What are the most common types of fungal infections. How can you recognize the symptoms of fungal infections. What are the most effective treatments for various fungal infections. How can you prevent fungal infections from occurring or recurring.

Understanding Fungal Infections: An Overview

Fungal infections, also known as mycoses, are caused by various types of fungi that can affect different parts of the body. While many fungi are harmless to humans, some can cause diseases under certain conditions. These infections can range from mild skin irritations to severe systemic illnesses, particularly in individuals with weakened immune systems.

Fungi reproduce by releasing spores that can be transmitted through direct contact or inhalation. This is why fungal infections commonly affect the skin, nails, and lungs. However, in some cases, fungi can penetrate deeper into the body, affecting internal organs and leading to systemic infections.

Common Types of Fungal Infections

There are several types of fungal infections that affect humans. Some of the most prevalent include:

• Athlete’s foot (tinea pedis)
• Jock itch (tinea cruris)
• Ringworm (tinea corporis)
• Yeast infections
• Onychomycosis (fungal nail infections)
• Thrush (oral candidiasis)

It’s important to note that some fungi, which don’t typically cause infections in healthy individuals, can lead to opportunistic infections in people with compromised immune systems.

Athlete’s Foot: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment

Athlete’s foot, medically known as tinea pedis, is a common fungal infection that affects the skin on the feet. It’s caused by dermatophytes, a group of fungi that thrive in warm, moist environments.

What causes athlete’s foot?

Athlete’s foot is typically caused by coming into contact with fungi in damp areas such as locker rooms, public showers, or swimming pools. It can also spread through direct contact with an infected person or by sharing contaminated items like towels or shoes.

Recognizing the symptoms

The symptoms of athlete’s foot can vary but often include:

• Itching, stinging, or burning sensation between the toes or on the soles of the feet
• Cracking, peeling, or blistering skin
• Redness and scaling on the feet
• Dry, flaky skin on the soles or sides of the feet

Diagnosis and treatment options

Diagnosing athlete’s foot is usually straightforward, with doctors often able to identify it based on the appearance of the affected skin. In some cases, a skin scraping may be taken for microscopic examination or culture to confirm the diagnosis.

Treatment for athlete’s foot typically involves:

1. Over-the-counter antifungal medications (creams, powders, or sprays)
2. Keeping the feet clean and dry
3. Wearing breathable footwear
4. Avoiding walking barefoot in public areas

For severe or persistent cases, prescription-strength antifungal medications may be necessary.

Jock Itch: Understanding This Common Fungal Infection

Jock itch, or tinea cruris, is a fungal infection that affects the groin area, inner thighs, and buttocks. Like athlete’s foot, it’s caused by dermatophytes that thrive in warm, moist environments.

Who is at risk for jock itch?

While jock itch can affect anyone, it’s more common in men and boys. Factors that increase the risk of developing jock itch include:

• Excessive sweating
• Wearing tight or damp clothing
• Being overweight
• Having a weakened immune system
• Living in hot, humid climates

Identifying jock itch symptoms

The symptoms of jock itch typically include:

• Redness and itching in the groin area
• A circular, red, raised rash with defined edges
• Burning or stinging sensation
• Flaking, peeling, or cracking skin

Effective treatment strategies

Treating jock itch usually involves a combination of good hygiene practices and antifungal medications. Here are some effective strategies:

1. Keep the affected area clean and dry
2. Apply over-the-counter antifungal creams, powders, or sprays
3. Wear loose-fitting, breathable clothing
4. Change out of damp clothes promptly
5. Use separate towels for the face and body

If symptoms persist after two weeks of home treatment, consult a healthcare provider for prescription-strength medications.

Ringworm: More Than Just a Ring-Shaped Rash

Despite its name, ringworm is not caused by a worm but by various species of fungi. It can affect the skin on the body (tinea corporis) or the scalp (tinea capitis).

How does ringworm spread?

Ringworm is highly contagious and can spread through:

• Direct skin-to-skin contact with an infected person or animal
• Contact with contaminated items (combs, brushes, clothing)
• Touching contaminated surfaces (shower floors, locker room benches)

Recognizing ringworm symptoms

The symptoms of ringworm can vary depending on the location of the infection but often include:

• A ring-shaped, red, scaly patch with a clearing center
• Itching or burning sensation
• Hair loss in the affected area (for scalp ringworm)
• Multiple overlapping rings in severe cases

Treatment approaches for ringworm

The treatment for ringworm depends on the location and severity of the infection:

1. For skin infections, over-the-counter antifungal creams or ointments are often effective
2. Scalp ringworm usually requires oral antifungal medications prescribed by a doctor
3. Keeping the affected area clean and dry
4. Washing bedding and clothing regularly to prevent reinfection

If symptoms don’t improve with over-the-counter treatments, or if the infection is widespread, consult a healthcare provider for stronger medications.

