Fungal Infection What is a Fungus? A Fungus is a tiny microorganism that belongs to the eukaryotic group and is ubiquitous in nature. They can be found in the soil, plants, decaying organic matter, damp places, and also in humans and animals. They include yeast, moulds, mushrooms and several others out of which some are pathogenic to humans. What is Fungal Infection? Fungal infection, also known as mycosis, is a broad term to describe various disease conditions caused by different types of fungi. Sometimes, fungi that aren’t present in the normal flora can colonize and induce an infection. Or the disruption of normal flora can lead to a fungal infection. Fungal infections can affect anyone at any age. If it spreads, then the treatment and control of these infections become extremely challenging. What are the different types of Fungal Infections? There are several types of fungal infections that can cause serious damage to health. Some of the common types of fungal infections are as follows: Ringworm infections Nail infections Athlete’s foot Vaginal yeast infections Oral thrush Jock itch 1 Scalp infections, etc. The fungus can also cause a full-blown infection, sinus infections and deep lung infections. What are the signs and symptoms of different Fungal Infections? The signs and symptoms of different fungal infections widely vary from each other, and some of them are discussed below: Signs and symptoms of Ringworm infections- Formation of a red ring-like patch, development of blisters around the affected area, itching and burning sensation. Signs and symptoms of Nail infections- Discoloration of nails, destruction of their normal shape, brittle nails, a feeling of pain and pressure in the affected area. Signs and symptoms of Athlete’s foot- Dry and red skin, peeling or cracking skin, discoloured toenails, burning sensation between the toes. Signs and symptoms of Vaginal Yeast infection- Redness and soreness at the vagina, frequent vaginal discharge, itching and burning sensation during urination and sexual intercourse. Signs and symptoms of Oral thrush- Creamy-white lesions on the tongue, inner cheeks, and on the roof of the mouth, soreness and redness, loss of taste, difficulty in eating and swallowing, pain and swelling below the teeth and gums. Signs and symptoms Jock itch- Red patches on the thigh area, blisters on the borders of the red patches, itching and burning sensation in the affected area. Signs and symptoms Scalp infections- Round patches on the scalp, removal of flaky skin from the scalp, regular hair fall. Who is susceptible to Fungal Infections? Fungal infections often come as a secondary infection to those people who are already suffering from other diseases and can make the situation worse. Generally, the body’s defence mechanism fights these omnipresent organisms continuously and assiduously but they can cause an opportunistic infection once the immune system becomes weak. Conditions that may weaken the immune system include: Having diabetes, cancer, HIV, severe burn(s), trauma or increased serum iron levels Having a history of stem cell or organ transplantation Misusing and overusing of antibiotics Taking immune-suppressive agents including corticosteroids and chemotherapeutic drugs Being hospitalized for a longer period Living in warm and moist tropical climates Unhygienic habits can equally contribute to the development and spread of 2 different and common fungal infections. What is Black Fungus Infection? Mucormycosis, also known as black fungus , is a rare but serious invasive fungal infection typically seen in immunosuppressed individuals. It is caused by mucormycetes mould and often affects the sinuses, lungs, skin and brain. Fungal infection after COVID has been rising in most people with a compromised immune system. Are Fungal Infections contagious and fatal? All fungal infections are not contagious but the most common ones including ringworm infections are often contagious. However, fungal infections can be managed with proper treatment and are not considered to be fatal. But untreated fungal infection can spread to other vital parts of the body and can become dangerous. How to diagnose Fungal Infections? Doctors usually diagnose the fungal infection by checking the signs and symptoms of the affected area. A small sample from the affected area can also be scraped off and sent to the laboratory to detect the specific pathogenic organism. How to treat Fungal Infections? The doctor will provide treatment measures depending on the type and severity of the infection. Over-the-counter or prescription anti-fungal medications can be recommended to treat fungal infections. In severe cases, the doctor may advise additional methods for betterment. But it is essential to follow a hygiene routine along with medical treatment. How to prevent Fungal Infections? An individual can prevent fungal infection by following the below-discussed preventive measures. Maintaining hygiene Not sharing items of personal use with any other person Taking proper dental, nail and foot care Practising healthy handwashing habits Being clean and dry 3 4.