AS the Health Ministry continues to roll out its programme of detecting, diagnosing and treating skin infections, it has noted a noticable upsurge in the number of persons with fungal infections, as compared to other infections of the skin. Head of the National Dermatology Programme, Dr. Holly Alexander, has said that while the number of cases seen cannot be considered of epidemic proportions, there is still need for concern.  
Fungal infections that programme regularly sees are:- infections of the groin and upper thighs (Jock itch); Candida – as in the case of yeast infection in and around the vagina; Tinea (ring worm) appearing on  different parts of the body; and Athlete’s foot, which usually appears between the toes and, in some cases,  the bottoms or sides of the feet.  The presence of such conditions can be both embarrassing and a source of annoyance.
Because of their infectious nature if left undetected and untreated, fungal diseases can very easily spread from person to person, particularly in the case of intimate partners.  
A point to note is that the Candida yeast can appear in our mouths, on our skin, in a woman’s vagina, on a man’s penis, in people’s eyes, and even in the gastrointestinal tract.
The Epidemiological Department is aware that many persons suffering with conditions such as yeast infections and infections of the groin are reluctant to seek medical help because of the embarrassment associated with the condition, and would therefore like to signal that help is available for all types of skin infections.  
Infected persons are urged to utilise the services available, and not wait until it is too late. Dr. Alexander is urging persons not to ignore their respective condition, nor to feel embarrassed  and stay at home  wishing the problem away, but to visit health centres where they can be treated free of charge.
Accessing services at the Dermatology Clinics
Persons wishing to be treated for skin conditions do not necessarily need to first go to the Main Outpatient Department (MOPD) of the Georgetown Public Hospital for referrals.  “Persons can go straight to the clinic without a referral, but we are encouraging them to go to their area clinics,” Dr Alexander advised.  
Persons living in the city can access the services at the Palms institution on Brickdam.    
Dermatology Clinics are held in the compound of the Palms institution at Brickdam each Wednesday of the week, and the team from that institution would conduct outreaches at other centres around the country on other days of the week, Dr Alexander said.
The following is a roster of dermatology clinics to be held around the country:
Centre                          Days of the Week                      Time
Skeldon, Corentyne,     Third Monday,                           Morning
Port Mourant,               Third Monday,                           Afternoon  
Wismar Health Centre   First Tuesday,                           Morning
Mackenzie Hospital       First Tuesday,                           Afternoon
Grove Health Centre      Second Tuesday,                      Afternoon
N/Amsterdam Clinic      Third Tuesday,                          Morning
Palms, Brickdam          Every Wednesday,                    Morning       
Clonbrook Centre         Fourth Tuesday,                        Morning
Lodge Centre              First Friday,                              Afternoon
Vreed-en-Hoop          Second Friday,                           Morning  
Parika Centre           Second Friday,                            Morning
Meten-Meer-Zorg       Second Friday,                           Afternoon    
Soesdyke, EBD.       Third Friday,                               Afternoon  
David Rose H.C.       Fourth Friday,                             Morning

For areas not covered routinely at this time (such as hinterland locations), Dr. Alexander said that in the event there are outbreaks, the team from the Dermatology Centre at the Palms Hospital would visit upon request.   
Isolated cases would be required to travel to the nearest centres.  For example, persons from Bartica, the Essequibo Coast and Islands, and neighbouring communities will be required to travel to the Parika Health Centre for testing and treatment.
Once per year, an outreach is done along the Essequibo Coast, wherein the team from Georgetown visits about five communities in one day to attend to patients.