Yeast Infections: Understanding Candidiasis

Yeast infections, primarily caused by Candida species, can affect various parts of the body, including the mouth, throat, and genitals. While Candida is naturally present in the body, an overgrowth can lead to infection.

Common types of yeast infections

Some of the most common types of yeast infections include:

• Vaginal yeast infections
• Oral thrush
• Diaper rash
• Invasive candidiasis (in severe cases)

Recognizing yeast infection symptoms

The symptoms of yeast infections can vary depending on the affected area but may include:

• Itching and burning sensation
• Redness and swelling
• Thick, white, cottage cheese-like discharge (in vaginal infections)
• White patches on the tongue or inner cheeks (in oral thrush)

Effective treatment options

Treatment for yeast infections typically involves:

1. Antifungal medications (creams, suppositories, or oral tablets)
2. Probiotics to help restore balance to the body’s natural flora
3. Avoiding irritants and maintaining good hygiene
4. Dietary changes to reduce sugar intake

For recurrent or severe infections, longer courses of treatment or stronger medications may be necessary.

Onychomycosis: Tackling Fungal Nail Infections

Onychomycosis, or fungal nail infection, is a common condition that can affect both fingernails and toenails. It’s caused by various types of fungi, including dermatophytes, yeasts, and molds.

Risk factors for fungal nail infections

Several factors can increase the risk of developing onychomycosis:

• Age (more common in older adults)
• Reduced blood circulation
• Weakened immune system
• Excessive sweating
• Walking barefoot in damp public areas

Identifying symptoms of onychomycosis

Common signs of fungal nail infections include:

• Thickened nails
• Discoloration (white, yellow, or brown nails)
• Brittle or crumbly nails
• Distorted nail shape
• Foul odor

Treatment challenges and options

Treating fungal nail infections can be challenging and may require long-term commitment. Treatment options include:

1. Topical antifungal medications
2. Oral antifungal drugs
3. Nail lacquers
4. In severe cases, nail removal may be necessary

It’s important to note that treatment can take several months to a year for full nail regrowth.

Preventing Fungal Infections: Key Strategies

While fungal infections are common, there are several steps you can take to reduce your risk of developing them:

General prevention tips

• Keep your skin clean and dry, especially in areas prone to moisture
• Wear breathable, moisture-wicking fabrics
• Change out of damp clothes promptly
• Avoid sharing personal items like towels, combs, or shoes
• Wear flip-flops or sandals in public showers, locker rooms, and pool areas

Specific prevention strategies

For athlete’s foot and jock itch:

• Keep feet dry and change socks regularly
• Use antifungal powder in shoes and on feet
• Avoid tight-fitting clothes in the groin area

For yeast infections:

• Avoid douching and scented feminine hygiene products
• Wear cotton underwear and avoid tight-fitting pants
• Limit sugar intake and consider probiotic supplements

For nail fungus:

• Keep nails short, dry, and clean
• Wear breathable shoes and moisture-wicking socks
• Use antifungal spray or powder in shoes

When to seek medical attention

While many fungal infections can be treated at home, it’s important to consult a healthcare provider if:

• Symptoms persist or worsen after self-treatment
• The infection appears to be spreading
• You have diabetes or a weakened immune system
• You’re pregnant or breastfeeding
• You experience severe pain, fever, or other concerning symptoms

Remember, early diagnosis and treatment can prevent fungal infections from becoming more serious or spreading to other parts of the body.

Fungal Infections: Types, Symptoms, and Treatments

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What is fungal infection?

Fungal infections can affect anyone, and they can appear on several parts of the body. A jock with athlete’s foot, a baby with thrush, and a woman with a vaginal yeast infection are just a few examples.

Fungi are microorganisms characterized by a substance in their cell walls called chitin. Some fungi, like many types of mushrooms, are edible. Other types of fungi, like aspergillus, can be extremely dangerous and lead to life-threatening diseases.

Different types of fungi can cause fungal infections. In some cases, fungi that aren’t typically found on or inside your body can colonize it and cause an infection. In other cases, fungi that are normally present on or inside your body can multiply out of control and cause an infection.

Fungal infections can be contagious. They can spread from one person to another. In some cases, you can also catch disease-causing fungi from infected animals or contaminated soil or surfaces.

If you develop signs or symptoms of a fungal infection, make an appointment with your doctor.

