Fungal Infections Overview

Fungal Infections

• Fungal infections, like oral thrush, athlete's foot, yeast infections, and jock itch, affect various parts of the body.
• The immune system normally combats harmful organisms (viruses, bacteria, and fungi), maintaining a balance with beneficial microbes.
• Protective mechanisms can fail, allowing microbes to become pathogenic.
• Oral thrush (candidiasis) is caused by Candida albicans, a common fungus in the mouth. It accumulates on the mouth's lining.
• Candida albicans is normally present in the mouth but can overgrow and cause symptoms.
• Oral thrush is more prevalent in infants and older adults due to weakened immunity. It can also affect individuals with suppressed immune systems, certain health conditions, or those taking medications.
• Symptoms of oral thrush include creamy white lesions on the tongue, inner cheeks, and potentially the roof of the mouth, gums, and tonsils. These lesions may appear slightly raised and have a cottage cheese-like appearance.
• Additional symptoms include redness, burning, or pain that can make eating or swallowing difficult. There may also be a cottony feeling in the mouth, loss of taste, and redness, irritation, and pain under dentures.
• In severe cases, oral thrush can spread to the esophagus (candidiasis esophagitis). This leads to swallowing difficulties or a feeling of food getting stuck in the throat.
• Infants and nursing mothers may experience feeding difficulties and pass the infection back and forth.
• Risk factors include a weakened immune system, including those affected by cancer, treatments, organ transplantations, diseases such as diabetes, and HIV/AIDS.
• Some medications (like prednisone or inhaled corticosteroids, antibiotics) can disrupt the natural balance of microorganisms, increasing the likelihood of a yeast infection.
• Other oral factors increasing fungal growth include dentures, especially upper ones, or conditions leading to dry mouth.

Athlete's Foot

• Tinea pedis, or athlete's foot, is a common fungal infection of the foot.
• The fungus thrives in warm, humid environments like socks, shoes, sports equipment, and locker rooms.
• This infection can affect anyone, not just athletes.
• Athlete's foot is more common in warmer climates and during the summer.
• Diagnosis involves scraping skin and viewing the sample under a microscope.
• Treatment typically uses topical antifungal ointments and, sometimes additional oral medications.
• Prevention includes keeping the feet clean and dry, allowing for air circulation, and considering wearing sandals in public shower or locker areas,

Yeast Infection

• Vaginal yeast infections are common fungal overgrowths in women, typically caused by Candida albicans.
• Candida overgrowth disrupts the balance of bacteria and yeast within the vagina.
• Possible causes of imbalance include antibiotics, stress, hormonal imbalances, or poor eating habits.
• Yeast infections can also lead to fungal toenail infections and diaper rash.
• Symptoms include itching, swelling, burning sensations, redness, unusual discharge (resembling cottage cheese or a watery discharge). A rash might develop in some instances.
• Untreated yeast infections can worsen, leading to more intense symptoms.

Jock Itch

• Tinea cruris, known as jock itch, is a common fungal skin infection.
• Fungi thrive in warm and humid environments in areas such as the groin, buttocks and inner thighs.
• This is prevalent during warmer seasons or humid environments.
• Jock itch is somewhat contagious and spread through contact with infected persons or objects.
• The infection typically appears on the body as an itchy, red rash, often in a circular shape.
• Symptoms include redness, irritation, burning sensations and a rash that has a raised circular shape with edges. Cracking or peeling of the skin is also common.
• Diagnosing jock itch is often based on appearance, but a skin sample can be taken for confirmation if needed.
• Treatment involves topical antifungal creams and maintaining personal hygiene, particularly keeping the affected area clean and dry.
• Prevention includes avoiding contact with those already infected or using shared items.