Mycosis of the nails, skin, mouth, vagina, penis, anus and other parts of the body [EXPLAINED]

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Tinea is a common disease of the skin or organs that makes itself felt by troublesome symptoms, often itching and skin lesions. A fungal infection can develop when we come into contact with an infectious fungus in a swimming pool, but it can also arise spontaneously when the normally harmless fungi present in our body find favorable conditions. What mycoses attack a person? How to recognize and treat dermatophytosis and candidiasis?

Mycosis, candidiasis or thrush?

Fungal infections are problematic conditions that can affect various areas of the body and organs. At the same time, they are difficult to heal completely due to the likelihood of recurrence. Ringworm is a general term for a disease caused by pathogenic microscopic fungi. Among the numerous group of fungal species in humans, disease may be caused by about 200-300 of them. The following is commonly accepted division of human pathogenic fungi:

1. dermatofity – fungi causing dermatophytosis, i.e. mycoses of keratinized structures within the epidermis, hair and nails; diseases caused by dermatophytes are contagious, they can spread to humans from other people, and sometimes also from animals or soil;
2. yeast-like mushrooms – fungi causing candidiasis, or yeasts, in the skin, mucous membranes and sometimes internal organs; first of all, they are mushrooms from the family Candida (especially the species Candida albicans); yeasts occur naturally in the human body, but under certain circumstances (mainly weakened immunity) they cause infections, also known as opportunistic infections;
3. mold fungi – their example is the fungi of the family Aspergillus, they cause diseases only under favorable conditions, most often they are systemic mycoses in people with reduced immunity.

Nail fungus – a problem not only aesthetic

Onychomycosis is a disease also known as onychomycosis. It manifests itself, inter alia, changes in color, and with time also in the structure of the nail, the surface of which becomes thickened, dull, wavy and brittle. Most often, onychomycosis develops within toenails, less often hands. This is due to the fact that fungi like humidity and higher temperatures, which is why their development is influenced by the wearing of windproof shoes and socks made of synthetic materials or by sweating feet.

The unsightly changes on the nails are just one of the negative effects of onychomycosis. If left untreated, the disease causes the nail plate to crumble and damage it, and it can also infect other people. Some fungi can also affect the nail folds (candidiasis of the nails and nail folds), cause soreness, swelling and the appearance of purulent discharge. People with immune disorders, hypothyroidism, diabetes or taking certain medications are more likely to develop onychomycosis and other fungal diseases.

Read also:

1. Nail fungus – types, causes, treatment, prevention
2. Medicines for onychomycosis – how to choose the best?

Skin mycosis – when to see a dermatologist?

Dermatophytosis is a general term that refers to fungal or yeast infections that can develop in different parts of the body. Depending on the type of pathogenic fungus, the infection can spread, spread to other parts of the body, and get worse. Any skin changes that may indicate mycosis should be consulted with a dermatologist – the appearance of mycosis may be a symptom of other, more serious diseases.

Symptoms of mycoses of the skin are varied. Usually, some forms of disease appear, which may take the form of exfoliating areas, lesions separated from the rest of the skin, erythema, pustules, tumors, infiltrates, red eruptions, vesicles, or epidermal lesions and cracks. The changes may be accompanied by inflammation, itching and sometimes painfulness.

Also read: Fungal skin infections – learn more

A few are outlined below groups of mycoses of the skinwith which you may contact.

Dermatophytosis:

1. mycosis of smooth skin;
2. mycosis of the scalp.

Skin yeasts:

1. yeast infection of skin folds;
2. interdigital erosive yeast erosion;
3. hair follicle yeast.

Vaginal mycosis – a common female ailment

Vaginal mycosis, either vulvovaginitis or vaginal and vulvar candidiasisis a troublesome and common disease caused by yeasts Candida. Most women deal with vaginal mycosis at least once, and nearly half of those affected deal with episodic recurrences and require re-treatment up to twice a year.

Over-the-counter medications and probiotics can be used to treat vaginal mycosis, but most antifungal agents require a prescription from a gynecologist. Appropriate prophylactic measures are also extremely important, as well as treatment of the sexual partner in order to reduce the risk of re-infections. Vaginal candidiasis, however, is mainly a condition that occurs regardless of sexual intercourse.

Find out more:

1. Vaginal mycosis – causes, symptoms, treatment, prevention
2. Over-the-counter medications for vaginal mycosis – creams, globules, probiotics

Penis mycosis – how to treat it?

Mycosis in the genital area is not only a problem that occurs in women – men are diagnosed with mycosis of the penis. Symptoms in the initial stage of the disease are most often a rash (also with purulent content) on the penis, itching and redness. In the course of mycosis of the penis inflammation, swelling and redness of the glans, penile itching and irritation may develop. You are likely to have an unpleasant-smelling discharge, a dense white substance remaining in the folds of the skin, and discomfort when urinating and having intercourse.

Please consult your doctor about any ailments that may suggest penile mycosis or inflammation and dermatological changes. In the case of a fungal infection, treatment with antifungal preparations in the form of a gel or cream is initiated, sometimes oral medications are also indicated. Untreated mycosis of the penis it poses a risk of complications, including inflammation of the epididymis, prostate enlargement, and fertility problems.

