What are the most common types of fungal skin infections. How can you identify different fungal diseases. What treatments are available for fungal skin conditions. How do fungal infections spread and who is most at risk. When should you see a doctor for a suspected fungal skin problem.

Common Fungal Skin Infections: Symptoms and Causes

Fungal skin infections are a prevalent health concern affecting millions of people worldwide. These infections occur when various types of fungi overgrow on or invade the skin. Understanding the most common fungal skin infections, their symptoms, and causes is crucial for early detection and proper treatment.

Fungal Nail Infections (Onychomycosis)

Fungal nail infections, medically known as onychomycosis, are among the most frequent fungal skin problems. These infections typically affect the toenails or fingernails, causing discoloration, thickening, and brittleness of the nails.

• Symptoms: Yellow or white discoloration, thickened nails, brittle or crumbly nails, distorted nail shape, and a foul odor.
• Causes: Dermatophytes, yeasts, or molds, often entering through small cuts or separations between the nail and nail bed.

Vaginal Candidiasis (Yeast Infection)

Vaginal candidiasis, commonly referred to as a yeast infection, is caused by an overgrowth of the Candida fungus in the vaginal area. While not strictly a skin infection, it affects the mucous membranes and can cause significant discomfort.

• Symptoms: Itching, burning sensation, redness and swelling of the vulva, thick white vaginal discharge, and pain during urination or intercourse.
• Causes: Hormonal changes, antibiotics use, diabetes, or a weakened immune system.

Ringworm (Tinea)

Contrary to its name, ringworm is not caused by a worm but by various types of fungi. It can affect different parts of the body, including the scalp, body, groin, and feet.

• Symptoms: Circular, red, scaly patches with raised edges, often accompanied by itching.
• Causes: Direct contact with an infected person, animal, or contaminated objects.

Fungal Diseases in Specific Regions: Risk Factors and Prevention

Certain fungal diseases are more prevalent in specific geographical areas due to environmental factors. Understanding these region-specific infections is crucial for travelers and residents alike.

Blastomycosis

Blastomycosis is caused by the fungus Blastomyces, which thrives in moist soil in parts of the United States and Canada.

• Risk factors: Outdoor activities in endemic areas, especially near waterways.
• Prevention: Avoid disturbing soil in endemic areas, wear protective gear when working outdoors.

Cryptococcus gattii Infection

This infection is caused by Cryptococcus gattii, found in tropical and subtropical regions, including the U.S. Pacific Northwest and British Columbia.

• Risk factors: Exposure to contaminated soil or trees, especially eucalyptus.
• Prevention: Avoid areas with high concentrations of decaying organic matter, particularly during dry, dusty conditions.

Coccidioidomycosis (Valley Fever)

Valley Fever is caused by Coccidioides fungi found in the southwestern United States and parts of Mexico and Central and South America.

• Risk factors: Living in or traveling to endemic areas, especially during dry, dusty conditions.
• Prevention: Stay indoors during dust storms, use air filtration systems, and wear N95 respirators when working in dusty outdoor environments.

Fungal Infections in Immunocompromised Individuals: Risks and Management

People with weakened immune systems are particularly susceptible to fungal infections. These infections can be more severe and challenging to treat in immunocompromised individuals.

Aspergillosis

Aspergillosis is caused by Aspergillus, a common mold found both indoors and outdoors. For immunocompromised individuals, it can lead to serious lung infections.

• Risk factors: Prolonged neutropenia, corticosteroid use, organ transplantation.
• Management: Antifungal medications, environmental control measures to reduce mold exposure.

Invasive Candidiasis

This serious infection can affect various parts of the body, including the blood, heart, brain, and bones in hospitalized patients with weakened immune systems.

• Risk factors: Extended hospital stays, central venous catheters, broad-spectrum antibiotic use.
• Management: Prompt antifungal therapy, removal of infected devices, and addressing underlying risk factors.

Pneumocystis Pneumonia (PCP)

PCP is a severe lung infection caused by the fungus Pneumocystis jirovecii, primarily affecting people with compromised immune systems.

• Risk factors: HIV/AIDS, organ transplantation, long-term corticosteroid use.
• Management: Prophylactic antibiotics for high-risk individuals, early diagnosis, and treatment with trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole or alternative medications.

Emerging Fungal Threats: Candida auris and Its Global Impact

Candida auris has emerged as a significant global health threat in recent years. This multidrug-resistant fungus poses unique challenges to healthcare systems worldwide.

