There are several diseases that fungi can cause in humans, and most are fungus of the skin, nails, mucous membranes or scalp, such as white tissue, ringworm, frostbite, canker sores or thrush, for example.
Fungi usually live in harmony with the body, but can cause illness when they can bypass the body’s protective barriers, which occurs mainly during periods of decreased immunity or skin lesions.
- In addition.
- Although fungal infections are mostly superficial and easy to treat.
- There are species of fungi that can cause deep lesions and even reach the bloodstream and organs such as the lungs.
- Such as sporotrichosis.
- Histoplasmosis or aspergillosis.
- For example.
Although there are countless fungal-induced diseases, the main ones are:
Also known as beach moth, this infection is scientifically called Ptyriasis versicolor and is caused by the fungus Malassezia furfur, which causes round spots on the skin. Generally, spots are white because the fungus prevents the production of melanin when the skin is exposed to the sun and are more common in the trunk, abdomen, face, neck or arms.
How to treat: Treatment is usually done with antifungal-based creams or lotions, such as clotrimazole or miconazole, indicated by the dermatologist. In the case of very large lesions, the use of tablets, such as fluconazole, may be indicated. Better understand what white fabric is and how to treat it.
Scientifically called dermatophytosis, this fungal infection is also known as ringworm, and can affect different 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 person to person. by contact, or also through contaminated soils and animals.
Some of the main injuries caused are
The lesion on the ringworm is usually flake, red and itchy. Usually, without proper treatment, the lesion gradually spreads and is highly contagious.
How to treat: Treatment is done with antifungal ointments, such as miconazole, clotrimazole or itraconazole, and can last from weeks to months. When there is a serious infection or when the nails are severely affected, it may be necessary to use medications in tablets, such as fluconazole, itraconazole or terbinafin. During treatment, it is essential to dry your feet thoroughly after bathing and avoid closed shoes for a long time. Learn more about ringworm types and how to identify it.
There are several species of fungi that are part of the Candida family, the most common being Candida albicans. Although they live naturally in the body, especially in the lining of the mouth and intimate area, these fungi can cause various types of infections in the body, especially when immune defenses are impaired.
The most affected areas of the body are skin folds, such as groens, armpits and between the fingers and toes, nails, and can also reach mucous membranes such as the mouth, esophagus, vagina and rectum. In addition, the infection can be severe enough to spread through the bloodstream and reach organs such as the lungs, heart or kidneys, for example. Know the main fungus of the skin.
How to treat: The treatment of thrush is mainly with antifungal ointments such as fluconazole, clotrimazole, nistatin or ketoconazole. However, in the most severe cases or in cases of infection of the body’s blood and organs, antifungals may be needed in pill or vein form. Learn more about how thrush is treated.
This moth can pass through the skin and also reach the subcutaneous area and lymph nodes. This infection is caused by fungi of the family sporothrix spp., which inhabit in the wild and are present in soil, plants, leaves and wood for example, so they mainly infect farmers, gardeners or farmers.
This fungus can also be transmitted by scratching infected cats. Skin infection usually causes a gradually developing painless, reddish mass. In some cases, especially in people with compromised immunity, various lesions may occur, spread to the bloodstream and infect the lungs, bones, joints, testes and even the brain.
How to treat: Treatment is done with oral or venous antifungals, such as itraconazole, for 3 to 6 months, and in the most severe cases, the use of venous antifungals, such as amphotericin B, may last 12 months. Learn more about sporotrichosis, your symptoms, and how to treat it.
Aspergillus fumigatus is the infection caused by the fungus Aspergillus fumigatus, which mainly affects the lungs, but also causes allergies or reaches other areas of the airways, causing e.g. sinusitis or ear infection.
This fungus is found in the environment, and can even be indoors, in humid environments, such as the corners of walls or bathrooms. By invading the lungs through breathing, Aspergillus fumigatus causes injuries, called fungal balls or aspergilloma, which can cause coughing, shortness of breath, bloody mucus, weight loss and fever.
How to treat: Treatment of aspergillosis is done with powerful antifungals, such as itraconazole or ampherial B, which should be used as directed by your doctor. Understand how aspergillosis is treated.
Also known as South American blastomycosis, this infection is caused by fungi from the Paracoccidioide family, which inhabit soil and plants, making this infection more common in rural areas.
Transmission occurs mainly through the air, by inhaling the fungus, which enters the lungs and bloodstream, causing symptoms such as lack of appetite, weight loss, cough, shortness of breath, fever, itching, skin sores and the onset of water. Learn how to identify symptoms of paracoccidioidoption.
How to treat: Treatment of this infection is usually prolonged, and can last from several months to years, being usually indicated by the medium the use of antifungals, such as Itraconazole, Fluconazole, Ketoconazole or Voriconazole, for example. In the most severe cases, when the lung is not functioning properly or the fungus has reached other organs, treatment should be done in the hospital.
It is an infection caused by the fungus Histoplasma capsulatum, which is transmitted by inhalation of fungi present in nature.
The disease usually develops in people with weakened immunity, such as immune diseases, AIDS or malnutrition, for example, or people who inhale many fungi. Signs and symptoms that may appear include coughing, chest pain, shortness of breath, sweat, fever and weight loss.
How to treat: When the person is healthy, infection with this fungus can go away without specific treatment. However, in more severe cases, especially when the immune system is compromised, your doctor may recommend the use of systemic antifungals, such as itraconazole, ketoconazole or amphoterin B, for example, preventing the fungus from reaching the bloodstream and reaching other organs, with serious complications.