Fungal Infections: Causes, Symptoms & Treatment

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.

Key takeaways

• Fungal infection is caused by direct or indirect contact with fungi, such as contact with an infectious person, or in humid and warm conditions.
• Symptoms include redness, itchiness, burning sensation, and discoloration.
• Fungal infections can be treated by topical or oral antifungal medication, such as miconazole or amphotericin.

Causes of fungal infections

Fungi exist everywhere in our environment and can spread in different ways. The main causes of fungal infections are:

1. Contact with fungi

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.

2. Humid and warm environment

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.

3. Weakened immune system

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.

4. Antibiotic use

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.

5. Other skin conditions

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

Symptoms of fungal infections vary depending on the types and parts of the body they infect.

Common symptoms include:

• Inflammation and redness in infected areas.
• Flaky and cracked skin, especially in skinfolds and between the toes.
• Itching that is often accompanied by a burning sensation.
• Discoloration on skin, like red or white patches.
• Brittle or cracked nails.
• Small pimples may appear on the edges of a rash.

Symptoms specific to each type of fungal infection:

• Athlete’s foot: Itching, redness, and scaling.

• Jock itch: Itchy rash that typically has a distinct boundary and appears in the groin and upper inner thighs.

• Fungal nail infection: Discoloration, brittleness, and thickness of nails.

• Ringworm: A ring-shaped rash on the body.

Treatment of fungal infections

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.

1. Topical antifungal medications

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.

2. Oral antifungal medications

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.

Conclusion

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.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. How do I know if I have a fungal infection?

If you experience itching, red patches, circular rashes, cracked skin, or white spots in moist areas, it could be a fungal infection.

2: Can I treat fungal infections at home with creams?

Avoid self-medication, especially with over-the-counter steroid creams. These may reduce redness temporarily, but worsen the infection. Always consult a qualified dermatologist.

3: How long does fungal infection treatment take?

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.