Fungal Infection or Mycosis: Types, Causes & Treatments

Types of Fungal Diseases

Fungal infections or Mycosis affect different parts of the body. Some infections stay on the skin, while others spread to internal organs. These infections happen when fungi grow uncontrollably. Warm, moist areas help fungi multiply. People with weak immune systems get severe infections. Proper treatment helps control fungal diseases.

What are Fungal Infection or Mycosis?

Fungal infections (mycosis), are infectious disease caused by a fungus (yeast or mold). Fungal diseases are the most frequent on your skin, hairs or nails, but fungi (plural of fungus) infections can also affect the mouth, throat, lungs, and other internal organs, especially in people with weakened immune systems.

What do you mean by fungi?

Fungi (plural form of fungus) are living things  that are classified particularly apart from plants or animals. They move around spreading out  or sending spores (their reproductive parts) into the air or environment. Multiple fungi live in our body naturally but can overgrow under certain favourable conditions. According to the scholars, there are millions of fungi present in the world but only small number of fungi creates disease in human. This further includes particular yeasts and molds.

How does a fungal infection look like?

Fungal infections on your skin can look red, bumpy or swollen. They can appear like a rash or you might be able to observe a lump under your skin. Fungal infections in your nails can make them appear like discolored (yellow, brown or white), thick or cracked. Moreover, fungal infections in your mouth or throat can result into a white patches or coating.

Here are 5 common diseases caused by fungi:

Athlete’s Foot

An athlete’s foot affects the skin on the feet. It spreads in damp places like locker rooms and swimming pools. The infection causes redness, itching, and cracked skin. Some people feel a burning sensation between their toes. Scratching can spread the infection to the hands. Wearing tight shoes worsens the condition.

Doctors recommend keeping your feet clean and dry. Over-the-counter antifungal creams work for mild cases. Severe infections need prescription medicine. Changing socks daily prevents the infection from spreading. Walking barefoot in public places increases the risk.

Ringworm

Ringworm affects the skin, scalp, and nails. The name comes from the red, circular rash it creates. The infection spreads through direct contact with infected people or animals. Sharing towels, clothes, or sports equipment increases the risk.

Symptoms include scaly patches and intense itching. The infection worsens if left untreated. Antifungal creams and shampoos help clear ringworm. Doctors may prescribe oral medicine for stubborn infections. Keeping the skin dry and clean prevents reinfection. Pets with this infection need quick attention and treatment to stop further spread.

Candidiasis

Candidiasis occurs when Candida yeast grows too much. This infection affects the mouth, skin, throat, and genital areas. A weak immune system allows Candida to multiply quickly. High sugar levels in the blood boost fungal growth.

Oral candidiasis, or thrush, creates white patches inside the mouth. Vaginal yeast infections cause itching and thick discharge. Babies develop diaper rash due to Candida overgrowth. Skin folds trap moisture and lead to candidiasis in obese people.

Doctors prescribe antifungal creams or oral medication. Eating less sugar helps control yeast infections. Good hygiene reduces the risk of candidiasis. Wearing loose clothes prevents excessive sweating and fungal growth.

Aspergillosis

Aspergillosis affects the lungs and sinuses. People inhale Aspergillus spores from dust and soil. Most healthy individuals fight off the infection. Those with weak immune systems develop serious complications.

Symptoms include coughing, shortness of breath, and fever. In severe cases, the infection spreads to the brain and kidneys. Some people develop allergic reactions, which leads to asthma-like symptoms.

Doctors use antifungal drugs to treat aspergillosis. Surgery removes infected tissue in extreme cases. Avoiding dusty areas reduces exposure to fungal spores. People with lung conditions should wear masks in dusty environments.

Histoplasmosis

Histoplasmosis occurs after inhaling spores from soil with bird or bat droppings. Farmers, construction workers, and cave explorers face a higher risk. The infection mainly affects the lungs, but it spreads to other organs in severe cases.

Mild cases cause flu-like symptoms, including fever, cough, and fatigue. Severe infections lead to chest pain and breathing problems. People with weak immune systems suffer from long-term lung damage.

Doctors prescribe antifungal medication for severe cases. Wearing masks in areas with bird droppings helps prevent infection. Avoiding dusty environments reduces the risk of inhaling spores.

Who is Most at Risk for Fungal Infections?

Anybody can get a fungal infection, particularly ones that affects your skin or nails. Fungal infections are more frequent in your body places that trap moisture or have a lot of friction. In case you have a poor circulation or you are a diabetic then you are at high risk of getting infections. Apart from this, if you have poor immune system due to:

• HIV/AIDS
• Immunosuppressant medications
• Cancer or cancer treatments

How to Prevent Fungal Infections?

Fungal infections spread easily but are preventable. Good hygiene plays a key role in protection. Some simple ways to lower the risk are as follows:

• Make sure to keep it dry and clean.
• Avoid sharing personal items like towels and combs.
• Wear breathable clothes and shoes.
• Change socks and underwear daily.
• Maintain a healthy diet to support the immune system.
• Use antifungal powders in sweaty areas.
• Stay away from damp, humid environments.

Fungal infections affect millions of people worldwide. Some infections are mild, while others cause serious health problems. Quick treatment stops infections from spreading. Proper hygiene and lifestyle changes help prevent fungal diseases. Recognising symptoms early leads to better recovery.

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