risk of contracting the infection if they are malnourished or if hygiene is poorly maintained.
Signs that a loved one may have ringworm are ring-shaped, red, scaly patches with clear centers on the body’s scalp, arms, legs, or face. Ringworm on the scalp can cause itching and hair loss, while a nail infected with ringworm will thicken at the ends and have a yellow appearance.
Learn How the Experienced Nursing Home Neglect Attorneys at Dalli & Marino, LLP in New York Can Help
It can be distressing when a loved one is not adequately cared for in a nursing home. If a nursing home is negligent in preventing the spread of fungal infections or treating them when diagnosed, the attorneys at Dalli & Marino, LLP understand how upsetting this is. We have dedicated our work to helping victims of neglect and abuse.
If you suspect your loved one is seriously ill or injured because of the negligence of a nursing home, our attorneys will work hard to make sure they get compensation for complications stemming from their neglect. Call us at (888) 465-8790 or complete our contact form if you find your loved one harmed by nursing home neglect or abuse. We also speak Spanish.
