Mycoses refer to a group of fungal infections that can affect humans. These infections are caused by various types of fungi, including yeasts and moulds. Mycoses can manifest in different forms, such as superficial infections on the skin or mucous membranes, or they can penetrate deeper into the body, affecting internal organs and systems. The causes of mycoses can range from environmental exposure to fungi, weakened immune systems, poor hygiene, or specific risk factors like diabetes or prolonged antibiotic use. Common symptoms include itching, redness, rash, pain, and in severe cases, systemic symptoms like fever. Treatment options encompass antifungal medications, both topical and oral, along with preventive measures to minimize the risk of recurrence and spread.

Mycoses, or fungal infections, can affect different parts of the body. Understanding each of these types is crucial for proper diagnosis and treatment.

• Superficial Mycoses: These infections primarily affect the outer layers of the skin, hair, and nails. Examples include athlete’s foot (tinea pedis), ringworm (tinea corporis), and fungal infections of the scalp (tinea capitis). They are typically caused by dermatophyte fungi.
• Cutaneous Mycoses: These infections affect the deeper layers of the skin and its appendages. They can cause conditions like fungal nail infections (onychomycosis) and dermatophytosis. Dermatophytes, yeasts, and moulds are commonly responsible for cutaneous mycoses.
• Subcutaneous Mycoses: These infections occur beneath the skin and are usually caused by traumatic injury or puncture wounds. They involve fungi present in the soil or decaying organic matter. Examples include sporotrichosis and chromoblastomycosis.
• Systemic Mycoses: These can be severe, as they can affect internal organs and spread through the bloodstream, and are commonly caused by inhalation of fungal spores from the environment. Examples include histoplasmosis, cryptococcosis, and coccidioidomycosis.
• Opportunistic Mycoses: These infections primarily affect individuals with weakened immune systems, such as those with HIV/AIDS or undergoing immunosuppressive therapy. Opportunistic fungi, including Candida and Aspergillus species, are responsible for these infections. Each type of mycosis presents with specific symptoms, requires different diagnostic approaches, and may necessitate various treatment options, including antifungal medications, topical treatments, or surgical intervention.

Mycoses, or fungal infections, are caused by various types of fungi. These fungi can be found in the environment, including soil, plants, and decaying organic matter. The causes of mycoses can be categorized as follows:

• Dermatophytes: Dermatophyte fungi are the most common cause of superficial and cutaneous mycoses. They thrive on dead keratinized tissues like the skin, hair, and nails, leading to infections such as athlete’s foot, ringworm, and fungal nail infections.
• Candida: Candida species are opportunistic fungi that naturally reside in the body, particularly in the mouth, gastrointestinal tract, and genital area. However, overgrowth of Candida can occur due to factors such as a weakened immune system, hormonal changes, antibiotic use, or diabetes, resulting in conditions like oral thrush or vaginal yeast infections.
• Opportunistic Fungi: Certain fungi cause infections primarily in individuals with compromised immune systems. These infections may occur in people with HIV/AIDS, those undergoing chemotherapy, or individuals receiving immunosuppressive therapy.
• Environmental Exposure: Inhalation of fungal spores present in the environment can lead to systemic mycoses. Fungi like Histoplasma, Coccidioides, and Blastomyces can cause infections when these spores are inhaled, primarily in regions where these fungi are endemic.
• Traumatic Injury: Subcutaneous mycoses can occur when fungi enter the body through traumatic injury, such as puncture wounds or thorn pricks, exposing the deeper layers of the skin to fungal contamination. It is worth noting that the susceptibility to fungal infections can be influenced by factors like weakened immune systems, poor hygiene, excessive moisture, certain medical conditions (e.g., diabetes), and prolonged antibiotic or corticosteroid use. Understanding the causes of mycoses can aid in the prevention and prompt treatment of these infections.

The symptoms of mycoses, or fungal infections, can vary depending on the type and location of the infection. However, some common symptoms may occur:

• When found on Skin: Superficial mycoses often manifest as itching, redness, scaling, and a characteristic circular rash. It may also cause blisters, pustules, or raised, scaly patches on the skin.
• When found on Nails: Fungal nail infections (onychomycosis) can lead to thickened, brittle, discoloured nails that may become distorted or crumble. Infected nails may also exhibit a foul odour.
• When found on Mucous Membrane: Fungal infections of the mucous membranes, show signs like oral thrush or vaginal yeast infections. It can cause pain, itching, redness, swelling, and abnormal discharge.
• Systemic Symptoms: Systemic mycoses affect internal organs, and may be present with systemic symptoms like fever, chills, fatigue, weight loss, and night sweats. These infections can be more severe and require prompt medical attention.
• Respiratory: Symptoms Inhalation of fungal spores can cause respiratory symptoms like cough, shortness of breath, wheezing, chest pain, and flu-like symptoms. This is common in some systemic mycoses, and the symptoms can vary among individuals depending on the immune status of the person.

If you suspect a fungal infection, it’s recommended to seek medical evaluation for an accurate diagnosis and appropriate treatment.

In conclusion, when it comes to diagnosing and treating mycoses, it is imperative to seek the expertise of a trusted healthcare partner. At the CK Birla Hospital, we bring multiple disciplines under one roof giving you easy access to world-class medical care, state of the art infrastructure and compassionate care. With our team of specialist doctors and their extensive knowledge and experience, we can give prompt and accurate diagnosis and treatment. Reach out to us to book an appointment here.