There are several diseases that fungi can cause in people, which can be mycosis of the skin, nails, mucous membranes or scalp, such as white cloth, ringworm, chilblains, thrush or thrush, for example.
Fungi generally live harmoniously with the body, but they can cause diseases when they manage to circumvent the body’s protective barriers, which occurs mainly during periods of reduced immunity or skin injuries.
Furthermore, although fungal infections are most often superficial and easily treated, there are species of fungi that can cause deep damage and even reach the bloodstream and organs such as lungs, as is the case with sporotrichosis, histoplasmosis or aspergillosis , for example.
Although there are numerous diseases caused by fungi, some of the main ones are:
1. White cloth
Also known as beach ringworm, this infection has the scientific name of Ptyriasis versicolor, and is caused by the fungus. Malassezia furfur, which causes rounded patches on the skin. The patches are usually white in color, as the fungus prevents the production of melanin when the skin is exposed to the sun, and they are most common on the trunk, abdomen, face, neck, or arms.
how to treat: The treatment is usually done with creams or lotions based on antifungal agents, such as Clotrimazole or Miconazole, indicated by the dermatologist. In the case of very large lesions, the use of pills such as Fluconazole may be indicated. Understand better what white cloth is and how to treat it.
2. Had
Scientifically called dermatophytosis, this fungal infection is also known as tinea, and it can affect various parts of the body, such as skin, hair and nails, and is caused by fungi such as Trichophyton, Microsporum or epidermophyton, which are transmitted from one person to another through contact, or also through contaminated soil and animals.
Some of the main injuries caused are:
- had corporeal, also called impingem and appears in any area of the skin;
- had feet, also called chilblain or athlete’s foot, which is located between the toes;
- had cruris, which develops in the groin;
- had capitals, or on the scalp, which is more common in children and can cause local hair loss;
- had of the nails, which makes the nail thick and dull.
The lesion that appears in the ringworm is usually scaly, reddish and very itchy. Usually, without proper treatment, the lesion spreads slowly and is very contagious.
How to treat: Treatment is with antifungal ointments such as Miconazole, Clotrimazole or Itraconazole and can last for weeks to months. When there is a serious infection, or when the nails are badly affected, it may be necessary to use pills such as Fluconazole, Itraconazole or Terbinafine. During treatment, it is essential to dry your feet thoroughly after showering and avoid closed shoes for a long time.
Learn more about dermatophytosis.
3. Candidiasis
There are several species of fungi that are part of the family Candida, the most common being Candida albicans that despite naturally inhabiting the organism, especially the mucosa of the mouth and intimate region, it can cause different types of infection in the organism, especially when immune defenses are impaired.
The most affected areas of the body are skin folds, such as the groin, armpits and between the fingers and toes, the nails, and it can also reach mucous membranes such as the mouth, esophagus, vagina and rectum. In addition, the infection can be serious to the point that it spreads through the bloodstream to reach organs such as the lungs, heart or kidneys, for example. Get to know the main skin mycoses.
how to treat: Treatment for candidiasis is mainly done with antifungal ointments such as Fluconazole, Clotrimazole, Nystatin or Ketoconazole. However, in more severe cases or in infection of the blood and organs of the body, antifungal pills or in a vein may be needed. Learn more about how candidiasis treatment is done.
4. Sporotrichosis
This ringworm can go beyond the skin and also reach the subcutaneous region and the ganglia. This infection is caused by the fungus of the family Sporothrix spp., which inhabit nature and are present in soil, plants, leaves and wood, for example, and therefore mainly infect farmers, gardeners or farmers.
This fungus can also be transmitted by scratches from infected cats. Usually, the skin infection causes the appearance of a painless, reddened and gradually growing lump. In some cases, especially in people with compromised immunity, various lesions may appear, as well as spreading through the bloodstream and infecting lungs, bones, joints, testicles and even the brain.
how to treat: Treatment is with oral or intravenous antifungal agents, such as Itraconazole, for 3 to 6 months, and in more severe cases, the use of intravenous antifungal agents, such as Amphotericin B, may last for 12 months.
5. Aspergillosis
It is the infection caused by the fungus Aspergillus fumigatus, which mainly affects the lungs, although it also causes allergies or affects other regions of the airways, causing sinusitis or ear infections, for example.
This fungus is found in the environment, and may even be indoors, in humid environments, such as wall corners or bathrooms. By invading the lungs through breathing, the Aspergillus fumigatus causes lesions, called fungal balls or aspergillomas, which can cause coughing, shortness of breath, bloody phlegm, weight loss and fever.
how to treat: Treatment for aspergillosis is made with potent antifungals such as Itraconazole or Amphotericin B, which should be used as directed by the doctor. Understand how the treatment for aspergillosis is done.
6. Paracoccidioidomycosis
Also called South American blastomycosis, this infection is caused by fungi of the family Paracoccidioides, which inhabits the soil and plants, so this infection is more common in rural areas.