Characteristics of Candida auris

• Multidrug resistance: C. auris is often resistant to multiple antifungal medications, making treatment challenging.
• Persistence in the environment: The fungus can survive on surfaces for prolonged periods, facilitating its spread in healthcare settings.
• Difficult identification: Standard laboratory methods may misidentify C. auris, leading to delayed or inappropriate treatment.

Global Impact and Control Measures

The rapid spread of C. auris across continents has prompted increased surveillance and control efforts. Healthcare facilities are implementing stringent infection control measures, including:

• Enhanced screening protocols for high-risk patients
• Isolation of infected or colonized individuals
• Rigorous environmental cleaning and disinfection
• Improved hand hygiene practices among healthcare workers

Research efforts are ongoing to develop new diagnostic tools and treatment options for C. auris infections. The global health community continues to monitor this emerging threat closely.

Rare Fungal Infections: Diagnostic Challenges and Treatment Approaches

While less common, rare fungal infections can pose significant health risks and diagnostic challenges. Understanding these infections is crucial for healthcare providers and patients alike.

Mucormycosis

Mucormycosis is a rare but serious infection caused by a group of molds called mucormycetes. It primarily affects people with compromised immune systems or uncontrolled diabetes.

• Diagnostic challenges: Rapid progression, nonspecific symptoms mimicking other infections.
• Treatment approach: Aggressive antifungal therapy, surgical debridement of infected tissue, and management of underlying conditions.

Talaromycosis

Talaromycosis, caused by the fungus Talaromyces, is endemic to Southeast Asia, southern China, and eastern India. It primarily affects individuals with HIV/AIDS.

• Diagnostic challenges: Similar presentation to other opportunistic infections in HIV patients.
• Treatment approach: Antifungal therapy with amphotericin B followed by itraconazole, along with antiretroviral therapy for HIV management.

Sporotrichosis

Sporotrichosis, caused by the fungus Sporothrix, can infect the skin and subcutaneous tissues. It’s often associated with handling contaminated plant materials.

• Diagnostic challenges: Slow-growing nature of the fungus, variable clinical presentations.
• Treatment approach: Long-term antifungal therapy with itraconazole or other azoles, sometimes combined with local heat therapy.

Fungal Eye Infections: Recognition and Management

Fungal eye infections, though rare, can lead to severe complications if left untreated. These infections often occur following eye injuries or surgeries.

Common Types of Fungal Eye Infections

• Fungal keratitis: Infection of the cornea, often associated with contact lens use or eye injuries.
• Fungal endophthalmitis: Infection inside the eye, typically following eye surgery or penetrating eye injuries.

Symptoms and Diagnosis

Symptoms of fungal eye infections may include:

• Eye pain and redness
• Blurred vision
• Increased sensitivity to light
• Tearing or discharge from the eye

Diagnosis often involves corneal scraping or biopsy for microscopic examination and culture. In some cases, advanced imaging techniques like confocal microscopy may be employed.

Treatment Approaches

Treatment of fungal eye infections typically involves:

• Topical antifungal medications
• Oral antifungal drugs for severe or deep infections
• In some cases, intravitreal antifungal injections
• Surgical intervention may be necessary for severe cases or if medical management fails

Early recognition and prompt treatment are crucial to prevent vision loss and other complications.

Prevention Strategies for Fungal Skin Infections

While not all fungal infections can be prevented, adopting certain habits and practices can significantly reduce the risk of developing these conditions.

Personal Hygiene and Skin Care

• Keep skin clean and dry, especially in areas prone to sweating
• Change out of wet or sweaty clothes promptly
• Use antifungal powders in shoes and on feet if prone to fungal infections
• Avoid sharing personal items like towels, combs, or nail clippers

Environmental Considerations

Modifying your environment can help reduce exposure to fungi:

• Maintain good ventilation in living spaces to reduce humidity
• Use dehumidifiers in damp areas of the home
• Wear protective footwear in public showers, locker rooms, and swimming areas
• Avoid walking barefoot in areas where fungal organisms thrive

Healthy Lifestyle Choices

Overall health can impact susceptibility to fungal infections:

• Maintain a balanced diet to support immune function
• Manage underlying health conditions, such as diabetes, effectively
• Avoid unnecessary antibiotic use, which can disrupt the body’s natural flora
• Practice safe sex to reduce the risk of certain fungal infections

By implementing these preventive measures, individuals can significantly reduce their risk of developing fungal skin infections and maintain overall skin health.

Types of Fungal Diseases | Fungal Diseases

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Fungal Diseases

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Learn about fungal diseases to keep yourself safe and healthy.

Most common fungal diseases

Fungal nail infections

Common infections of the fingernails or toenails.

Vaginal candidiasis

Caused by the yeast Candida, also called a “vaginal yeast infection.”