A fungal infection is also known as mycosis. Although most fungi are harmless to humans, some of them are capable of causing diseases under specific conditions.

Fungi reproduce by releasing spores that can be picked up by direct contact or even inhaled. That’s why fungal infections are most likely to affect your skin, nails, or lungs. Fungi can also penetrate your skin, affect your organs, and cause a body-wide systemic infection.

Some common types of fungal infection include:

• athlete’s foot
• jock itch
• ringworm
• yeast infection
• onychomycosis, or a fungal infection of the nail

Some types of fungi don’t normally cause infections in humans but can cause sickness in people with weakened immune systems. These are called opportunistic infections.

Athlete’s foot is also known as tinea pedis. It’s a type of fungal infection that can affect the skin on your feet, as well as your hands and nails. The infection is caused by dermatophytes, a group of fungi that can thrive in the warm and humid areas between your toes.

It’s particularly common among athletes and can spread from one person to another. You can also catch it from contaminated surfaces, like a public shower or locker room floors.

Symptoms

Athlete’s foot can cause an itching, stinging, or burning sensation between your toes or on other parts of your foot. Your skin might also crack, peel, or blister.

Diagnosis

Your doctor may recognize athlete’s foot by looking at the symptoms on your skin. If the doctor isn’t sure, a small area of the skin can be scraped off and tested for the fungus.

Treatment

There are several topical over-the-counter (OTC) antifungal medications you can use to treat athlete’s foot. If those don’t provide relief, your doctor can prescribe something stronger. Get the information you need to stop athlete’s foot in its tracks.

Shop for antifungal products on Amazon.

Jock itch is also known as tinea cruris. It’s a fungal infection that can affect the skin on your groin area, as well as your inner thighs and buttocks. Like athlete’s foot, it’s caused by dermatophytes, a group of fungi that thrive in warm and humid areas.

This type of infection mostly affects men and boys, but women and girls can develop it too.

Symptoms

Common jock itch symptoms include:

• redness
• itchiness
• a burning feeling
• changes in skin color
• flaking or cracking skin
• a rash that gets worse when you exercise

Diagnosis

Often, a doctor will be able to recognize jock itch by looking at the affected skin. To help rule out other conditions, like psoriasis, they may take a scraping of skin cells and have them examined.

Treatment

Jock itch can usually be treated at home by keeping the area clean and dry and applying OTC antifungal cream, powder, or spray.

If your symptoms don’t improve after two weeks of home care, see your doctor. They can prescribe stronger antifungal medications. Learn how to recognize, treat, and prevent jock itch.

Ringworm is a fungal infection that can affect your skin and scalp. Similar to athlete’s foot and jock itch, it’s caused by dermatophytes. Ringworm is also part of a group of fungi that grow on skin, particularly in damp and humid parts of your body.

Symptoms

It usually starts as a reddish, itchy, scaly rash. Over time, patches of ringworm can spread and form red rings.

Other signs include:

• patches that get blisters and start to ooze
• bald patches on the scalp
• patches that look like rings with a redder outside edge
• thick, discolored, or cracked nails (if the infection is in the nails)

Diagnosis

A simple skin examination can find ringworm. The fungus glows under a black light, so your doctor can tell if you have it by shining the black light over the affected area. A small sample of the affected skin can also be scraped off and sent to a lab for testing.

Treatment

Like jock itch and athlete’s foot, ringworm is often able to be successfully treated with OTC antifungal creams, sprays, gels, or ointments.

You may need a prescription if your case is more severe or the infection is located on the nails or scalp. Gain a better understanding of ringworm, including ways to prevent and treat it.

Candida albicans is a type of fungus that can infect your skin, mouth, gastrointestinal tract, urinary tract, or genitals.

It’s normal for small amounts of candida albicans to be present on your skin and in your body. But when these fungi multiply too much, they can cause an infection known as a yeast infection.

Symptoms

If you get a yeast infection in your throat or mouth, it’s called oral thrush. Thrush causes white patches to form in your mouth and throat. People who undergo prolonged antibiotic therapy often develop this type of infection.

In women, vaginal yeast infections are relatively common. They can cause:

• pain
• itchiness
• clumpy discharge
• swelling
• redness

Diagnosis

To check for oral thrush, your doctor can use a throat swab to rub the affected areas. Throat swabs look like a cotton bud. Your doctor can send the swab to a lab, where technicians will culture it to learn what types of fungi or other microbes are present.

Your doctor will perform a pelvic exam to diagnose a vaginal yeast infection. If they aren’t sure your symptoms are being caused by a yeast infection, they might swab the area and order a lab test.

