Reviewed By Dr. Huma Ameer
Fungal infection, also known as mycosis, is a type of disease caused by fungi, yeast, or molds. Fungi are often harmless and exist naturally in warm, humid environments. However, they can become harmful under certain circumstances.
Fungal infections are quite common and affect different parts of the body, such as the hair, nails, skin, and sometimes the internal organs like the throat, urinary tract, and lungs.
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Fungi exist everywhere in our environment and can spread in different ways. The main causes of fungal infections are:
Direct contact includes coming in contact with the infected animal or person, and indirect contact includes using things of an infected person, like towels, hairbrush, clothes, bedding, or walking barefoot in public areas, can lead to infection.
Fungi flourish in warm and moist environments. Parts of the body that trap moisture, such as the groin area, skin folds, and between the toes, are more prone to infection.
Wearing skin-tight clothes or shoes that aren’t breathable, and excessive sweating, can contribute to the growth of fungal infections.
If you have a weak immune system, you are at a greater risk of developing fungal infections.
In a healthy person, on the other hand, the immune system can help fight off harmful infections, including those caused by fungi, keeping the body healthy and functioning normally.
Excessive use of antibiotic medications can disturb the regular balance of fungi and bacteria in the body. It allows fungi to overgrow and develop a fungal infection.
If your skin is already infected with conditions like eczema or psoriasis, it can make your skin more susceptible to developing the fungal infection.
Symptoms of fungal infections vary depending on the types and parts of the body they infect.
Common symptoms include:
Symptoms specific to each type of fungal infection:
The treatment of fungal infections includes antifungal medications, i.e., topical and oral medications. The treatment depends on the specific type and severity of fungal infection.
The vast majority of superficial fungal skin, scalp, or nail infections are managed with topical antifungal medications in the form of creams, lotions, or ointments.
Drugs such as clotrimazole, miconazole, or terbinafine work by inhibiting fungal growth on the skin surface, preventing it from spreading.
Oral or intravenous antifungal medications are used to treat more extensive or systemic infections, particularly for those involving the lungs, blood, or organs.
Treatment with drugs like fluconazole, itraconazole, amphotericin B, or voriconazole is often recommended in such conditions. Such treatments are generally stronger and often administered for a longer duration, particularly for individuals with weak immune systems.
Fungal infections are common diseases caused by fungi. They can be superficial in nature, affecting the outermost layer of skin, or in more severe cases, systemic, affecting the internal organs of the body.
They usually follow environmental exposure, grow well in warm, humid environments, and are more common in individuals with weakened immune systems.
Symptoms of fungal infections can range from rashes, itching, and skin discoloration, to flu-like symptoms.
Fungal infections can be treated with antifungal drugs (topical for mild cases, oral for serious ones), in addition to good hygiene practices and other preventive measures.
If you experience itching, red patches, circular rashes, cracked skin, or white spots in moist areas, it could be a fungal infection.
Avoid self-medication, especially with over-the-counter steroid creams. These may reduce redness temporarily, but worsen the infection. Always consult a qualified dermatologist.
Treatment typically lasts 2-6 weeks, depending on severity. In some cases, oral antifungals may be required. Completing the full course is essential to prevent recurrence.
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