What are fungal infections?
Fungal infections are infections caused by a fungus, a type of microorganism. Two common causes of fungal infections are a fungus called tinea and yeast infections caused by the fungus Candida albicans.
Some very common types of fungal infections caused by tinea include:
Athlete’s foot
Jock itch
Common yeast infections, also called candida and candidiasis, can infect other areas of the body including:
Esophagus
Digestive tract (gastroenteritis)
Lungs
Mouth (oral thrush)
Urinary tract
Vagina (vaginal yeast infection, vaginal thrush)
In most cases, fungal infections are treatable in generally healthy people. However, these infections are more likely to occur and can be more difficult to treat in people with weakened immune systems due to such conditions as HIV/AIDS, diabetes, organ transplantation, or taking steroid medications or chemotherapy. In these cases, complications of fungal infections may become life threatening. Recurring fungal infections can also be a symptom of a serious, undiagnosed, underlying disease, such as HIV/AIDS or diabetes. Seek prompt medical care for recurring fungal infections including vaginal yeast infections.
What are the symptoms of fungal infections?
Symptoms of fungal infections differ depending on the type and severity of the infection, the area of the body affected, and individual factors.
Symptoms of athlete’s foot
Symptoms of athlete’s foot include:
Itching of the feet
Scaling and flaking of the skin of the feet
Symptoms of jock itch
Symptoms of jock itch most often occur in men and include:
Itching of the groin area
Red, scaly rash in the groin area
Symotoms of ringworm
Symptoms of ringworm include:
Red, itchy area on the scalp, often in the shape of a ring
Hair loss in the affected area
Symptoms of fungal infections that affect the mouth
Symptoms of fungal infections that affect the mouth (oral thrush) include:
Lesions or sores that are raised, are yellow-white in color, and appear in patches in the mouth or throat and/or on the tongue
Sore, bleeding gums
Patches or lesions that become sore, raw and painful, making it difficult to eat or swallow
Symptoms of fungal infections that affect the vagina
Symptoms of fungal infections that affect the vagina (vaginal thrush) include:
Thick, white vaginal discharge that has a texture similar to cottage cheese
Vaginal irritation
Burning with urination
Symptoms of fungal infections that affect the digestive tract
Symptoms of fungal infections that affect the digestive tract (fungal gastroenteritis) include:
Difficulty swallowing (esophagus)
Recurrent fungal infections can be a symptom of a more serious condition, such as HIV/AIDS or diabetes. It is important to seek prompt medical care for repeated fungal infections, such as repeated vaginal yeast infections or oral thrush.
What causes fungal infections?
Different types of fungus cause a variety of fungal infections:
Athlete’s foot, jock itch, and ringworm are caused by a fungus called tinea.
Most yeast infections, such as vaginal thrush, oral thrush, and fungal gastroenteritis, are caused by a fungus called Candida albicans. Fungus can also cause fungal infections of the lungs due to inhaled fungal spores.
Certain factors or conditions can result in an overgrowth of fungus in the body. These include:
Taking antibiotics. Antibiotics can kill off “healthy” bacteria in the body, as well as bacteria that cause disease. When antibiotics kill the healthy bacteria, the normal balance of microorganisms in the mouth, vagina, intestines, and other places in the body is altered, resulting in an overgrowth of Candida albicans or other fungi.
Having a weakened immune system due to certain conditions, such as HIV/AIDS or taking steroid medications or chemotherapy
Having a weakened immune system due to certain conditions, such as HIV/AIDS, organ transplant recipient, or taking steroid medications or chemotherapy
Having high blood sugar due to diabetes, which provides food for Candida albicans and encourages its overgrowth
Fungal infections can also be passed from a pregnant woman to her infant during vaginal delivery or breastfeeding.
A number of factors increase the risk of developing fungal infections. Not all people with risk factors will develop fungal infections. These factors include:
Being very young or very old
Douching or using feminine deodorants or scented tampons
Exposure to contaminated surfaces especially shower facilities, swimming pools, hot tubs/spas.
Having diabetes
Having a weakened immune system due to such conditions as HIV/AIDS, or taking steroid medications or chemotherapy
Organ transplant recipient
Poor personal hygiene
Taking strong antibiotics, especially for long periods of time
Wearing tight-fitting underwear, thongs, jeans, or other pants if you are a female
Reducing your risk of fungal infections
You can lower your risk of developing or transmitting fungal infections by:
Avoiding douching
Changing tampons frequently
Cleansing the genitals daily with mild soap and water
Eating a well-balanced, healthy diet
Following your treatment plan for conditions, such as diabetes and HIV/AIDS
Getting early and regular prenatal care when pregnant
Not using feminine deodorants or scented or deodorant tampons
Not wearing tight-fitting underwear, thongs, jeans, or other pants if you are a female
Nursing women who have nipple discharge or pain should notify their provider so they can be examined for fungal infections of the nipples, which could be transmitted to the mouth of a nursing infant.
Regular application of medicated foot powder
Seeking regular routine medical care
Taking antibiotics only when prescribed by your health care professional and finishing the medication exactly as directed
Thorough drying of body surfaces after washing
Wearing cotton underwear
How are fungal infections treated?
Treatment of fungal infections begins with seeking regular medical care throughout your life. Regular medical care allows your health care professional to assess your risks of developing fungal infections and promptly order diagnostic testing for fungal infections and underlying conditions as needed. These measures greatly increase the chances of diagnosing and treating underlying causes of fungal infections in their earliest stages.
Fungal infection treatment includes:
Antiseptic mouth washes for oral thrush
Diagnosing and treating any underlying diseases, such as HIV/AIDS and diabetes. Treating the high blood sugar levels of diabetes may resolve a current infection and is critical to minimizing the risk of developing recurrent fungal infections.
Eating yogurt or taking acidophilus supplements, which can help to correct the abnormal balance of microorganisms in the mouth and digestive tract
Medications, including prescription topical or oral antifungal medications such as fluconazole
In many cases, oral fungal infections (oral thrush) in infants can disappear within two weeks and may need no treatment other than watching the progress of the mouth lesions. Because oral thrush may be painful in the mouth and affect feedings, the pediatrician should still be notified if symptoms appear in an infant.
Complications of fungal infections can be serious for people with weakened immune systems, such as those with HIV/AIDS or those taking steroid medications or on chemotherapy. In these cases, fungal infections can spread throughout the body, causing fungal infections in vital organs, such as the heart and the brain. This can result in critical, life-threatening complications, such as:
Abscess formation
Nephritis
Organ failure
Transplant rejection
Seek prompt medical care if you are experiencing symptoms of fungal infections and you have diabetes or HIV/AIDS, are being treating with chemotherapy, or are taking steroid medications.