Fungal infections are infections caused by a type of organism called a fungus. Fungi are all over the world and usually don’t infect people. For example, mushrooms are a type of fungus. However, some types of fungus can cause infections in the human body, especially in people who have HIV (human immunodeficiency virus). The most common types of fungal infections are vaginal thrush and infections of the skin, fingernails, or toenails. More serious fungal infections can occur in the eye, lungs, brain, or blood.
The symptoms of a fungal infection depend upon the type of fungus causing the infection, the person’s overall health and where in the body is affected. Some symptoms which could indicate a fungal infection are:
A person usually comes into contact with fungi in their daily environment without problems. They might become infected with a fungus if they:
The biggest risk factor for serious fungal infections is being immunocompromised. For these people, their immune system isn’t working as well as it should. The most common reasons for being immunocompromised include untreated HIV/AIDS, people being treated for cancer, and people taking certain medications for other medical conditions.
A healthcare professional can diagnose a fungal infection. Sometimes, a fungal infection is diagnosed by history and physical examination alone. Sometimes, skin, nail, or hair scrapings or needed. In other cases, a swab, bloods, and imaging may be required.
Most mild fungal infections don’t cause complications. However, in the most serious cases, a fungal infection can spread throughout the body and cause death.
Treatment for fungal infections is with medications called antifungals. Depending on where in the body is infected, antifungal creams or vaginal pessaries may be prescribed. For more serious infections, antifungal medications can be given via tablets, capsules, or via cannula.
Preventing fungal infections often includes maintaining good personal hygiene. Bathing or showering after becoming sweaty or working outdoors helps minimise any pathogens that may be on the skin. Wearing flip flops while walking on the floors of public showers and locker rooms can prevent fungal infections on the skin of the feet. Brushing and flossing teeth and caring for the mouth can help prevent fungal infections of the mouth. Always dressing in clean, dry underwear and socks daily prevents fungus from growing in damp clothing then spreading to the body. Only take antibiotics when they are prescribed by a healthcare professional, as taking too many antibiotics can cause an imbalance in the body where a fungus can grow.
For patients with HIV/AIDs, following their treatment regimen exactly as their doctor has prescribed it can put their HIV into remission with an undetectable viral load. Once HIV viral load is undetectable, a person’s chances of catching a serious fungal infection drop dramatically.