Transmission occurs mainly through the air, when the fungus is inhaled, which penetrates into the lungs and bloodstream, causing symptoms such as lack of appetite, weight loss, coughing, shortness of breath, fever, itching, skin sores and the appearance of water. Learn how to identify the symptoms of paracoccidioidomycosis.
how to treat: The treatment for this infection is usually long, can last from months to years, being usually indicated by the medium the use of antifungal agents, such as Itraconazole, Fluconazole, Ketoconazole or Voriconazole, for example. In more serious cases, in which the lung does not perform its function correctly or the fungus has reached other organs, treatment must be carried out in the hospital.
7. Histoplasmosis
It is an infection caused by the fungus Histoplasma capsulatum, whose transmission occurs through the inhalation of fungi present in nature.
The disease usually develops in people with weakened immunity, such as immune diseases, AIDS or malnourished, for example, or people who inhale a large amount of fungus. Signs and symptoms that may occur are coughing, chest pain, shortness of breath, sweating, fever and weight loss.
how to treat: When the person is healthy, the infection with this fungus can disappear without any specific treatment. However, in more severe cases, especially when the immune system is compromised, the doctor may recommend the use of systemic antifungals, such as Itraconazole, Ketoconazole or Amphotericin B, for example, preventing the fungus from reaching the bloodstream and reaching other organs, with serious complications.
8. Mucormycosis
Mucormycosis, also known as black fungus disease, is an infection caused by the fungus. rhizopus spp., which can be found naturally in vegetation, soils, fruits and decay products.
The transmission of this disease occurs through inhalation of fungal spores, which leads to symptoms such as headache, nasal and eye discharge, redness in the face, coughing up phlegm, fever and, in more severe cases, convulsions and loss of consciousness.
How to treat: the treatment is done by injecting antimycotic drugs intravenously or using the drug orally, such as Amphotericin B or Posaconazole, according to the doctor’s instructions. In addition, if tissue necrosis is verified, surgery to remove the parts affected by the fungus may also be indicated. Learn more about mucormycosis.
9. Cryptococcosis
Popularly known as pigeon disease, cryptococcosis is a disease caused by the fungus. Cryptococcus neoformans, which can be transmitted through the inhalation of spores of this fungus that can be found in pigeon droppings and in fruits, cereals, trees and soils.
After inhalation, the spores become lodged in the lungs, resulting in respiratory symptoms such as coughing, runny nose, chest pain and development of lung nodules. However, if the immune system is weaker, more severe symptoms may be noticed, such as weakness, stiff neck, fever, mental confusion, headache, meningitis and visual changes, and it is important that treatment is carried out immediately.
How to treat: the treatment of cryptococcosis must be guided by the physician and varies according to the severity of the disease. Thus, antifungal medications such as Amphotericin B or Fluconazole may be indicated for 6 to 10 weeks.
In cases where it is possible to detect the fungus in the blood, hospitalization is necessary to prevent possible complications that could put the person’s life at risk.
10. Blastomycosis
Blastomycosis is an infection caused by the fungus. Blastomyces dermatitidis, which can be found in moist soils, decaying wood and places where there is vegetation.
This disease occurs through inhalation of fungal spores, resulting in symptoms such as cough, fever, phlegm, chest pain, shortness of breath, joint pain, weight loss and, in more severe cases, pneumonia may develop. In addition, the fungus can spread through the bloodstream and affect other organs such as skin, bones, joints and the brain, being the most serious infection in people with weaker immune systems.
How to treat: the treatment indicated by the doctor depends on the person’s symptoms and the person’s immune system status and includes the use of antifungal agents such as Itraconazole, in solution or tablet, or amphotericin B intravenously for 6 to 12 months.
How to prevent fungal diseases
Fungi are infectious agents naturally present in the environment and in the body, as is the case of Candida sp., for example, without causing any symptoms of disease, as the immune system is able to fight it off easily. However, fungal disease is more common to occur in people who have a weaker immune system due to age or chronic illness.
Thus, one of the ways to prevent fungal infections is by increasing immunity, and it is interesting to consume foods rich in vitamin C, A and E, omega-3, zinc and probiotics, in addition to regular physical activity and drinking at least 2 liters of water per day. Check out other tips to improve immunity.
In addition, in cases where the infection is related to the manipulation of soil, vegetation or animals that can carry the fungus, it is important to use a mask and goggles, as this way it is possible to avoid contact with the fungus spores , preventing infection.
It is also interesting to prevent the environment from becoming too humid, as this environment is favorable to the development of fungi. In the case of genital candidiasis, for example, it is important to keep the genital region always sanitized and dry and to avoid wearing very tight clothes, as this way it is possible to promote air circulation, preventing the area from becoming too humid and from the proliferation of fungus.