Treatment

Your treatment options will depend on the type of yeast infection you have and whether or not you get yeast infections regularly.

Thrush can be treated with oral antifungal medications. These can come in the form of lozenges, pills, or mouthwash. Find out more about oral thrush.

If you catch a vaginal yeast infection early enough, you might be able to treat it with OTC products. Otherwise, your doctor can prescribe antifungal medications that come as a cream, pill, or vaginal suppository.

Your doctor might also recommend probiotics, such as Lactobacillus acidophilus. Probiotic supplements provide good bacteria that might help restore your body’s microbial balance. Learn more about the symptoms of a vaginal yeast infection and why early treatment is so important.

Onychomycosis is a common type of fungal infection that can affect your toenails, fingernails, and nail beds. It’s also known as tinea unguium.

Symptoms

Toenail fungus usually starts as a small light-colored spot on your nail. As it spreads deeper, it changes the shape and color of your nail. Over time, it can cause your nail to become thicker and more brittle.

Common signs include:

• scaling under the nail
• white or yellow streaks under the nail
• flakiness or crumbling of the nail
• thick or brittle nail
• lifting off the nail bed

Diagnosis

To find out if you have toenail fungus, your doctor will likely scrape off pieces of the affected nail. They will examine these scrapings under a microscope.

This can help them tell the difference between a fungal infection and other conditions that cause similar symptoms.

Treatment

It can potentially take weeks to treat fingernail infections and months to treat toenail infections.

OTC medications typically aren’t effective. Your doctor may prescribe a nail lacquer that’s brushed on like nail polish or an antibiotic you take by mouth.

Since this type of infection can be so hard to treat, it’s important to avoid spreading it. Learn how to protect yourself from fungal infections of your nails and nail beds.

There several things that can increase your risk of developing a fungal infection. These include environmental factors as well as what’s going on in your body when you’re exposed to a fungus.

Dampness and humidity

Sweating heavily or working in a warm, humid environment can increase your risk of a fungal infection. Fungi need a warm and moist environment to grow.

Walking barefoot in damp places, such as gyms, locker rooms, and showers, can also increase your risk. These public places are often rich in fungal spores.

Poor blood circulation

Any condition that causes poor blood circulation can raise your risk of infection. Poor circulation hinders your immune response and decreases your body’s ability to fight off an infection. Explore this list of causes of poor circulation.

Menopausal status

If you’re a postmenopausal women, hormonal changes can reduce the acidity of your vagina. This might make you more vulnerable to vaginal yeast infections. Learn how to recognize the symptoms of menopause.

Suppressed immune system

If your immune system isn’t working properly, it can leave you vulnerable to fungal infections.

Many things can potentially weaken your immune system. For example, nutrient deficiencies, immunodeficiency disorders, smoking, and even stress can impair your immune function. Learn more about immunodeficiency disorders.

Nail and skin injury or infection

Even a small nail or skin injury or infection can allow fungi to get under your skin and affect deeper tissues. That’s why it’s important to wash wounds and cover them in a sterile dressing or bandage. Learn how to treat minor wounds and prevent infections.

Certain medications

Some types of medications can reduce your body’s ability to ward off fungal infections. For example, antibiotics destroy helpful bacteria along with harmful bacteria. This can allow fungi to thrive, free of competition.

Long-term use of corticosteroids can also increase your risk of fungal infection. Cancer treatments, including chemotherapy and radiation, may put you at higher risk too.

If your immune system has been weakened, ask your doctor what steps you can take to limit your risk of fungal infections.

Good hygiene is also critical for avoiding fungal infections.

Try to:

• keep your skin clean and dry, particularly the folds of your skin
• wash your hands often, especially after touching animals or other people
• avoid using other people’s towels and other personal care products
• wear shoes in locker rooms, community showers, and swimming pools
• wipe gym equipment before and after using it

Fungal infections can be uncomfortable or even painful. In some cases, they can take weeks or months to effectively treat. If you think you have a fungal infection, see your doctor. They can diagnose the type of infection and recommend an appropriate antifungal medication.

In some cases, your doctor may also recommend changes to your diet or other daily habits to help treat or prevent future fungal infections.

If you need help finding a primary care doctor, then check out our FindCare tool here.

Fungal Disease-Specific Research | NIH: National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases

NIAID-supported research for fungal diseases includes studying the basic biology of the organisms that cause these diseases to developing vaccines and better ways to diagnose, treat, and prevent infection.

