Fungal infection(mycosis) is a very common disease. Fungus can affect any part of the body but increasingly doctors at Kayakalp Global have found a higher incidence of fungal infection on the skin.

Fungi usually live in warm and moist areas where skin surfaces meet such as genital areas, toes, under the breast. They mostly live on the topmost layer of skin and rarely penetrate deeper.

Obese people with poor hygiene often encounters this disease due to excessive skin folds that is good habitat for fungus.

FAQs

What are the common types of fungal infections?

When classifying fungal infections, there are three major types based on their location and severity. These include:

• Superficial Mycoses—These kinds of fungal infections usually affect the outermost layer of the skin and the mucous membranes. Some of the most common examples include athlete's foot (tinea pedis), ringworm (tinea corporis), and candidiasis (thrush).
• Cutaneous Mycoses—As the name suggests, this type of fungal infection usually affects the deeper layers of the skin, hair, and nails. Some common examples include onychomycosis (nail fungus) and dermatophytosis.
• Systemic Mycoses – These account for the most severe fungal infection, where the fungi directly enter the bloodstream or internal organs leading to extensive diseases like histoplasmosis, coccidioidomycosis, and cryptococcosis. People with autoimmune disorders are often at risk.

What are the symptoms of a fungal infection?

The symptoms of fungal infection are usually universal and depend on which part of the body is affected. They can affect the skin, nails, oral, or systemic infections.

• If you are experiencing fungal infections on the skin, the symptoms usually include redness, itching, rashes, peeling skin, and ring-shaped lesions.
• If you have nail fungal infections, your nails usually become thickened, discolored, and brittle. If left untreated, the infection can spread from the nail to the nail bed.
• If you are experiencing oral fungal infections, the symptoms include visible white patches on the tongue, inner cheeks, and the roof of the mouth.
• If you are experiencing systemic fungal infection, common symptoms include fever, chills, cough, shortness of breath, and fatigue.

How are fungal infections diagnosed?

Experiencing the symptoms of fungal infection warrants an early diagnosis and the right course of treatment. Some of the different means of diagnosis include:

• A physical examination is performed to assess the symptoms and confirm whether or not the patient has a fungal infection.
• Lab tests include testing skin scrapings or nail clippings to confirm which kind of fungal infection the patient has.
• In case of systemic infections, a thorough blood panel is prescribed to detect the fungal elements or immune responses to the infection.
• In some cases, such as with lung infections, imaging tests like chest X-rays or CT scans may be used to assess the extent of infection.

Who are at risk of developing fungal infections?

Several different factors elevate the risks of fungal infections, including weakened immune systems for those with HIV/AIDS, cancer, or those on immunosuppressive medications.

• If your diabetes is poorly controlled, that’s another potential reason why you could be struggling with fungal infections quite often.
• In some cases, prolonged use of antibiotics often disrupts the balance of the normal flora, leading to fungal overgrowth.
• Fungi thrive in moist environments, so individuals with excessive sweating or those in wet conditions are more prone to skin fungal infections.
• If you come in close contact with someone with fungal infections, it can also spread to you.

How are fungal infections treated?

Treatment of fungal infections usually depends on the type and severity of the infection. In most cases, a thorough round of topical antifungals or oral antifungals can help treat the condition. Several or recurring cases of fungal infections require a more thorough analysis and rigorous treatment to help the patients overcome the symptoms. Also, maintaining good hygiene and keeping the affected area dry or using antifungal powders might be enough for mild fungal infections.

Are fungal infections contagious?

Some fungal infections, like athlete's foot and ringworm, are contagious. Others, like yeast infections, are not typically spread from person to person.

When should I see a doctor for a fungal infection?

If you have symptoms of a fungal infection that don't improve with over-the-counter treatments or if you experience severe symptoms, it's important to consult a specialist. They can help with proper diagnosis and treat the condition accordingly to prevent it from getting worse over time.