Fungi are microorganisms that contain chitin material in their cell wall and can cause fungal infections in your mouth, throat, lungs, urinary tract and many other body parts. Fungal infection, or mycosis, occurs most commonly on your skin, hair, nails or mucous membrane. The symptoms of fungal infections can usually be treated at home by keeping the affected area clean and dry and using OTC antifungal ointment, powder, or spray. However, if the symptoms worsen, you must seek medical attention from a doctor who can prescribe stronger antifungal medications to treat the condition.
What are the Symptoms of Fungal Infections?
The symptoms of fungal infection usually depend on the type of infection and its location in the body. The symptoms most commonly appear on the skin, nails or mucous membrane lining the mouth, throat and vagina. These can also be seen in the mucous membranes (superficial or mucocutaneous), underneath the skin (subcutaneous) or inside other body organs like the lungs, brain or heart (deep infection), intestinal tract or sinuses.
The symptoms appearing on superficial or subcutaneous membranes include:
- Itching
- Soreness
- Rashes in the affected area
- Discoloured, thick or broken nails
- Pain while eating
- Loss of taste
- White patches in the mouth or throat
- Lump under the skin
- Burning sensation in between toes.
The symptoms of fungal infections in the lungs include:
- Coughing, sometimes bloody sputum
- Fatigue
- Fever
- Shortness of breath
- Muscle aches
- Joint pain
- Headache
- Night sweats
The signs of fungal infections in other parts of the body include:
- Fungal infections in or around the brain can lead to headache, fever, neck pain, nausea, sensitivity to light and confusion.
- Fungal infections in the eye cause redness, swelling, white discharge, blurred vision, tearing, and sensitivity to light.
- Fungal infections in the intestinal tract lead to abdominal pain, cramping, nausea, and vomiting.
- The symptoms of fungal infections in the sinuses include fever, nasal congestion, headache, one-sided facial swelling, and face pain.
The fungal infections symptoms in the vagina include:
- Pain
- Itchiness
- Clumpy discharge
- Swelling
- Redness
Conclusion
Fungal infections are mild mycoses that often appear in the body with a rash. The symptoms of fungal infections depend on the type of infection and its location in the body. The infections can be cured using OTC medicine or anti-fungal antibiotics. However, if you are allergic, you must consult a doctor. You can also buy a health insurance plan to cover your treatment expenses, including basic health checkups, diagnostic tests and hospitalisation charges.
Disclaimer: The information provided in this blog is for educational and informational purposes only. It is not intended as a substitute for professional advice, diagnosis or treatment. Please consult a certified medical and/or nutrition professional for any questions. Relying on any information provided in this blog is solely at your own risk, and ICICI Lombard is not responsible for any effects or consequences resulting from the use of the information shared.