Candidiasis

Candida are yeast that can be found on the skin, mucous membranes, and in the intestinal tract. Overgrowth of these yeasts can cause symptoms to develop. For example, candidiasis that develops in the mouth or throat is called “thrush” or oropharyngeal candidiasis. Candidiasis in the vagina is typically referred to as a “yeast infection.” For people with certain risk factors, overgrowth of these fungi can cause invasive candidiasis—a serious infection that can affect the blood, heart, brain, eyes, bones and other parts of the body. Candidemia, a bloodstream infection with Candida, is the most common form of invasive candidiasis and frequently affects hospitalized patients. There are more than 20 species of Candida yeasts that can cause human infection, but most infections are caused by Candida albicans, C. glabrata, C. parapsilosis and C. tropicalis. Candida auris is a newly emerging fungal species that is difficult to identify and is often resistant to multiple antifungal drugs.

NIAID-supported researchers are developing genetic tools to determine the cause of drug resistance, to understand how Candida becomes an invasive pathogen, and to identify new medications for treating infection.  NIAID support has also led to the development of assays to rapidly detect candidemia and an experimental vaccine to protect against Candida infection.

Cryptococcosis

Cryptococcus fungi are found in the soil throughout the world and are often associated with bird droppings.  There are two main species that cause disease: Cryptococcus neoformans and C. gattii. These fungi rarely cause infections in healthy individuals but can be very serious for individuals with compromised immune systems, such as those with HIV/AIDS. Infection generally occurs when someone breathes in the fungus. The most common sites of infection are the lungs and nervous system.  In sub-Sharan Africa, cryptococcal meningitis is the most common cause of meningitis in adults and is a leading cause of death in people with HIV/AIDS.

NIAID-supported researchers have sequenced the genomes of multiple species of Cryptococcus to determine how they target the brain and why some clinical strains cause severe disease, while others do not. Additional NIAID-supported research is focused on identifying new fungal pathways that can be targeted for drug development; understanding how the immune response resolves Cryptococcal infection; and developing a vaccine to protect people at risk of Cryptococcal infection.  

Aspergillosis

Aspergillus is a common mold (a type of fungus) found indoors and outdoors. People breathe in numerous Aspergillus spores every day without becoming sick.  However, people with weakened immune systems or lung diseases are at-risk for developing health problems caused by Aspergillus. There are many types of aspergillosis, ranging from mild to serious disease. For example, Aspergillus can cause inflammation in the lungs (allergic bronchopulmonary aspergillosis) or sinuses (allergic Aspergillus sinusitis) without causing infection.  Invasive aspergillosis is an uncommon, serious infection of the lung or other body systems and is a major cause of mortality in immunocompromised individuals. 

NIAID-supported researchers are identifying the fungal pathways responsible for human infection and determining how the immune system responds to and clears Aspergillus infections. Drug resistance is an emerging concern for Aspergillus, and NIAID is supporting research to determine the cause of increasing resistance and to identify new antifungal therapeutics to treat aspergillosis.   Aspergillosis can be difficult to diagnose; therefore, NIAID is supporting research to rapidly detect lung infections through breath-based diagnostics.

Coccidioidomycosis (Valley Fever)

Coccidioidomycosis, also called Valley Fever, is an infection caused by the fungi Coccidioides immitis and C. posadasii. These soil-dwelling fungi are found in arid, desert-like conditions throughout the southwestern United States (primarily Arizona, California, Nevada, New Mexico, Texas and Utah), Mexico, Central and South America. The fungi were recently found in south-central Washington. Infection generally occurs by breathing Coccidioides spores into the lungs and, unlike most serious fungal diseases, healthy people are at risk for Coccidioides infection. In the United States, the highest incidence of infection has occurred in California and Arizona. These states reported more than 11,000 cases of Valley Fever in 2016. It is estimated that Valley Fever causes 15 to 30% of community-acquired pneumonia. However, due to low testing rates, Valley Fever may be under-reported.  Valley Fever can range from a self-limiting, mild, flu-like disease to severe disseminated infection that can require life-long therapy.

NIAID-supported researchers are using genomics to understand why some strains of Coccidioides are more infectious than other strains and why some individuals are more susceptible to the most severe form of the disease, disseminated coccidioidomycosis. NIAID also supports the development of rapid diagnostics to identify infected individuals, novel therapeutics to treat the disease, and several vaccine approaches to prevent Valley Fever.

Currently, there is no vaccine to prevent Valley fever, despite consistent efforts since the 1960s. Because Valley fever infection usually provides protective immunity from reinfection, a safe and effective vaccine is generally expected to provide durable immunity.  A vaccine against Coccidioides infection could contribute to the public health of the residents of the affected areas in the United States and other countries.  In order to more broadly protect against Coccidioides infection, the NIAID Strategic Plan for Research to Develop a Valley Fever Vaccine reflects the benchmarks the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases believes necessary to develop a Valley fever vaccine.  

