Fungal Infection Symptoms & Triggers: What to Watch For

Fungal Infection Symptoms: Recognizing Skin, Nail & Internal Fungal Conditions

Fungal infections, also known as mycosis, are medical conditions caused by fungi such as yeasts or moulds. Fungi typically target the skin and nails, but in some cases, they can spread to internal parts of the body, such as the mouth, throat, lungs, and urinary system.

The appearance of a fungal skin infection varies based on the specific type of fungus causing it and the location on the body where it occurs. You might experience a change in the health of your skin, hair, or nails. Infection can affect one part of the body or several parts of the body.

Keep reading to learn more about fungal infection symptoms and more details.

What are the Symptoms of Fungal Infections?

Fungal skin infection symptoms may vary depending on the location and type of fungal colonisation. They typically occur on outside surfaces such as skin, nails, and mucous membranes (for example, vaginal, throat, or oral). Certain types of fungi can invade internal organs, including the lungs, brain, eyes, intestines, and sinuses.

Symptoms of Superficial or Subcutaneous Infections

These infections appear closer to the surface of the body or just below the skin. Typical symptoms of fungal infection on the surface or under the skin include:

• Itching, burning, or the appearance of a rash.
• Nails that are thickened, brittle, or discoloured.
• Pain during eating, changes in taste, or white patches inside the mouth or on the tongue.
• Formation of a small, painless lump beneath the skin.
   

Symptoms of Fungal Infections in the Lungs

When the fungal organism infects your lungs, it may simulate other respiratory diseases. Look for:

• Recurring cough, possibly bloody.
• Persistent weakness.
• Increasing body temperature.
• Shortness of breath.
• Musculoskeletal aches.
• Joint pains.
• Night sweats.
   

Other Signs of Fungal Infection

Depending on the internal area affected, symptoms may include:
 

• Brain or Central Nervous System Infection: Headache, fever, stiff neck, nausea or vomiting, light sensitivity, and confusion.
• Eye Problems: Redness, pain, blurred vision, watery eyes, sensitivity to brightness.
• Gastrointestinal Tract Issues: Cramping, nausea, vomiting.
• Sinus Problems: Swelling of one side of the face, nasal congestion, fever, headache, and facial pain.
   

What are the Symptoms of a Fungal Nail Infection?

Fungal nail infections develop over time and show various symptoms based on the type of fungus. They tend to start off with mild symptoms and progress if not treated.

You observe a white or pale yellowish spot beneath the surface of your nail first. Later on, your nails can become white, yellow, green, or even black, along with other symptoms, such as:

• It becomes thick and hard to cut.
• It begins to curve or lift itself over the nail bed.
• Brittle or crumbling nails on contact are also an indication.
• At times, deformities in nail shape can occur.
• The infected nail may have a foul odour.
   

Since changes are usually not painful initially, most people overlook them. If left untreated, fungal nail infections can become painful when pressure is exerted on them, making walking or wearing shoes painful.

What Causes Fungal Infections Symptoms?

Fungal infections are caused by overgrowth or invasion by specific yeasts, moulds, or other fungi. Most fungi are harmless to humans, but a few others are capable of causing infection, especially in those with weakened immune defences.

Some of the most common sources of these infections include:

• Dermatophytes: These fungi thrive on keratin, the structural protein found in your outer skin layer, hair, and nails. While they don't infect living tissue, they can cause significant irritation.
• Candida: A yeast that normally lives on the skin and throughout the body. While usually harmless, it can cause infections if it multiplies excessively, especially in moist environments.
• Environmental Fungi: Found in soil or water, organisms like Aspergillus, Blastomyces, Histoplasma, and Coccidioides can trigger infections when inhaled or introduced through open wounds.
   

How to Diagnose Fungal Infections Symptoms?

Diagnosis begins with a physical exam and history interview. For a skin infection caused by fungus, your doctor will scrape the skin, clip a toenail or fingernail, or extract a hair strand to send for laboratory analysis and identify the type of fungus.

If deeper parts of the body are suspected, the physician might request samples of the following:

• Blood
• Vaginal fluids
• Respiratory mucus (sputum)
• Urine
• Cerebrospinal fluid
   

In severe cases, a tissue biopsy might be performed. When the respiratory system is involved, imaging, like an X-ray, may help assess internal damage.

How Do You Cure Fungal Infections Symptoms?

Antifungal medicine can primarily cure fungal infections. Many superficial infections can be cured, but deeper or chronic infections may require prolonged treatment to control the infection and manage symptoms. These drugs work by eliminating fungal organisms either internally or externally. The form of treatment—cream, oral pill, or injection—depends on the location and severity of the infection.

While some antifungal products are available over the counter (OTC), it’s always best to consult a medical professional to ensure correct diagnosis and treatment. Prompt care can prevent the infection from spreading or becoming chronic.

Fungal infection symptoms can become a severe issue if not treated in time. Thus, having a health insurance policy can safeguard your finances during such medical conditions.