1. Read more: Penile mycosis – causes, symptoms and treatment of penile mycosis

Rectal mycosis – do not underestimate the symptoms

The development of mycosis of the anus is favored by other fungal infections (e.g. of the genital organs, digestive system), which can spread to these areas. However, the increased development of pathogenic fungi is usually associated with an imbalance in the body, e.g. as a result of antibiotic therapy, systemic diseases or weakening of the immune system. The anus is a place that creates good conditions for fungi to thrive, especially in the case of inadequate hygiene, when this area remains moist.

One of the most troublesome symptoms of anal mycosis is itching, which can be alleviated by antifungal drugs and other pharmacological agents. Itching around the anus does not necessarily mean ringworm and is sometimes the result of hemorrhoids, anal fissure or pinworm infection. That is why it is so important to visit a doctor who will recognize the cause of the ailments.

1. See: Mycosis of the anus – causes, symptoms, treatment

Oral mycosis – a sign of decreased immunity

Mushrooms are natural inhabitants of the mouth, the so-called commensals. Therefore, they are not harmful when the body’s balance is maintained. However, many factors can disturb it, including general diseases, deficiencies, medications, as well as local inflammatory changes, mucosal injuries or improper hygiene. It is quite a common disease of the gastrointestinal mucosa oral candidiasis. When fungi occupy this part of the gastrointestinal tract, thrush and mycosis of the esophagus are also diagnosed.

Fungal lesions in the mouth, throat or esophagus usually indicate some form of weakened immune system. Sometimes antibiotics or other pharmacotherapy are to blame, other times oral mycosis is a signal informing about chronic diseases. Oral mycosis may be indicated by reddening of the mucosa and the presence of whitish plaques and fungal membranes on it.

1. Check also: What forms does oral mycosis take?

Mycosis of the feet, or why you need to be careful in the pool

Wearing covered shoes, lack of caution in public places, intensive sports and poorly balanced foot hygiene are just some of the factors contributing to the development of mycosis in this part of the body. As with other mycoses, also fungal infection in the feet has many probable causes. Some of them are independent of us (e.g. old age, some diseases, performing a profession such as a miner), but appropriate prophylaxis significantly reduces the risk of transmission of infection from another person.

Foot mycosis is the most common dermatophytosis that we become infected with, walking barefoot in public places – swimming pools, saunas, gyms, shared bathrooms. It is also risky to wear someone else’s shoes. The multiplication of fungi in the area of ​​the feet is also favored by improper washing of the feet, e.g. not wiping them dry or scrubbing them too frequently and intensively, leading to excessive abrasion of the epidermis. Foot mycosis should be treated as soon as possible, as it can spread to the nails and lead to athlete’s foot.

1. Find out more information: Athlete’s foot – everything you need to know

Hand mycosis – a disease secondary to athlete’s foot

In the context of athlete’s foot, it is important to remember about the risk of spreading the infection to other parts of the body, including the hands. It turns out that almost always when placing diagnosis of mycosis of the hands it turns out that it is a secondary disorder to the athlete’s foot mycosis. The fungi usually cause skin lesions on one hand. Mycosis of the hands can manifest itself in the form of exfoliative, sweat and maceration mycosis.

1. Also check: Mycosis of the feet and hands – how to recognize and treat it?

Ringworm of the groin – what are its causes?

Another type of fungal infection is jock itch caused by dermatophytes. Due to anatomical reasons, this disease is more common among men, it spreads to the groin area, e.g. from the feet. Therefore, the patient may develop tinea pedis and tinea pedis at the same time.

Do symptoms of ringworm includes erythematous-exfoliating lesions, papules, vesicles, and severe itching. From the groin area, lesions can spread to the anus and perineum, therefore an early medical consultation and initiation of treatment is recommended.

1. Read on: Inguinal mycosis – causes, symptoms, diagnosis, treatment, prevention

How to recognize mycosis and when to see a doctor?

The diagnosis of mycosis is not easy – its initial symptoms are easily underestimated, and in the advanced stages, the disease can be confused with other diseases. The diagnosis of mycosis should be dealt with by an appropriate specialist who will rule out immunological and dermatological diseases (e.g. psoriasis, lichen), bacterial infections and other potential diseases. In some cases, it may be necessary to conduct research for this purpose. Also, when mycosis is found, laboratory diagnostics, specifically mycological tests, turn out to be useful. They will help to identify the species of fungus and choose the drugs to which it is most sensitive.

In the case of skin lesions, it is best to go to a dermatologist, and vaginal mycosis will be treated by a gynecologist. However, if we suspect mycosis of the penis, anus, mycosis of the gastrointestinal tract, systemic mycosis or we have doubts as to the nature of the changes, it is best to start with an internist who will refer the patient to an appropriate specialist.

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Also check:

1. Factors that increase the likelihood of “catching” ringworm
2. Facts and myths about athlete’s foot
3. Where can you get infected with mycosis