Mycosis - Symptoms, causes and treatment

Mycoses or mIcosis is a fungal infection that can attack surface and layers skin to organs in human body. Mycosis generally affects people withsystem good immunity weak.

There are many different types of fungi that can cause infections in humans, and some types of fungi can attack more than one different part of the body.

Most cases of mycoses occur due to exposure to fungal sources, such as molds in the air to soil or fungi contained in animal waste. Some types of mycoses or fungal infections can also be passed from one person to another.

type and Mycosis Symptoms

Symptoms of mycosis vary, depending on the type of fungus and the part of the body that is infected. Here are the symptoms of mycosis:

mycosis lout

External mycoses or superficial mycoses are fungal infections of the skin (dermatomycosis) and mucous membranes (cutaneous mycoses), for example in the mouth. Here are some symptoms of external mycoses based on the type of fungus and the disease:

  • Panu

    Pityriasis versicolor or tinea versicolor is a fungal infection that attacks the surface of the skin. Symptoms that appear are patches of light colored skin (hypopigmentation), dark (hyperpigmentation), or redness. The body parts that are often attacked by tinea versicolor are the neck, shoulders, back, stomach, and chest area.

  • Ringworm

    Ringworm or tinea is a fungal infection of the skin that can attack almost all parts of the body. Symptoms include a red rash that looks like a ring. The rash is itchy and if it is on the scalp it can cause hair loss.

  • Candidiasis

    Candidiasis can occur in the mouth, esophagus, intestines, and vagina. Symptoms vary, depending on the location. For example, when candidiasis occurs in the mouth, the symptoms are white spots inside the mouth and chapped lips.

Organ mycosis dnatural

Mycosis of internal organs or mycoses deep is a fungal infection that attacks internal organs, such as the lungs, so that it can spread into the bloodstream. Symptoms of internal organ mycoses depend on the organ affected. For example, pulmonary mycoses can cause symptoms of cough, fever, weight loss, chest pain, and shortness of breath.

Internal organ mycoses usually occur in people with low immune systems, so they are more serious and can be fatal.

When to go to the doctor

In many cases, superficial mycoses do not require a doctor's examination because they can be cured with over-the-counter antifungal creams, such as miconazole, as a home remedy. A doctor's examination and treatment is needed if the disease does not go away despite using antifungal creams.

Some cases of mycoses of internal organs are serious conditions. If left untreated, this condition can cause permanent organ damage and even death. Immediately see a doctor if you experience mycosis symptoms in internal organs, especially in someone with a low immune system, such as people with HIV/AIDS and diabetes.

Regular check-ups to the doctor also need to be carried out by someone who has a decreased immune system. Examination aims to monitor the progress of the disease and prevent complications.

Causes of Mycosis

Mycosis is caused by different types of fungi. The following are the causes of mycoses by type:

mycosis outside

Some of the types of fungi that cause mycosis include:

  • Malassezia furfur, reason pityriasis versicolor or tinea versicolor.
  • Trichophyton or Microsporum, the cause of tinea or ringworm.
  • Candida, the cause of candidiasis.

In addition, there are several factors that can increase the risk of external mycoses, including:

  • Living in a humid environment
  • Excessive sweating (hyperhidrosis)
  • Often wears tight clothes
  • Have a weak immune system

mycosis internal organ

A person can still be infected with fungi in the internal organs even though they do not have a weakened immune system, known as primary mycoses. Usually primary mycoses occur when the body is exposed to fungi in large quantities or with high intensity, for example when living in an area with a lot of fungal infections.

The way the fungus enters the body varies, but usually enters through the respiratory system. Several types of fungi that can cause primary mycoses are: Coccidioides immitis, Histoplasma capsulatum, Blastomyces dermatitidis, and Paracoccidioides brasiliensis.

In someone who has a decreased immune system, fungal infections usually attack the lungs. Mycoses of internal organs that attack people with low immune systems are called opportunistic mycoses. Some conditions that can cause a decrease in the immune system are:

  • Suffering from HIV/AIDS
  • Suffering from diabetes
  • After receiving donor organs
  • Are doing chemotherapy for cancer treatment
  • Taking immunosuppressant drugs for autoimmune diseases

In addition to the lungs, the fungus can enter the body through the mouth or medical devices attached to the body when hospitalized. The type of fungal infection that falls into this category is cryptococcosis, candidiasis, aspergillosis, zygomycosis, phaeohyphomycosis, and hyalohyphomycosis.

Mycosis Diagnosis

Examinations performed by doctors to diagnose mycosis are differentiated based on the location of the infection that occurs. Here's the explanation:

External mycosis

In external mycoses, the examination begins by asking the symptoms that appear and performing a physical examination. In most cases, fungal infections of the skin cause characteristic symptoms and can be diagnosed without the need for investigations.

However, if atypical symptoms appear, the doctor will perform several supporting examinations in the form of skin scrapings or taking samples of deeper skin tissue (skin biopsy) for examination in the laboratory.

Mycosis of internal organs

Symptoms of mycoses of internal organs are sometimes not typical, so a fungal examination in the laboratory needs to be done to determine the type of fungus and infection, and determine the necessary treatment. The examination will take samples of body fluids, such as blood, urine, phlegm, and brain fluid, or samples of affected organ tissue.

In certain cases, such as a fungal infection in the sinuses or lungs, the doctor may perform an examination through a scan with X-rays to determine the location of the fungal infection and assess the extent of tissue damage.

Mycosis Treatment

Mycosis can be treated with antifungal drugs. The types of antifungal drugs used vary, depending on the type of mycoses.

Most external mycoses are adequately treated with topical antifungal medications in the form of creams, lotions, powders, liquids, sprays, or drops. However, there are some mycoses of this type that also require oral antifungal medications. For mycoses of internal organs, the treatment used is antifungal drugs that are taken orally or injected.

If needed, a surgical procedure can also be performed to remove tissue damaged by a fungal infection. The provision of medication and other treatments can be considered according to the patient's condition.

Mycosis Complications

Mycosis can cause different complications, depending on the type and location. Internal organ mycoses can spread to the bloodstream and get worse over time. If left untreated, these fungal infections can lead to multiple organ failure.

Mycosis Prevention

To prevent fungal infections, the most appropriate way is to ensure that the body and the environment where you live are free from fungal growth.

Fungi like to grow in moist environments and body parts. Therefore, the following steps can prevent mycosis due to a humid body, including:

  • Avoid wearing tight clothes
  • Avoid repeated use of clothing, including underwear.
  • When the clothes are wet from sweat, immediately change to dry clothes.
  • Always wear clean, dry socks.
  • Clean shoes need to be considered by washing them regularly.

Because some types of mycoses can be transmitted, it's best not to share personal items, such as towels and combs, with other people.

Regular check-ups to the doctor can also be one of the right preventive steps for someone who has a low immune system to avoid mycosis.