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Fungal Infection: Treatment, Symptoms and Causes Guide
Written by Medicover Team and Medically Reviewed by Dr Divya Manchala , Dermatologist
A fungal infection, also called mycosis, is a health condition caused by fungi such as yeasts or molds. These infections can affect the skin, nails, mouth, throat, lungs, and sometimes even internal organs like the brain, heart, or bloodstream.
Fungal infections are common and often mild. However, they can become serious in people with weak immunity, such as those with diabetes, cancer, HIV, or organ transplant patients. Early detection and treatment are important to avoid complications and long-term problems.
What are the Fungal Infection Symptoms and Warning Signs?
Fungal infections may show different symptoms depending on the area of the body affected. They can occur on the skin, inside the mouth or throat, on the nails, or deep within the lungs or other organs.
Symptoms of Superficial or Subcutaneous Infections
- Redness, itching, or rashes on the skin
- Discoloured, cracked, or thickened nails
- White patches in the mouth or throat
- Painless lumps under the skin
Symptoms of Fungal Infections in the Lungs
- Persistent cough, sometimes with blood
- Fever and fatigue
- Shortness of breath
- Joint or muscle pain
- Night sweats and chest discomfort
Other Symptoms of Deep Fungal Infections
- Headache and neck pain (brain infections)
- Blurred vision or eye discharge
- Nausea, vomiting, or abdominal pain
- One-sided facial swelling or sinus pain
If you notice persistent skin changes, breathing difficulties, fever, or symptoms that don't improve with basic care, consult a doctor immediately, especially if your immunity is compromised.
What are the Different Types of Fungal Infections?
Fungal infections are categorised based on how deep they occur in the body:
Superficial Fungal Infections
Affect skin, nails, and mucous membranes. Common examples:
- Ringworm (Tinea): Affects the scalp, feet (athlete's foot), groin (jock itch), or body.
- Onychomycosis: Fungal infection of the fingernails or toenails.
- Candidiasis: Causes oral thrush or vaginal yeast infections.
- Tinea versicolor: Causes light or dark patches on the skin, especially in humid weather.
Subcutaneous Fungal Infections
These occur under the skin, usually after an injury that introduces fungus into the body.
They are more common in tropical and rural regions.
Deep Fungal Infections
These infections affect internal organs like the lungs, brain, or bloodstream. They can be life-threatening, especially in people with weakened immune systems.
- Histoplasmosis, Coccidioidomycosis, Blastomycosis: Caused by inhaling fungal spores; mainly affect the lungs.
- Aspergillosis: Can cause allergic reactions or serious lung infections.
- Invasive Candidiasis: Affects the blood, heart, brain, or kidneys.
- Cryptococcosis: Often affects the lungs or brain, especially in people with HIV/AIDS.
- Mucormycosis: A fast-spreading and dangerous infection, sometimes seen in post-COVID patients.
- Pneumocystis pneumonia (PJP): A serious lung infection common in people with very low immunity.
What are the Common Causes and Risk Factors of Fungal Infections?
Fungal infections occur when harmful fungi grow and spread in or on the body. These infections are more common in warm, humid conditions and can affect the skin, nails, lungs, or even internal organs.
Causes of Fungal Infections
Fungi are naturally present in the environment and even in our bodies. However, under certain conditions, they can multiply and cause infection. The main causes include:
- Dermatophytes: These fungi live on the skin, nails, and hair. They cause common infections, such as ringworm and athlete's foot.
- Candida: A type of yeast that normally lives in the body. It can lead to infections when it grows out of control, especially in the mouth, throat, or genitals.
- Environmental Fungi: Found in soil, plants, dust, and water. These fungi can enter the body through breathing or open wounds.
- Opportunistic Fungi: These affect people with weakened immune systems, such as those with serious illnesses or undergoing treatments like chemotherapy.
Risk Factors for Fungal Infections
Anyone can get a fungal infection, but some people are more at risk than others. The key risk factors include:
- Diabetes or Poor Circulation: High blood sugar and reduced blood flow can make it easier for fungi to grow, especially on the feet.
- Weakened Immune System: People with HIV/AIDS, cancer, or those who have had organ transplants are more vulnerable to serious fungal infections.
- Use of Antibiotics or Steroids: These medicines can disturb the body's natural balance of bacteria and fungi, allowing fungi to grow unchecked.
- Immunosuppressive Therapy: Medicines used after organ transplants or to treat autoimmune conditions can reduce the body's ability to fight infections.
- Humid Environments: Living or working in warm and damp places increases the chances of fungal growth on the skin or in the lungs.
- Contact with Contaminated Soil: People who work in gardening, farming, or construction may be exposed to fungi present in the soil or dust.
How They Spread:
Fungal infections may be transmitted easily from person to person or from the environment. They spread through:
- Direct Contact: If you touch the infected skin, nails or animals, the fungus can transfer to other people.
- Injuries or Skin Breaks: When your skin is wounded, such as a cut or a scratch, it is easier for fungus to make its way inside your body.
- Breathing in Spores: Certain types of fungi release spores that can cause lung infections if inhaled, particularly in dusty or mouldy areas.
- Sharing Personal Items: Sharing towels, socks, shoes or combs of an infected individual can transmit the infection.
