Fungal infections: causes, symptoms, lethality and treatments

Candidiasis (Candida albicans): what is candidiasis?

Candida albicans (species of yeast) [4] is a type of fungus that can infect the genitals, urinary tract, mouth, skin, gastrointestinal tract. Note that it is normal for small amounts of candida albicans to be present in human mucous membranes or on the skin. However, if these fungi grow in large numbers, a yeast infection may occur.

A yeast infection in the throat or mouth is called oral thrush. Thrush causes white patches to form in the mouth and throat. Patients who undergo prolonged antibiotic therapy often develop this type of infection. If oral thrush is present, the attending physician can take a throat swab using throat swabs to perform a laboratory culture and detect what types of fungi or other microbes are present.

In women, vaginal yeast infections are relatively common and can cause various symptoms (pain, itching, vaginal discharge with lumpy discharge, swelling, redness). In the case of a suspected vaginal yeast infection, the doctor may perform a pelvic examination (gynecological examination or internal examination) and certain laboratory tests to diagnose a vaginal yeast infection.

Treatment options will depend on the type of yeast infection and each patient's medical condition. Thrush can be treated with oral antifungal drugs (Griseofulvin, Itraconazole, Fluconazole, Albaconazole, Posaconazole, Ravuconazole, Terbinafine,...). Also, during a vaginal yeast infection the doctor may prescribe antifungal medications in the form of creams, pills, vaginal suppositories, and probiotics (lactobacillus acidophilus,...).

Finally, in a study published in 2022 in the journal Nature Chemical Biology [6]researchers at MIT (Massachusetts Institute of Technology) identified components of mucus that may interact with Candida albicans and prevent it from causing infection. These molecules, called glycans, are a major constituent of mucins, the gelling polymers that make up mucus. These results will have important implications in the future for the development of new antimicrobial therapies, in order to better prevent and treat infections by maintaining microorganisms in their commensal forms.

Tinea unguium (nail fungus): how do you know if you have nail fungus?

Onychomycosis, or tinea unguium, is a common type of fungal infection that can affect the toenails and fingernails. Nail fungus most often begins with a small, light-colored spot on a nail. Then it spreads deeper, changing the shape and color of the nail, making it thicker and more fragile (brittle).

Common signs of onychomycosis include but are not limited to yellowish/brownish discoloration, thickening of a nail, pain when pressing on the nail, change in shape of a nail, lifting of the nail from the nail bed. During a consultation to find out if a patient has nail fungus and the type of fungal infection, the attending physician may scrape the affected nail to take a sample for the purpose of carrying out laboratory analysis.

Treatment can sometimes be done with over-the-counter medications, but the doctor may prescribe specific medications such as an anti-fungal nail polish or an antibiotic. This type of infection can be so difficult to treat and contagious, so it is important to consult and follow the advice of the healthcare professional.

Tinea pedis (athlete's foot or intertrigo of the toes): how to treat athlete's foot?

Athlete's foot, or tinea pedis, is a type of fungal infection that can affect the skin of the feet, but also the hands and nails. This infection is caused by dermatophytes, a group of filamentous fungi which can develop in warm, moist areas between the toes.

Particularly common in athletes, hence its name, it can be transmitted from person to person quite easily (contact with contaminated surfaces). Tinea pedis can cause itching (pruritus) or a burning sensation and tingling (paresthesia) between the toes, or on other parts of the foot. The skin may also crack or blister (blister).

During a consultation, in a private practice or in a healthcare establishment, the doctor (dermatologist) can detect athlete's foot quite easily by examining the symptoms of the skin. treatment is usually done with topical antifungal drugs (Clotrimazole. Mycohydralin, Miconazole. Daktarin, Econazole. Dermazol, Isoconazole, Tioconazole, Bifonazole,...).

Tinea cruris (Hebra jock itch): how to detect and treat thejock itch ?

Hebra's jock itch, or tinea cruris, is a fungal infection that can affect the skin in the groin area (part of the body between the upper thigh and the lower abdomen), as well as the inner thighs and buttocks. Like athlete's foot, Hebra's jock itch is a superficial fungal infection of the skin caused by dermatophytes.

This type of fungal infection mainly affects men, although women can also develop it. Common symptoms of Hebra jock itch include redness (erythema)itching (pruritus), burning sensation and tingling (paresthesia), changes in skin color, peeling/cracked skin, rash worse with exercise.

Doctors base their diagnosis on a physical examination to to rule out other conditions, such as psoriasis, and may sometimes scrape cells from the skin and have them examined in the laboratory. Usually treated at home by keeping the area clean and dry, applying an antifungal cream, spray, or powder, the doctor may prescribe stronger antifungal medications depending on the patient and the extent of the infection.

Tinea corporis (ringworm of the body): how to diagnose and treat ringworm of the body?

Ringworm of the body, or tinea corporis, is a fungal infection that can affect the skin and scalp (all of the soft tissues covering the skull). Similar to athlete's foot and Hebra's jock itch, ringworm of the body is caused by dermatophytes. Ringworm of the body is also part of a group of fungi that grow on the skin, especially in moist parts of the body.

Symptoms of ringworm of the body usually begin with a reddish rash (erythema), which may be itchy and scaly. Also, the appearance of ringworm plaques can spread and form red rings, as well as thick and brittle nails, and lesions in the form of blisters. (blister).

A simple examination of the skin in consultation with a healthcare professional can detect ringworm of the body, but the doctor may take a small sample of the affected skin for laboratory testing. Ringworm of the body can be treated with antifungal creams, gels, sprays, or ointments (prescription or over-the-counter).

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