What diseases are caused by fungi and how to treat

There are several diseases that fungi can cause in people, which can be mycoses of skin, nails, mucous membranes or scalp, such as white cloth, ringworm, chilblains, thrush or candidiasis, for example.

Generally, fungi coexist harmoniously with the body, but they can cause diseases when they are able to circumvent the protective barriers of the organism, which occurs mainly during periods of immunity drop or skin injuries.

In addition, although fungal infections are mostly superficial and easily treated, there are species of fungi that can cause deep damage and even reach the blood circulation and organs such as the lungs, such as sporotrichosis, histoplasmosis or aspergillosis., for example.

Although there are countless diseases caused by fungi, some main ones are:

1. White cloth

Also known as beach ringworm, this infection has the scientific name of Ptyriasis versicolor, and is caused by the fungus Malassezia furfur, which causes round spots on the skin. Generally, the spots are white in color, as the fungus prevents the production of melanin when the skin is exposed to the sun, and are more common on the trunk, abdomen, face, neck or arms.

How to treat: Treatment is usually done with creams or lotions based on antifungals, 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. Understand better what white cloth is and how to treat it.

2. It had

Scientifically called dermatophytosis, this fungal infection is also known as tinea, and can reach 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 one person to another through contact, or also by contaminated soil and animals.

Some of the main injuries caused are:

• It had a corporeal, also called impingem and appears in any area of ​​the skin; Ringworm, also called chilblains or athlete's foot, which is located between the toes; It had cruris, which develops in the groin; Had capitis, or scalp, which is more common in children and can cause hair loss in the area; It had nails, which makes the nail thick and dull.

The lesion that appears in ringworm is usually scaly, red and itchy. Usually, without proper treatment, the lesion spreads gradually, and is very contagious.

How to treat: Treatment is done with antifungal ointments, such as Miconazole, Clotrimazole or Itraconazole, and can last for weeks to months. When there is a serious infection, or when the nails are severely affected, it may be necessary to use tablet medications, such as Fluconazole, Itraconazole or Terbinafine. During treatment it is essential to dry your feet well after bathing and to avoid closed shoes for a long time.

Learn more about dermatophytoses.

3. Candidiasis

There are several species of fungi that are part of the Candida family, the most common being Candida albicans which despite naturally inhabiting the body, especially the mucosa of the mouth and the intimate region, can cause various types of infection in the body, especially when defenses immune systems are impaired.

The regions of the body most affected are skin folds, such as groins, armpits and between the fingers and toes, the 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 to reach organs such as the lungs, heart or kidneys, for example. Know the main skin mycoses.

How to treat: The treatment for candidiasis is done mainly with antifungal ointments such as Fluconazole, Clotrimazole, Nystatin or Ketoconazole. However, in the most severe cases or in infection in the blood and organs of the body, antifungals may be needed in pill or vein. Find out more about how candidiasis treatment is done.

4. Sporotrichosis

This ringworm can pass through the skin and also reach the subcutaneous region and the ganglia. This infection is caused by fungi of the family Sporothrix spp ., Which inhabit nature and are present in soil, plants, leaves and wood, for example, which is why they mainly infect farmers, gardeners or farmers.

This fungus can also be transmitted by scratching infected cats. Generally, skin infection causes the appearance of a painless, reddish lump that grows gradually. In some cases, especially in people with compromised immunity, several lesions may appear, as well as spreading through the bloodstream and infecting the lungs, bones, joints, testicles 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 it may be necessary to use venous antifungals, such as Amphotericin B, which can last for 12 months.

5. Aspergillosis

It is the infection caused by the fungus Aspergillus fumigatus , which mainly affects the lungs, although it also causes allergies or affects other regions of the airways, causing sinusitis or otitis, for example.

This fungus is found in the environment, and may even be indoors, in humid environments, such as corners of the wall 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 phlegm, weight loss and fever.

How to treat: Treatment for aspergillosis is done with potent antifungals, such as Itraconazole or Amphotericin B, which should be used according to the doctor's guidance. Understand how the treatment for Aspergillosis is done.

6. Paracoccidioidomycosis

Also called South American blastomycosis, this infection is caused by fungi of the Paracoccidioides family, which inhabits the soil and plants, so this infection is more common in rural areas.

Transmission occurs mainly through the air, when inhaling the fungus, which penetrates the lungs and bloodstream, causing symptoms such as lack of appetite, weight loss, coughing, shortness of breath, fever, itching, skin sores and the appearance of water. Learn how to identify the symptoms of Paracoccidioidomycosis.

How to treat: The treatment for this infection is generally long, and can last from 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, where the lung does not perform its function correctly or the fungus has reached other organs, treatment should be carried out at the hospital.

7. Histoplasmosis

It is an infection caused by the fungus Histoplasma capsulatum , whose transmission occurs through the inhalation of fungi present in nature.

The disease usually develops in people with weakened immunity, such as immunological diseases, AIDS or malnourished, for example, or people who inhale a large amount of fungi. The signs and symptoms that can occur are cough, chest pain, shortness of breath, sweat, fever and weight loss.

How to treat: When the person is healthy, the infection with this fungus can disappear without any specific treatment. However, in more severe cases, especially when the immune system is compromised, the doctor may recommend the use of systemic antifungals, such as Itraconazole, Ketoconazole or Amphotericin B, for example, preventing the fungus from reaching the bloodstream and reaching other organs, with serious complications.