Histoplasmosis

Histoplasmosis is caused by the fungus Histoplasma capsulatum. This fungus is found in soil that contains large amounts of bird or bat droppings. Histoplasma can be found throughout the world, but in the United States, it is mainly found in the central and eastern states, particularly along the Ohio and Mississippi River valleys. People develop infection after breathing in microscopic fungal spores, particularly during activities that disturb contaminated soil. In healthy people, the disease is usually self-limiting and is characterized by mild flu-like symptoms. In people with weakened immune systems, histoplasmosis can be severe and require long term antifungal treatment to resolve the disease.  

NIAID-supported researchers are identifying the pathways necessary for the fungi to establish infection and the human immune factors that are required to clear the infection. NIAID also supports the development of rapid assays to detect Histoplasma infection.

Blastomycosis

Blastomycosis is an infection caused by the fungus Blastomyces dermatitidis. This fungus is found in moist soil and decomposing material, such as wood and leaves. Blastomyces can be found in Canada, particularly around the Saint Lawrence River, and in areas of the United States surrounding the Ohio and Mississippi River valleys and the Great Lakes. The fungus causes infection mainly in the lungs through inhalation of fungal spores. Most people who breathe in the fungal spores do not become sick, but some will develop flu-like symptoms. In individuals with weakened immune systems, Blastomyces can cause serious infection that can spread beyond the lungs to other body systems, such as the skin, bones, and central nervous system.

NIAID-supported researchers are determining how the fungus alters the immune system to establish infection in healthy individuals and how a protein from Blastomyces can help improve the activity of vaccines.

Pneumocystis pneumonia

Pneumocystis pneumonia, called PCP, is caused by the fungus Pneumocystis jirovecii. The fungus is spread through the air, from person to person. PCP is extremely rare in healthy people, but the fungus that causes the disease can live in their lungs without causing symptoms. Individuals with weakened immune systems, such as people with HIV/AIDS, cancer patients, and people with inflammatory or autoimmune diseases taking certain medications that weaken the immune system, are at greatest risk for serious PCP infections requiring treatment.

NIAID-supported researchers are developing new diagnostics and therapies to treat PCP.

Features of the treatment of fungal diseases – News – North-Western State Medical University.

I.I. Mechnikova

The director of the Research Institute of Medical Mycology named after V.I. P. N. Kashkina GOU DPO SPbMAPO Roszdrav, Head of the Department of Microbiology and Mycology Dr. b. n, prof. Natalya Vsevolodovna Vasilyeva

— Fungal diseases are widespread. Now there are a lot of antifungal drugs, but nevertheless the number of patients with mycoses is not decreasing. Natalya Vsevolodovna, what is the reason for this?

Natalia Vasilyeva: The global pharmaceutical industry is well prepared for the “challenges” of the third millennium: an increase in the frequency of mycoses (superficial and invasive), an expansion of the spectrum of pathogenic fungi and the emergence of resistance in microscopic fungi to antimycotics. In the past century, doctors had only about ten antimycotics in their arsenal, and since 2000, the same number of new antifungal drugs have appeared. Paradoxically, the better we began to treat, including previously hopeless patients, the more efforts must be made to overcome fungal aggression. The reasons for the increase in the number of patients with mycoses should primarily include the introduction of new technologies into medical practice (invasive diagnostic procedures, cytostatic and immunosuppressive therapy, organ and cell transplantation, etc.), without which it is impossible to cure a patient or prolong his life and the use of broad-spectrum antibiotics. In addition, now more than ever, the norms of social behavior are being violated – what is called “promiscuous sex”, drug addiction and, as a result, the HIV pandemic. All this led to the formation of a population of patients with immunodeficiencies, who are most vulnerable to fungi, both pathogenic and opportunistic. It is not for nothing that patients with severe immunodeficiency (HIV infection in the AIDS stage) are called a “live” Petri dish with a nutrient medium on which any microorganism can grow, including from the air environment, in which microscopic fungi can always be present.
– What should alert a person and serve as a reason for contacting a mycologist?
NV: Mycologists should be contacted if: 1) your disease (skin, lung, gastrointestinal, gynecological, etc. ) becomes chronic, and your health problems are explained as an “immunodeficiency condition”; 2) “usual” methods of treatment do not bring the desired effect; 3) you experience discomfort after prolonged use of antibiotics, hormonal drugs, immunosuppressants; 4) you suffer from a prolonged cough, runny nose, frequent acute respiratory infections, rashes on the skin and mucous membranes, itching, asthma attacks; 5) you live or work in damp and poorly ventilated areas.