Ringworm

A common fungal skin infection that often looks like a circular rash.

Candida infections of the mouth, throat, and esophagus

Caused by the yeast Candida, also called “thrush.

Fungal diseases that affect people who live in or travel to certain areas

Blastomycosis

Caused by the fungus Blastomyces, which lives in moist soil in parts of the United States and Canada.

Cryptococcus gattii infection

Caused by Cryptococcus gattii, which lives in tropical and sub-tropical areas of the world, the United States Pacific Northwest, and British Columbia.

Paracoccidioidomycosis

Caused by the fungus Paracoccidioides, which lives in parts of Central and South America and most often affects men who work outdoors in rural areas.

Coccidioidomycosis (Valley Fever)

Caused by Coccidioides, which lives in the southwestern United States and parts of Mexico and Central and South America.

Histoplasmosis

Caused by the fungus Histoplasma, which lives in the environment, often in association with large amounts of bird or bat droppings.

Fungal diseases that affect people with weakened immune systems

Weakened immune systems can’t fight off infections as well, due to conditions such as HIV, cancer, organ transplants, or certain medications.

Aspergillosis

An infection caused by Aspergillus, a common mold that lives indoors and outdoors.

Candida auris infection

Emerging, often multidrug-resistant fungus found in healthcare settings that presents a serious global health threat.

Invasive candidiasis

A serious infection that can affect the blood, heart, brain, eyes, bones, and other parts of the body in hospitalized patients.

Pneumocystis pneumonia (PCP)

A serious infection caused by the fungus Pneumocystis jirovecii.

Candidiasis

Candida normally lives inside the body and on the skin without causing any problems, but can cause infections if it grows out of control or if it enters deep into the body.

Cryptococcus neoformans infection

Can infect the brain, causing meningitis, and is more likely to affect people with HIV/AIDS.

Mucormycosis

A rare but serious infection caused by a group of molds called mucormycetes.

Talaromycosis

Caused by Taloromyces, a fungus that lives in Southeast Asia, southern China, or eastern India.

Other diseases and health problems caused by fungi

Fungal eye infections

Rare infections that can develop after an eye injury or after eye surgery.

Sporotrichosis

Caused by the fungus Sporothrix, which lives throughout the world in soil and on plants.

Mycetoma

Caused by certain types of bacteria and fungi found in soil and water, typically in rural regions of Africa, Latin America, and Asia.

Healthcare-Associated Fungal Meningitis

Rare life-threatening fungal infection that causes swelling of the areas around the brain and spinal cord.

Last Reviewed: June 16, 2023

Source: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, National Center for Emerging and Zoonotic Infectious Diseases (NCEZID), Division of Foodborne, Waterborne, and Environmental Diseases (DFWED)

• Fungal Meningitis
• National Center for Emerging and Zoonotic Infectious Disease
• Division of Foodborne, Waterborne, and Environmental Diseases
• Mycotic Diseases Branch

Fungal Diseases – HealthyChildren.

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Health Issues

Health Issues

At times, children may become infected with fungi that only rarely infect people. In many instances, the children most susceptible to these infections have weakened immune systems because of cancer, chemotherapy, corticosteroids, organ transplantation, or an HIV infection. However, even children with normal disease-fighting systems can get these infections by breathing in the fungi. Certain organisms can enter the body through cuts or abrasions in the skin. Here are some brief descriptions of some of the fungal diseases that your child could develop. In some cases, they occur so uncommonly that treatment recommendations are not clear, especially for children. Ask your pediatrician for a referral to a pediatric infectious disease specialist if your youngster is diagnosed with one of the following fungal infections:

Hyalohyphomycosis

Fungi from the Fusarium species may cause this infection. These fungi can enter the body through the respiratory tract, sinuses, or skin. It may cause signs and symptoms associated with a sinus infection (sinusitis), a urinary tract infection, a blood infection, or meningitis. These infections may occur in children with weakened immune systems. Your pediatrician will diagnose hyalohyphomycosis by taking a blood culture or tissue specimen and having it tested in the laboratory. High-dose amphotericin B or fluconazole have been used in treating hyalohyphomycosis. Malassezia species cause a common, superficial skin infection known as tinea versicolor or pityriasis versicolor. The skin of the face, torso, arms, and neck is covered with many round and scaly red areas. These areas fail to tan during the summer, but are relatively darker in the winter. The infection is most common in teenagers and young adults. Your pediatrician will make the diagnosis based on the appearance of the rash. A culture can be taken, if needed. Selenium sulfide lotion or shampoo is used for treatment. Ketoconazole shampoo is also effective, as are several other antifungals that are applied directed onto the affected area. Oral antifungals such as ketoconazole, fluconazole, and itraconazole have been shown to be effective in adults. These drugs are used less commonly in children.

