Fungal infections occur when fungi invade the skin, nails, or internal organs. They may be mild, like ringworm, or severe, such as systemic fungal infections in immunocompromised individuals. Early diagnosis and proper antifungal therapy are important to prevent complications.
Classification of Fungal Infections
1. Superficial and Cutaneous Fungal Infections
- Dermatophytosis: Ringworm, athlete’s foot, jock itch
- Candidiasis: Oral thrush, vaginal yeast infection
2. Subcutaneous Fungal Infections
- Sporotrichosis
- Chromoblastomycosis
3. Systemic (Deep) Fungal Infections
- Aspergillosis
- Histoplasmosis
- Cryptococcosis
- Blastomycosis
Causes and Risk Factors
- Warm and humid environments
- Poor hygiene
- Immunosuppressive conditions (HIV, cancer therapy)
- Diabetes
- Long-term antibiotic use
- Use of steroids
- Skin injuries
Symptoms of Fungal Infections
Superficial and Cutaneous Symptoms
- Red, itchy, or scaly patches
- Ring-shaped rash
- White patches in the mouth (oral thrush)
- Vaginal itching and discharge
- Discolored or brittle nails
Systemic Fungal Infection Symptoms
- Fever
- Breathlessness
- Chronic cough
- Fatigue
- Neurological symptoms (in cryptococcal meningitis)
Diagnosis
- KOH preparation: detects fungal elements
- Fungal culture: identifies species
- Microscopy: useful for dermatophytes
- Blood tests: for systemic infections
- Imaging (CT/X-ray): for invasive fungal disease
Treatment of Fungal Infections
1. Topical Antifungal Agents
- Clotrimazole
- Miconazole
- Terbinafine
- Ketoconazole shampoo (for scalp infections)
2. Oral Antifungal Agents
- Fluconazole
- Itraconazole
- Terbinafine
3. Systemic Antifungal Agents (Severe Infections)
- Amphotericin B
- Voriconazole
- Posaconazole
- Echinocandins (caspofungin, micafungin)
Management by Type
Dermatophytosis
- Topical antifungals for mild cases
- Oral terbinafine or itraconazole for severe/widespread infection
Candidiasis
- Oral thrush: nystatin or fluconazole
- Vaginal candidiasis: clotrimazole or fluconazole
Systemic Fungal Infections
- Aspergillosis: voriconazole
- Cryptococcal meningitis: amphotericin B + flucytosine
- Histoplasmosis: amphotericin B or itraconazole
Prevention
- Keep skin dry and clean
- Avoid sharing towels or clothing
- Wear breathable footwear
- Control blood sugar in diabetics
- Good hygiene practices
Patient Counseling
- Complete the full antifungal course
- Maintain hygiene to prevent recurrence
- Avoid scratching the infected area
- Use loose-fitting clothing
- Seek medical help if symptoms worsen or spread
Detailed Notes:
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