Fungal infections

A fungus is a type of plant that infects people. Examples are yeasts, molds and mushrooms. Fungi reproduce by spreading miscroscopic spores, which when present in the air, can be inhaled or come into contact with a person's body.

Fungal infections, or mycoses, can affect your skin, nails, hair, lungs, and other organs or body systems. There are many types of fungal infection, some common examples are:

• Athlete's Foot or Tinea Pedia - usually appears between the toes but can also affect toenails and the bottom or sides of the feet.
• Onychomycosis - a fungal infection of the area underneath the nail.
• Yeast Infections or Candidiasis (vaginal yeast infection), Moniliasis (yeast infection of the mouth and throat) - Yeast is a fungus that lives almost everywhere, but mostly in areas of moisture such as your mouth or vagina, and is usually kept in control by the immune system. However, if you have a weakened immune system or are taking antibiotics, it can easily multiply and cause an infection.

Signs and Symptoms

Athlete's Foot is a fungal skin infection with the following signs and symptoms:

• Itching
• Burning
• Cracked, scaly skin between toes

Yeast Infection affects the different parts of the body in different ways. Common symptoms include:

• Itchiness
• Pain
• Rashes

Onychomycosis can have the following effects on your nails:

• Discoloration
• Thickens or hardens
• Separates from the bed (onycholysis)
• Becomes rough and crumbles easily

More about Fungal Infections

Causes and Risk Factors

As stated previously, fungi are present everywhere and come into contact with parts of the body on a normal basis. However, when the normal balance is upset, infections occur.

People with weak immune system or those taking antibiotics are more prone to fungal infections. Other groups who are at greater risk are:

• People who have had an organ transplant
• People being treated for cancer and who are using immunosuppressant medications
• People with diabetes
• People with kidney failure
• People with AIDS
• People with lung disease, such as emphysema
• People with leukemia

Other factors to consider are:

• Personal hygiene - walking barefoot, not wearing clean socks
• Lifestyle - smoking
• Humid or moist environment

Diagnosis

Fungal infections can be diagnosed by taking a nail or skin specimen and examining it in a laboratory. This can be done by looking at the specimen under a microscope, or having it cultured.

Some fungal infections can be easily diagnosed clinically based on its appearance. For candidiasis, a doctor usually performs a gynecologic exam.

Treatment Approach

Fungal infections can be treated by using over-the-counter antifungal creams, ointments and prescription medicines.

Improving one's lifestyle and practicing proper hygiene should also be emphasized.

Fungal infections Medications

• Diflucan
• Fluconazole
• Itraconazole
• Lamisil