Penicilliosis

Children infected with HIV may be susceptible to a fungal disease called penicilliosis caused by Penicillium marneffei. This fungus is found in soil and decaying vegetation as well as in the air. It can cause signs and symptoms such as lung inflammation (pneumonitis) and acne-like skin lesions on the face, torso, arms, and legs. Your pediatrician may have a blood culture or tissue sample tested in the laboratory as part of the diagnostic process. Amphotericin B or itraconazole are commonly prescribed treatments for penicilliosis.

Phaeohyphomycosis

Phaeohyphomycosis is a large category of fungal infections that are caused by organisms from the Bipolaris, Curvularia, Exserohilum, Pseudallescheria, and Scedosporium species. These infections often involve the skin and, in some cases, the nasal passages and sinuses. They also can infect the brain, bones, and heart (endocarditis). Superficial infections can occur in children with healthy immune defenses, while more serious infections occur in children with weakened immune systems. To make the diagnosis, your doctor will order tests that examine affected tissues under the microscope. The pediatrician may also take cultures of the tissue to try to grow the fungi in the laboratory. Your child’s doctor will recommend treatment with medicines such as itraconazole or amphotericin B or the surgical removal of infected tissue.

Trichosporonosis

Children with weakened immune systems are susceptible to trichosporonosis, which can infect the lung, heart, or bloodstream. The fungus Trichosporon beigelii, which can produce skin lesions on the torso, face, and arms, causes trichosporonosis. Other symptoms include a cough, fever, and bloody sputum. This organism is found in soil and can enter the body through the respiratory tract, gastrointestinal system, or skin wounds.When it infects humans, it is potentially life threatening. Treatment typically involves the use of amphotericin B or fluconazole.

Zygomycosis

As with many other fungal infections, zygomycosis is most likely to occur in children with weakened immune systems. It may develop in children with leukemia, lymphoma, or diabetes and those who have used nonsterile bandages on wounds or cuts. Zygomycosis is caused by fungi from the Rhizopus, Mucor, Absidia, and Rhizomucor species and can cause nose and sinus infections. Affected children may have a fever, nasal congestion, and sinus discomfort. If the infection spreads, it can affect the lungs and brain and, in the worst cases, cause pneumonia, infection of the brain, seizures, paralysis, and death. This infection is diagnosed with laboratory tests examining nasal discharges and phlegm, as well as by conducting biopsies of, for example, lung lesions. Treatment includes surgical removal of the infected tissue, if possible, and use of medicines such as high-dose amphotericin B.

Last Updated

11/21/2015

Source

Immunizations ＆ Infectious Diseases: An Informed Parent’s Guide (Copyright © 2006 American Academy of Pediatrics)

The information contained on this Web site should not be used as a substitute for the medical care and advice of your pediatrician. There may be variations in treatment that your pediatrician may recommend based on individual facts and circumstances.

Fungal diseases of the skin in domestic animals

Fungal infections of the skin are among the most common diseases in humans and animals. Microsporia and trichophytosis, conditionally united by the concept of “ringworm”, often occur in humans through contact with sick animals. Infection occurs by contact from infected stray animals, with joint walking of dogs, from bedding and feeders.

Causes of fungal skin diseases

There are common features in the development of the disease in animals and humans. All kinds of minor injuries, deposits of organic substances on the skin, an abundance of dandruff and dirt favor the development of fungal diseases.

Signs of a fungal infection

The disease in animals, as in humans, begins with reddening of the skin, it becomes uneven, rough, bubbles appear, then crusts, there is abundant peeling.

Hair becomes dull, whitish-grayish, sometimes sticks out in bunches in different directions and comes out of the crust. In the future, they break off and fall off along with the crusts. In this regard, foci of baldness and peeling are formed. In some cases, rashes may be observed along the periphery.

Itching of lesions, especially on hairless parts of the body, is quite natural in ringworm in animals. Claw lesions are focal or diffuse in the form of foci of clouding, deformation and peeling in different parts of the claw, especially on the forelimbs.

Common skin diseases in animals include fungal diseases, microsporia and trichophytosis. Infection occurs from contact with infected animals and surfaces.

Yury Lizvinsky Veterinarian, Head of Training Department, Apicenna LLC

Trichophytosis in dogs

In dogs, foci of trichophytosis are most often located on the scalp, limbs, and neck. Short-haired dogs are more commonly affected.

Trichophytosis in cats

Trichophytosis is less common in cats. Without treatment, the disease lasts for quite a long time for many weeks and months, being a source of infection for others.

