Fungal infection, also called mycosis, is a skin disease caused by fungus. Fungi live in the air, soil, water, and plants. Some fungi even live naturally in the human body. Like other microbes, there are helpful fungi and harmful fungi. Harmful fungi invade the body & can be difficult to kill, as they can survive in the environment and re-infect the person. Fungi reproduce by releasing spores that can be picked up by direct contact. This is why fungal infections are most likely to affect the skin, nails, or lungs. Fungi can also penetrate the skin, affect organs, and cause a systemic infection. Research states that there is a positive association between glycemia and the prevalence of fungal infection in pregnant women with gestational diabetes.
Risk factors associated with fungal infectionsImmunocompromised status like HIV, cancers, Obesity, Ongoing chemotherapy, High dose antibiotics & Diabetes.
Common symptoms of fungal infection are irritation, skin rashes, redness, itching, swelling, blisters but depending on the type of fungal infection, there can be additional symptoms as well.
Tinea pedis or athlete’s foot
It is a common fungal infection that affects the foot. It is commonly associated with sportsmen and athletes as the fungus grows perfectly in warm, moist environments, such as socks and shoes, sports equipment, and locker rooms. It is also very common in women especially those who spend long hours working in water (household cleaning chores). This is characterized by redness or blisters on the affected area, the infected skin may be soft, or layers may start to break down, peeling of the skin, itching, stinging, or burning sensations in the infected area
Candidiasis
The vaginal flora of a healthy woman is composed of the Doderleïn bacilli forming a biofilm on the mucosa. These bacteria inhibit the growth, adhesion or spread of other microorganisms. If vaginal pH increases, the quality or number of lactobacilli can fall and other bacteria can multiply in conditions like stress, hormone imbalances & poor eating habits. Menopausal women usually have a drop in the vaginal pH which makes them more prone to candidiasis. Vaginal yeast infections are a common form of Candida overgrowth in women, usually caused by Candida albicans. Symptoms of vaginal candidiasis include itching and swelling around the vagina, burning sensations during urination, painful intercourse, redness and soreness on and surrounding the vagina, unusual or offensive vaginal discharge, such as gray clumps that resemble cottage cheese or a very watery discharge
Tinea cruris
It is commonly known as jock itch, is another common fungal skin infection. These fungi thrive in moist areas of the body, such as the groin, buttocks, and inner thighs. Jock itch may be more common in summer or warm, humid areas of the world. This condition is mildly contagious and often spreads through direct contact with an infected person or an object that is carrying the fungus. **** This condition is characterized by r edness in the groin, buttocks, or thighs , irritation, itching, or burning in the infected area , a red rash with a circular shape and raised edges , cracking, flaking, or dry peeling of the skin in the infected area.
Tinea corporis or ringworm
It is a skin infection caused by a fungus that lives on dead tissues, such as the skin, hair, and nails. When it appears anywhere else on the body, the infection is just called ringworm. **** It appears as a red patch that may itch or be scaly will often turn into a raised, ring-shaped patch of skin over time & may even spread out into several rings.
Skincare for easy recovery of fungal infections:
- Gentle washing of the skin.
- Thorough drying of the skin.
- Patting the skin with a towel in tender areas.
- Ensure thorough drying of folds and areas between the toes
- Often change socks or underwear if they cover an infected area.
- Feet and groin should be treated at the same time, as infection often spreads from one area to another.
- Use of loose-fitting clothing and undergarments.
Care for clothes to prevent fungal infections:
- The risk of fungal infections can be minimized by taking good care of workout wear. Sweaty gym clothes are the perfect breeding ground for fungi and bacteria.
- Washing workout wear immediately after exercise.
- Turning clothes inside out before loading them into the washing machine will ensure the cleaning of dirtiest parts of garments.
- Adding baking soda to the washer can help deodorize clothes.
- Adding vinegar to the rinse cycle will further cut down on odors.
- Use clean workout clothes before every workout.
Treatment of fungal infections:
- Several drugs are effective against fungal infections, but the structure and chemical makeup of fungi make them difficult to kill.
- Antifungal drugs may be available as ointments to apply on fungal infection of the skin or other surface, such as the vagina or inside of the mouth. ****
- Antifungal drugs may also be taken orally or injected when needed to treat severe infections. ****
- Vaginal candidiasis is treated with antifungal suppositories.
- When fungal infections arise due to some underlying cause, the primary cause needs to be addressed.
References:
- Fungal Diseases Homepage | CDC (no date). Available at: https://www.cdc.gov/fungal/index.html (Accessed: 16 March 2022). ****
- Fungal Infections | Fungi | Fungus | MedlinePlus (no date). Available at: https://medlineplus.gov/fungalinfections.html (Accessed: 16 March 2022).
- Fungal Infections: Types, Symptoms, and Treatments (no date). Available at: https://www.healthline.com/health/fungal-infection#toenail-fungus (Accessed: 16 March 2022).
- Protective role of Doderlein flora (no date). Available at: https://www.researchgate.net/publication/11080292_Protective_role_of_Doderlein_flora (Accessed: 16 March 2022).
- Uday Khopkar, Skin diseases & sexually transmitted diseases.7th edition. p.66-85.
