What Are Fungal Infections?: Symptoms, Causes, Types And Treatments

What is a Fungal Infection?

A fungal infection, or mycosis, is a disease caused by different fungi or moulds. This type of infection can affect anyone, regardless of age and gender. Fungal infection is caused by fungi, a microorganism found on the cell walls called chitin. Various fungi available in nature, like mushrooms, etc, are edible, but other kinds of fungi, such as Aspergillus, can lead to infection, which can be fatal.
 

In most cases, fungi are found in nature and get inside our bodies while doing some activity. These fungi inside the body lead to infection if the body's immune system is weak.

Types of Fungal Infection on Skin With Symptoms

Below are some common types of fungal infections with their symptoms.
 

• Athlete's Foot - The first infection type is Athlete's foot, also called tinea pedis. It is a medical condition that affects the skin of hands, feet and nails. It's called "athlete's foot" because it's often seen in athletes and people who engage in physical activities that cause their feet to become sweaty because of close contact with moist environments, such as inside shoes and socks.
  • Cause - Athlete's foot is primarily caused by fungal species known as dermatophytes, which thrive in warm and moist environments. These fungi can be found in gym locker rooms, swimming pool areas, and communal showers.
  • Symptoms - The common fungal infection symptoms of Athlete's foot include itching, burning, redness, peeling skin, and the development of blisters or cracked skin on the affected area, usually between the toes or the soles of the feet. In some stances, it can lead to a foul odour.
     
• Mouth Yeast Infection - This is another type of fungal infection, also known as oral thrush. This type of medical condition generally occurs in the mouth and throat. It is primarily brought on by an overgrowth of a kind of yeast called Candida or Candida albicans. All ages, including young children, older people, and individuals with weak immune systems, are more prone to oral thrush.
  • Cause - It is caused by a disturbance in the mouth's native flora. In the mouth, candida is typically present in modest numbers, but certain conditions might cause it to overgrow. These elements include a compromised immune system, the use of antibiotics, the inhalation of corticosteroids, diabetic complications and more.
  • Symptoms - Some symptoms of oral thrush are white or cream-coloured patches on the tongue, inner cheeks, the roof of the mouth, and throat. Sometimes, it may lead to loss of taste, discomfort while chewing, etc.
     
• Jock itch - Further, another type of fungal infection on the skin is Jock Itch which is known as tinea cruris. It is a common fungal infection that impacts the inner thighs, buttocks, and groyne skin. It is caused by the same group of fungi, i.e., dermatophytes, responsible for other fungal skin infections like Athlete's foot and ringworm.
  • Cause - The dermatophyte fungus, typically Trichophyton rubrum or Epidermophyton floccosum, is the primary factor contributing to its growth. The groyne area is the perfect location for the growth of these fungi because they prefer warm and damp environments.
  • Symptom - Its symptoms include redness, itching, and a raised rash in the groyne area. The rash may have a well-defined border and can spread down the inner thighs or onto the buttocks. It is typically itchy and uncomfortable.
     
• Ringworm - Ringworm, or Tinea corporis, generally affects the skin and scalp area. It's called "ringworm" due to the characteristic red, raised, and ring-shaped rash that often develops.
  • Cause - Various species of dermatophyte fungi, including Trichophyton, Microsporum, and Epidermophyton, cause it. These fungi thrive on the skin's surface and can infect humans and animals.
  • Symptom - Common symptoms of ringworm include red, scaly, and itchy skin with a raised, circular or ring-shaped border.
    
    
• Toenail Fungus - Lastly, toenail fungus is another type of fungal infection, which is also known as onychomycosis. Toenail fungus often starts as a minor cosmetic issue but can worsen, causing pain and affecting the toenails' shape and health.
  • Cause - The leading cause of fungal infection in the toenail is fungal organisms entering the toenail bed. Fungi grow in warm and wet settings, making the feet vulnerable to infection, mainly when covered by shoes and socks.
  • Symptoms - Some common fungal infection symptoms of toenail fingers are discolouration of the toenail, often yellow or brown, thickening of the nail, brittleness, a distorted or misshapen appearance, and debris buildup under the nail.

Who Is At Risk of Fungal Infection on Skin?

Several risk factors are associated with fungal infection. Some of them are listed below:
 

• If you work in a humid or hot environment that leads to sweating and dampness, then the chances of getting a fungal infection are high. The reason is fungi require moist and warm surroundings to expand.
• Another reason for getting fungal infections is poor blood circulation. If the body has poor blood circulation, it affects the immune system, which generally helps combat disease and infection.
• Further, women who are in their menopause phase are more prone to fungal infections. Due to hormonal imbalance, the acidity of the vagina gets reduced, which increases the chance of fungal infection.
• Moreover, if you have a skin or nail injury, you can get a fungal infection.
• Besides this, sometimes medication can also be the reason for developing fungal infections such as the use of corticosteroids, etc.

Diagnosis and Fungal Infections Treatment

The diagnosis of a fungal infection depends on the type of infection, its location, and its severity. If you have any symptoms, then it is best to consult a healthcare practitioner. They will ask about your symptoms and any risk factors you may have after examining the affected area of your body.
 

Sometimes, the healthcare provider may take a sample and conduct a microscopic examination for a fungal infection. Based on the type of infection and its severity, they will suggest a treatment plan.

Generally for superficial fungal infections like Athlete's foot or ringworm; topical antifungal creams, ointments, or powders are often effective. Oral antifungal medications are necessary for more severe or systemic fungal infections.

Know that  visiting healthcare practitioners is an expensive affair, and that's why it is advised to have health insurance.

Preventive Measures for Fungal Infection

There are various other causes of fungal infection such as poor sanitary conditions, etc. To prevent the spread of fungal infection on skin causes, you need to follow these precautionary steps.
 

• It is best to wash your hands frequently, especially in an outside setting or in touch with animals and other people.
• Do not share or towel with anyone; avoid using other personal care products.
• It is advisable to wear socks in public locker rooms, swimming pool areas and community showers.
• Further, if you use gym equipment, it is best to wipe it before and after usage to avoid getting any virus.

Conclusion

Fungal infection is not life-threatening but can be very uncomfortable and painful. If you suspect you have a fungal infection or are concerned about its contagiousness, it's advisable to reach out to a healthcare provider for proper diagnosis, treatment, and guidance on prevention.

Further, the treatment plan for fungal infection can take up to weeks and months, depending upon the severity of the infection. And the treatment plan can be expensive. But with a health insurance plan, you can avail of the cashless claim benefit from the network-listed hospital as per the insurance policy condition without worrying about anything.