Fungal infection poses a great threat to mankind as there has been a significant enhancement in mortality rates. Fungi may infect us superficially by damaging the skin tissues or infect the bloodstream and cause severe disease conditions that need immediate medical attention. Newborn babies, old age persons, and people suffering from chronic diseases like cancer, autoimmune, HIV, or diabetes have compromised immunity, which makes them prone to fungal infections. Furthermore, sometimes compromised environmental conditions and poor hygiene practices may lead to acute fungal infections. Therefore, knowing the cause, symptoms, prevention, and treatment strategies of fungal infection is essential. This article will discuss all these sections and enlighten our readers, which will make them aware of these severe clinical conditions. 

What is fungal infection? 

It is defined as a disease condition caused by fungus. Generally, people with poor immunity are infected with this infection. It generally affects the skin, hair, nails, and mucous membranes; however, persistent mycosis or fungal infection may infect the lungs and blood. 

What are the three major types of fungal infection? 

Majorly, fungal infections are classified into three categories such as superficial, subcutaneous, and deep fungal infections. 

1. Superficial fungal infections: Fungal species like Candida, Malassezia, etc., may cause infections around the skin, nails, and mucous membranes. 
2. Subcutaneous fungal infections: In this clinical condition, underneath the surface of the skin is infected by a fungus, which causes inflammation. Diseases like Sporotrichosis, Eumycetoma, and Chromoblastomycosis may affect the skin, lungs, and feet and cause severe complications for the patients. 
3. Deep fungal infections: It is a severe disease condition in which vital organs like the lungs, heart, brain, and urinary tract are affected by fungi. Histoplasmosis, Blastomycosis, and Mucormycosis are the major diseases that fall under this category. 

What are the major symptoms of fungal infection? 

Symptoms may vary according to the type of fungal infection. Herein, we will discuss the common symptoms of superficial and deep fungal infections. 

Symptoms for superficial fungal infection:

• Itching, 
• Redness, 
• Brittle nails, 
• Decolored skin, 
• Pain while eating and chewing

Symptoms of deep fungal infections

• Headache
• Fever, 
• Cough, 
• Shortened breath, 
• Muscle pain
• Fatigue 
• Vomiting, etc. 

What are the causes of fungal infection? 

Fungi are opportunistic microorganisms that live in our body and environment. However, they may cause infection due to a weakened immune system, poor hygiene practices, excessive sweat, ignorance of skin injury for a longer duration of time, and excessive use of antibiotics. Chronic diseases like HIV, diabetes, cancer, and autoimmunity make patients susceptible to fungal infection. Environmental conditions such as high humidity and poor ventilation further contribute to the growth and spread of fungi.

How to prevent fungal infection? 

There are three major ways to prevent fungal infection.

1. Hygiene practices: Regular hand and foot washing helps prevent fungal infections, as the surfactant present in soap solution ruptures the cell wall of fungi and kills them. Similarly, if you are experiencing excessive sweat, try to avoid skin-fitting clothes. 

It is also important to take care of our nails, as they provide a suitable surface for fungal growth. You may avoid nail clippers and other grooming products that enhance the chances of fungal infection. 

2. Environmental control: Fungi enjoy growing in moist conditions, so living in a house with poor ventilation may make you prone to fungal infection. Therefore put some effort into enhancing the ventilation in your living area so that you can get an adequate amount of sunlight and wind. 

Furthermore, try to avoid walking barefoot in soil and dirty floors. Use of contaminated water can also be avoided in order to prevent fungal infection. 

3. Immunity: Take care of your immunity, as fungal infections are more common in people with compromised immunity. You may enhance your immunity by having a balanced diet that includes an adequate amount of protein, vitamins, carbohydrates, and minerals. Try to do some physical exercise or practice yoga and meditation. Getting an adequate amount of sleep also boosts your immune system. 

Researchers have developed several therapeutic strategies to treat fungal infections, which are discussed below. Many fungal infections can be treated with over-the-counter antifungal creams, ointments, sprays, and tablets. Common active ingredients include clotrimazole, miconazole, and terbinafine. You can apply these treatments as directed, usually for at least two weeks, even if symptoms improve sooner. For example, Daktarin Gel 40gm, which contains miconazole, is one of the most used antifungal medicines to treat fungal infections in the skin. Fungal infections can be managed by following these prevention strategies. If you have persistent fungal infections, it is essential to consult a doctor immediately.