Fungal infection is a common term used to describe an infection caused by a fungus. The word “fungus” is derived from the Latin word fungi, meaning “mushroom”. Fungi are organisms that can be found all over the world, indoors as well as in the wild and on plants and animals. Fungal infections are most commonly spread by contact with soil or other fungal matter, or through personal hygiene such as sharing toothbrushes with someone who already has an infection. You can use antifungal cream for mouth to get rid of mouth infections
Fungal infections are divided into two categories:
- Fungal infections of the skin, grow in highly visible areas and often cause large lesions. These fungal skin infections include ringworm, athlete’s foot and jock itch.
- Site-specific fungal infections that cause a localized infection in the nail or hair follicles. These may affect any part of the body but tend to affect the scalp, nails or mucous membranes. Most people with scalp fungal infections do not feel any itching or burning, however, they can result in permanent loss of hair.
Athlete’s foot, which is a fungal infection of the skin on the feet. It is contagious and can easily spread between family members or friends, pets and in public showers.
- Jock itch, which is a more common infection than athlete’s foot. It affects moist areas such as the groin area, but it can also affect other areas such as the armpits.
- Ringworm is an infection of the skin caused by a fungus (Malassezia furfur), which typically causes red to orange circular patches that itch and may blister. The same fungus is also present in the hair follicles and causes a type of ringworm known as dandruff.
Treatment
Fungal infections are usually treated with prescription medication, although over-the-counter drugs can help prevent infection. Fungal infections are transmitted through direct contact with infected tissue or surfaces such as towels or bedding. People with fungal problems should take extra care to avoid spreading or sharing fungal infections between family members or friends.
Fungal infections may cause different types of changes in skin and nail tissues. These include:
Thickening of the skin or nails, known as hyperkeratosis and hyperplasia, respectively. This can be accompanied by particularly thick nails.
Redness and inflammation in the involved skin, known as erythema.
Changes in the colour of the affected skin, including hard toenails turning yellow or brownish-black and soft toenails turning white, pale or transparent. This can be a sign that fungal infection damages the blood vessels underneath.
Change in texture of the affected skin or nails, called onycholysis and onychomadesis, respectively.
Sores or blisters form on the affected skin. This may indicate infection is spreading to deeper layers of the skin.
Dry patches on the affected skin that crack and re-open when rubbed. This can be a sign of infection with the Tinea cruris fungus, which causes jock itch in men.
Fungal infections can be difficult to diagnose, as some fungal infections cause nonspecific changes in nail and/or skin tissues.
Summary
Fungal infections are caused by fungi. Fungal skin infections are treated with antifungal medications. The site-specific fungal infiltrated treat with prescription medication and over the counter.
Fungal infection is a common term used to describe an infection caused by a fungus that is spread through direct contact with soil or other contaminated objects, such as towels or bedding. Fungi are organisms that can be found all over the world, indoors as well as in the wild and on plants and animals. Fungal infections are most commonly spread by contact with soil or other fungal matter, or through personal hygiene such as sharing toothbrushes with someone who already has an infection. For infections related to mouth, use antifungal cream for mouth
