Fungal infections, or mycoses, are any disease or condition caused by a fungus. Fungal infections usually affect the skin, hair, nails, or mucous membranes. However, they can also infect your lungs or other body parts.
Fungi are living things. They move around by spreading out or sending spores into the air or the environment. Many fungi live naturally in our mouth, GI tract, and skin, but can overgrow under certain circumstances.
Scientists estimate that there are millions of fungi in the world, but only a small number of them are known to cause disease in people. This includes certain types of yeasts and molds. Some infections can be opportunistic, meaning they don’t usually cause infections, however, they can take advantage of a weakened immune system.
Anyone is susceptible to a fungal infection, especially those that affect the skin or nails. Fungal infections are more common in places on the body that trap moisture or have a lot of friction. A person is at higher risk of fungal infections if they have poor circulation, diabetes, or a weakened immune system from:
- HIV/AIDS
- Cancer or cancer treatments
- Immunosuppressant medications
There are three types of fungal infections: superficial or mucocutaneous, subcutaneous (underneath the skin), or deep infections (inside other organs).
Symptoms of fungal infections depend on the kind and where it is on the body. Symptoms are most common on the skin, nails, or mucous membranes. Sometimes, symptoms of an infection can be present in the lungs, brain, eyes, intestinal tract, or sinuses.
Symptoms of superficial or subcutaneous infections include:
- Itching, soreness, redness, or a rash in the affected area
- Discolored, thick, or cracked nails
- Pain while eating, loss of taste, or white patches in the mouth or throat
- A painless lump under the skin
Symptoms of fungal infections in the lungs include:
- Cough, sometimes producing blood
- Fatigue
- Fever
- Shortness of breath
- Muscle aches
- Joint pain
- Headache
- Night sweats
Symptoms of fungal infections in other body parts can include:
- A fungal infection in or around the brain: headache, fever, neck pain, nausea/vomiting, sensitivity to light, confusion
- A fungal infection of the eyes: pain, redness, discharge, blurred vision, tearing, sensitivity to light
- A fungal infection of the intestinal tract: abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting
- A fungal infection in the sinuses: fever, nasal congestion, headache, one-sided facial swelling, facial pain
A healthcare provider diagnoses a fungal infection depending on where it is on the body. They may look for signs of fungus in, or try to grow fungus from samples of:
- Skin or other affected tissue
- Nail clippings
- Blood
- Phlegm
- Fluid around the brain and spinal cord
- Pee
- Fluid from the eye
- Vaginal discharge
If a healthcare provider thinks there is a fungal infection in the lungs, brain, or other internal organs, they might perform X-rays, an MRI, or CT imaging to look for signs of infection.
To treat a fungal infection, a healthcare provider may prescribe antifungal treatment in the form of:
- Oral medications
- IV medication
- Lotion, cream, or powder
- Mouthwash or lozenges
- Eye drops
- Shampoo
There are many ways to reduce the risk of various fungal infections, including practicing good personal hygiene and protecting yourself from fungi in the environment.
If you are experiencing symptoms of a fungal infection, visit Flushing Hospital Medical Center’s Ambulatory Care Center. To schedule an appointment, please call (718) 670-5486.
All content of this newsletter is intended for general information purposes only and is not intended or implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Please consult a medical professional before adopting any of the suggestions on this page. You must never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking medical treatment based upon any content of this newsletter. PROMPTLY CONSULT YOUR PHYSICIAN OR CALL 911 IF YOU BELIEVE YOU HAVE A MEDICAL EMERGENCY.