Microsporia in cats

Cats are more likely to suffer from microsporia. According to the clinical manifestations of microsporia and trichophytosis in animals, it has many common features, but the causative agent of microsporia differs significantly from the causative agent of trichophytosis.

Microsporia in cats is very diverse in its manifestations. Acute, bright forms of the disease are characterized by foci of alopecia of different sizes, at first small single, then multiple, and later merging, common. The lesions are covered with scales, less often with crusts, the skin on them is edematous, slightly swollen, of a bluish-pinkish hue, the hair is broken off.

Favorite localization of microsporia in cats is:

• scalp,
• nose bridge,
• around ears and eyes,
• on the lower lip,
• neck,
• on forelimbs,
• at the base of the tail.

Often no visible lesions can be identified. Only when palpated, small nodules and crusts are found. Single fluffy hairs on the inner surface of the auricles, eyebrows, eyelashes and mustaches are affected. Foci of microsporia and individual affected hairs give a specific glow when irradiated with ultraviolet light. Shedding of wool in cats contributes to the rejection of hair affected by fungi, which leads to infection of rooms, objects and things, bedding and the ground of everything that the sick animal comes into contact with.

Treatment of fungal skin diseases in dogs and cats

Practically in every veterinary clinic or pharmacy there is an antifungal drug FUNGIN developed by API-SAN research and production company. The drug has a pronounced fungicidal effect against pathogens of trichophytosis and microsporia of dogs and cats.

Clotrimazole, which is part of the preparation, is a broad-spectrum antifungal agent. Dermatophytes, yeast fungi, mold fungi, etc. are sensitive to clotrimazole. In addition, clotrimazole has an antimicrobial effect against gram-positive and gram-negative bacteria. The effect of clotrimazole is associated with a violation of the synthesis of ergosterol, which is part of the cell membrane of fungi. As a result, the structure and properties of membranes change, and cell lysis occurs. When applied topically, clotrimazole practically does not enter the bloodstream and does not have a systemic effect.

Auxiliary components included in the product increase the fungicidal activity of clotrimazole, help reduce inflammation of the skin and heal damaged tissues. The drug is available in the form of drops – it can be applied with a gauze swab, and recently pet owners have liked a new form of release – a spray. It is light and easy to use, allows you to quickly process the animal and not get your hands dirty.

ATTENTION! If you suspect a “ringworm”, you must urgently contact mycologists and disinfect the room where the sick animal is located. If a disease is detected in an animal, a mycological examination of children and adults in contact with it is necessary.

Skin fungus (fungal skin diseases): make an appointment with a dermatologist

Mycoses are fungal diseases of the skin.

According to statistics, a fifth of the globe is affected by a fungal disease. But, given that there are erased forms and patients do not go to the doctor, one can even say that every second suffers from one or another fungal skin disease.

It can be a disease like microsporia, trichophytosis, multi-colored lichen, epidermophytosis, rubromycosis, candidiasis. These are the most common skin diseases in our country.

Most often, smooth skin, hair, nail plate, as well as the oral mucosa are affected.

There is a seasonality of these diseases. For example, diseases like microsporia, trichophytosis are more common in the autumn-spring period. And diseases such as multi-colored lichen, epidermophytosis are diseases of spring and summer age – the sun, increased sweating. Diseases such as candidiasis occur at any time.

And it should also be noted that certain diseases are characteristic of more childhood, although they can also occur in adults. This is microsporia, trichophytosis. And diseases such as multi-colored lichen, epidermophytosis, rubromycosis are most often found in the adult period.

Infection occurs either from patient to patient, or through things that have microparticles of a pathogenic fungus: combs, hats, towels, personal items. Infection very often occurs in swimming pools, gyms. But you can also get infected from animals: cats, dogs, rodents, even cattle.

Infection with a fungal infection does not always occur, predisposing factors are necessary – microcracks, diaper rash, abrasions, as well as changes in the acid-base balance of the skin, the so-called pH, since our skin has protective forces.

Almost all pathogenic fungi lead to sensitization of the body, since fungi are the same protein that is broken down, absorbed and allergenic in the body. Therefore, with a long stay of the pathogen on the skin, in the area of ​​\u200b\u200bthe nail plates and the scalp, hair, an allergization of the body develops, which leads to the fact that the disease lasts a long time, chronically.

Also, the allergization of the body with such fungi leads to the development of other diseases. These are allergic dermatitis, eczema, allergic vasculitis.

The risk of infection increases:

• with diseases such as vegetovascular dystonia, which is accompanied by excessive sweating, diabetes, immunosuppressive diseases;

• when taking antibiotics that have an immunosuppressive effect.