– A huge number of folk remedies against fungus are offered on the Internet: spurge, vinegar essence, iodine. Is it possible to get rid of mycosis with their help?

NV: Yes, indeed, the listed agents may have a weak antifungal effect. However, the fight against mycoses is not easy, and it is not permissible to self-medicate. Treatment should be started with the help of modern antifungal drugs and only when the diagnosis is established on the basis of laboratory tests by a specialist mycologist. There are indications and contraindications for the use of antimycotics, and without a doctor’s prescription, their use can be harmful to health. So, for example, according to our institute, in 30-40% of cases, a change in the appearance of the nail plates is not associated with microscopic fungi, although the clinical picture corresponds to onychomycosis – a fungal infection of the nails. The cause of dystrophic changes in the nails, nail bed and growth zone of the nail can be vascular and immune disorders. Antifungal drugs in this situation will be useless, fraught with harm to health and emptying the wallet.

– Most often they talk about the defeat of the feet and nails. But the fungus can affect the respiratory tract, lungs, brain. If a person has mycosis of the skin, nails, can he go to the internal organs? Or is it another type of fungus?

NV: The main causative agents of dermatomycosis are the primary pathogens of dermatomycetes. And, as a rule, they do not affect internal organs. But conditionally pathogenic microscopic fungi (yeasts and molds) can also cause damage to the skin and its appendages (hair, nails). The situation is complicated if the patient has a severe immunodeficiency, then superficial mycosis can be the cause of systemic mycosis, that is, mycosis of internal organs. That is why it is important to seek the help of a specialist mycologist.

– Natalia Vsevolodovna, please tell us about fungal infections in gynecology.

NV: More than 70% of women in their life at least once encounter mushrooms. Candidiasis of the genitals (“thrush”) often appears on the background of taking antibacterial drugs, sexually transmitted infections (gonorrhea, chlamydia, trichomoniasis, viral infection), pregnancy, diabetes, etc.
Yeast-like fungi – causative agents of candidiasis – contribute to impaired immune mechanisms protection of the mucous membranes of the vagina and cervix and, as a result, worsen the course of inflammatory and infectious diseases of the pelvic organs, contribute to the occurrence of pathological conditions of the cervix, menstrual and reproductive dysfunction.
Candidiasis in pregnant women increases the risk of infection of the fetus during pregnancy, during childbirth. This is especially dangerous for newborns with low body weight (premature pregnancy).
“Thrush” is one of the important problems in gynecology, and there are many gynecological services in the city that solve it. But now there are many recurrences of this disease. A woman during the year can repeatedly experience symptoms of fungal infections: profuse, sometimes curdled discharge from the genital tract, itching, burning of the genital organs, pain during sexual intercourse. In a polyclinic or a conventional medical center, it is not always possible to study pathogens in detail, to determine whether they are sensitive to antifungal drugs. And without such an approach, the problem cannot be solved.

— Is it worth paying attention to the detection of fungi in diseases of the gastrointestinal tract?

NV: In most cases, the presence of fungi in the digestive tract is harmless and reflects the so-called candidiasis. At the same time, in the presence of factors that reduce the resistance of the human body (they were discussed above), fungi can cause disease. In this case, oral candidiasis will manifest itself as white plaques (“thrush”), esophageal candidiasis – difficulty swallowing, and intestinal candidiasis – stool disorders and abdominal distention. In such cases, of course, examination and treatment by a specialist mycologist is necessary.

— Are fungi developing indoors (in the air, on ceilings, wallpaper, tiles in bathrooms and showers, etc.) dangerous to health, for example, after leaks in central heating, water supply, sewerage and roof systems? Moreover, the spring leaks of roofs last season after a snowy winter brought a lot of problems to the residents of our city, and this year the situation is likely to repeat itself.