Get a second opinion from trusted experts and makeconfident, informed decisions.
Get Second OpinionHow Fungal Infections are Diagnosed?
Accurate diagnosis helps in choosing the right treatment path. We use advanced testing for timely identification.
Diagnostic Methods
- Skin, Nail, or Tissue Samples: These are examined under a microscope or cultured to find the specific fungus causing the infection.
- Blood and Urine Tests: These help identify if the infection has spread to the bloodstream or internal organs.
- Sputum or Cerebrospinal Fluid (CSF) Tests: These are used when a fungal infection is suspected in the lungs or brain.
- Imaging Scans: X-rays, CT scans, or MRIs are used to check for deeper infections in the chest, brain, or other organs.
What are the Treatment Options for Fungal Infections?
Fungal infections are treated with antifungal medications. The type and route depend on the site and severity of the infection.
Treatment Methods
Topical Antifungal Medications
These are applied directly to the affected area and are usually used for mild skin, scalp, or nail infections.
- Forms: Creams, ointments, powders, and medicated shampoos
- Conditions treated: Athlete's foot, ringworm, jock itch, dandruff, and nail fungus
Oral Antifungal Tablets
For more widespread or stubborn infections, antifungal pills may be prescribed.
- Used for: Nail infections, persistent skin infections, and some internal fungal infections
- Requires prescription and medical supervision
Intravenous (IV) Antifungals
These are used in hospitals to treat serious or life-threatening infections that affect the lungs, blood, or internal organs.
- Mostly given to patients with weak immunity (e.g., cancer patients, transplant recipients)
Antifungal Lozenges or Mouthwash
For oral fungal infections like oral thrush, doctors may prescribe antifungal lozenges or medicated mouthwash.
Antifungal Eye Drops
- Used in cases of fungal eye infections, such as fungal keratitis. These infections need immediate attention to prevent vision loss.
Recovery Timeline
- Mild infections (like ringworm or athlete's foot): Usually improve within 7 to 14 days.
- Moderate to severe infections (like nail fungus or systemic infections): May require several weeks to months of consistent treatment.
- Recovery also depends on individual factors like immunity, underlying health conditions, and treatment adherence.
When to See a Doctor?
It's important to consult a doctor if:
- You have persistent itching, rashes, or nail discoloration
- Symptoms don't improve with over-the-counter (OTC) medications
- You experience fever, chronic coughing, shortness of breath, or fatigue
- You have a weakened immune system, and notice any fungal-related symptoms
- You are pregnant, diabetic, or undergoing chemotherapy and suspect an infection
High-risk individuals should consult early to prevent serious illness.
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What is the Recovery Process After Fungal Infection Treatment?
Recovering from a fungal infection depends on the type and severity of the infection. For skin and nail infections, recovery may be quick with proper care.
For deeper infections, it can take several weeks or even months. Following your doctor's advice is important for full recovery.
Recovery and Aftercare
- Continue antifungal treatment as prescribed
- Follow-up visits to ensure the infection has cleared
- Keep affected areas dry and clean
- Wear loose, breathable clothing
- Avoid exposure to high-risk environments (e.g., moist or dusty areas)
Long-term recovery from deep fungal infections may require months of care. Medicover offers complete aftercare services, including counselling and rehabilitation, where needed.
What Precautions Can Help Prevent Fungal Infections?
Preventing fungal infections is possible with some simple lifestyle habits and awareness. These steps are especially helpful during the rainy or humid seasons, when fungal infections are more common.
Here's how to reduce your risk:
- Maintain personal hygiene: Shower daily and dry your skin thoroughly, especially between the toes and skin folds.
- Avoid walking barefoot in public spaces: Especially in gyms, swimming pools, and locker rooms.
- Wear clean, breathable clothing: Choose cotton clothes and moisture-wicking socks to avoid excess sweating.
- Don't share personal items: Avoid using others ' oothers'towels, socks, shoes, or grooming items.
- Use antifungal powder during humid weather: This helps keep your skin dry and prevents fungal growth.
- Take antibiotics only when necessary: Overuse can disturb your body's natural balance and increase infection risk.
- Use protective gear when needed: Wear gloves and masks if you work in dusty, humid, or soil-heavy environments.
Fungal Infection Complications
While many fungal infections are mild and treatable, ignoring them can lead to complications, especially in people with weak immune systems.
Possible complications include:
- Chronic itching or skin damage: Long-lasting infections can cause scarring or skin thickening.
- Lung or breathing issues: Fungal infections in the lungs can lead to coughing, shortness of breath, or long-term damage.
- Brain or bloodstream infection: In rare cases, fungi can enter the blood or brain, causing serious illness.
- Organ damage or vision problems: Invasive fungal infections may affect the liver, kidneys, eyes, or other organs.
Our Experience Treating Fungal Infections
We at Medicover Hospitals know what you are going through when you are struck down by a fungal infection. Whether it's a mild skin infection or a more serious internal condition, our expert team is here to help.
We use advanced diagnostics to diagnose the infection faster and more accurately. The treatment that we plan is designed specifically for you so that we can provide your care as painlessly as possible.
With a team of infection specialists, dermatologists, and experienced nurses, we ensure each patient receives personal attention and support throughout their recovery journey.
