Fungal Infection Definition, Reason, Symptoms, Treatment & Prevention
Understanding
Mycosis is the medical term for fungal or yeast infection. This infection can occur in all organs of the human body, from nails, skin to the brain.
Mycosis often affects people who have a weakened immune system such as people with HIV/AIDS, cancer, and organ transplants. However, it can also attack normal people.
Symptom
Symptoms of mycoses are sufficient, varying depending on the type of disease. In tinea versicolor, symptoms that appear are white patches (hypopigmentation) or older (hyperpigmentation) which may itch on parts of the body.
In ringworm, the symptoms are an itchy red rash that can widen. Fungal infections of the nails take the form of thickened, brittle and deformed nails. Infection in the vagina in the form of vaginal discharge that itches.
Symptoms of deep and systemic fungal infections can vary, such as:
- In the lungs: fever, cough, muscle aches, headache
- In blood (sepsis): fever, chills, nausea, fast heartbeat
- In the lining of the brain (meningitis): persistent headache, neck stiffness, sensitivity to light
Reason
Mycosis or fungal infection is an opportunistic infection, which means an infection that occurs because a person’s immune system is weak. Some of the causes that can lead to a weak immune system are:
- HIV/AIDS sufferers
- cancer sufferer
- organ transplant patient
- patients in the hospital or ICU
- patients taking drugs that weaken the immune system such as corticosteroids and tumor necrosis factor inhibitors
However, mycosis can also occur in people who have normal immune systems. As in pityriasis versicolor or panu disease and tinea or ringworm disease. The causes of tinea versicolor and ringworm are related to several factors such as skin type and cleanliness. Some fungal infections are also passed from person to person by direct contact. Mushrooms like to be in a humid environment.
Diagnosis
The doctor will determine the diagnosis of mycosis or fungal infection from a medical interview regarding symptoms and a physical examination. In skin fungal infections, the appearance of skin disorders can determine the diagnosis.
Sometimes additional tests are needed, such as a culture of a skin swab or vaginal discharge. A blood culture examination is also sometimes needed to determine the presence of sepsis.
Treatment
Treatment of mycoses depends on the cause. In general, the treatment of skin fungal infections should be a combination of using anti-fungal drugs, either taken orally or topically, as well as maintaining cleanliness and dryness.
Giving fungal drugs (anti-fungal), can be done by injection to treat more serious fungal infections. Even treatment can last up to several months.
Prevention
Here are some tips you can do to prevent mycoses:
- Maintain cleanliness of the skin, soles of feet, mouth, and so on
- Routinely change underwear and overall clothing, especially when sweating
- Wear shoes that have good air circulation
- Maintain the immune system