NV: Microscopic fungi are ubiquitous, and wherever there is excess moisture and insufficient ventilation, their intensive reproduction is observed. Due to the expressed energy of reproduction, fungi in a short time form a huge number of new cells (spores, conidia), which, getting into the human respiratory organs with air, can cause mycoses, mycoallergosis and mycotoxicosis. The importance of this problem is also due to the fact that people spend a significant part of their time indoors (both residential and industrial). World Health Organization in 2009issued guidelines for protecting public health from the harmful effects of dampness and associated microbial growth and indoor pollution. It states that living in rooms affected by microscopic fungi increases the risk of developing respiratory diseases, respiratory tract infections, and can also lead to an exacerbation of bronchial asthma. In this regard, if there are leaks, mold in the buildings where you live or work, you need to take measures to eliminate the causes of violations of the temperature and humidity regime. It is advisable to involve expert mycologists to assess the degree of fungal contamination of the premises and get their recommendations on how to deal with the resulting biodamage.

the patient must have great patience

Why are fungal infections of the nails and skin so common? This is due to the high resistance of fungal spores in the external environment, as well as the neglect of personal hygiene rules. We talked about the consequences of fungal infections of the nails and skin with the practicing dermatologist of the “Class Clinic” Stepanova Polina Alexandrovna

Tell us, what symptoms should alert the patient with a fungal infection of the nails?

Almost always, a fungal infection of the nails causes a change in the color of the nail plate – often it turns yellow, in some cases it fades. In addition, the nail plate can become deformed, thicken, or, conversely, become thin – peel off. Sometimes its edge becomes very fragile and begins to crumble. There are cases when the thickness of the plate does not change – this is the so-called normotrophic form. If something happens to the nails, if they change color, exfoliate, you should consult a doctor.

Is it true that the fungus affects not only the nails, but also the skin of the foot?

Yes, at the same time, according to my observations, the skin is more often affected first, and only after that the nail plates become infected.

Are there any characteristic rashes that suggest a fungal infection of the skin of the foot before signs appear on the nails?

Of course, a fungal infection of the skin of the feet manifests itself in several forms:

• Erased (asymptomatic) form – extremely subtle, changes do not attract the attention of patients.
• Squamous – with it there is peeling of the skin.
• Hyperkeratotic form – characterized by the appearance of thickening of the skin in the heel area.
• Intertreginous – with this form, cracks and swelling appear in the interdigital spaces.
• Dyshidrotic form – with it bubbles appear on the arches of the feet.

In 30% of cases of fungal diseases of the feet and nails, allergic reactions are possible in the form of skin rashes. With hidden forms of damage, allergic dermatitis, urticaria, and other types of rashes appear on the skin of the arms, legs, and torso. It happens that a patient comes with complaints of allergies, I ask you to show your feet, and he claims that he does not have pain there. During the examination, fungal infections are detected.

Is a visual examination sufficient to confirm the diagnosis of a fungal infection?

No, in almost all cases a microscopic examination is performed. When spores and mycelium of fungi are found, a diagnosis is made. It is a fast method and results can be obtained within minutes. A small amount of material is taken (scraping is done from the skin or nail plate) – on a glass slide and under a microscope.

It is widely believed that you can get infected with a fungus that affects the nails in a public bath, pool, sauna. Tell me, are there other places where you can get this disease?

In my practice, I can note that most often infection with foot fungus occurs at home. As a rule, the main source is family and household contacts. If there is a patient with a fungal disease in the family, then he is a source of fungal infection for the immediate environment.

How to protect family members from infection with a fungus?

The main method of prevention in such cases is the use of individual shoes. Skin flakes and microparticles of a crumbling, exfoliating nail plate should not be found anywhere except for the patient’s shoes. Another important point: the bathroom should have a rug made of a material that can be easily processed with disinfectants. The floor and carpet must be cleaned at least once a week.

If we talk about other skin diseases that are not associated with the foot and nails, but are also caused by fungi, for example, trichophytosis groin, how can this disease be detected or suspected?

The main signs of this disease will be itchy red spots in the groin, with a pronounced border in the form of a roller. In any case, the final diagnosis is made after microscopy of the scraping.

What should and should not be done if a fungal infection is suspected?

If you suspect a fungus, be sure to consult a doctor. Some patients sin by self-medication and, in my opinion, that is why such diseases are so common. People often buy advertised antimycotic drugs in a pharmacy and begin to be treated on their own. The symptoms go away – and the person stops the treatment, and the spores of the fungi remain. As a result, he, believing that he is healthy, is a distributor of the disease. Then the symptoms reappear.

I can say that with such diseases, especially with damage to the nails, complex treatment is necessary – both local and systemic, under the mandatory supervision of a specialist. Often drugs are used that must be taken in parallel with the control of blood and urine tests, biochemical studies. External preparations are used for a long time, several months. They must be used strictly in accordance with the intended use!

How long does it take to completely recover from fungal diseases of nails and skin?

The full course of treatment is carried out for, on average, one year. This is the average time for which the affected part of the nail is replaced by a healthy one. I can say that even patients who are treated by a specialist, but for one reason or another do not complete the full course, return after 2-3 years.