What are the symptoms of fungal infections?
-
Sometimes you will not know that you have a fungal infection for months after infection. Once your symptoms do develop, they differ depending on which part of the body is affected and if it is a superficial or deep tissue infection. Fungal infection of the skin, hair, or nails is called tinea or ringworm. Ringworm is a red ring on the skin that spreads outward in a circular pattern. These types of red rashes can also occur in the groin area and on the feet. Candida is a yeast infection that can affect women, men, and babies, but is most common in women. If the fungal infection affects deep tissue it can cause severe lung, blood, and systemic diseases.
Helpful? 1 person found this helpfulSometimes you will not know that you have a fungal infection for months after infection. Once your symptoms do develop, they differ depending on which part of the body is affected and if it is a superficial or deep tissue infection. Fungal infection... More -
Nail beds: Patients who have fungal nail infections (onychomycosis) may develop thick, brittle, or crumbly fingernails or toenails, which may be painful. The nails may become distorted in shape, flat, or dull. The nails may be yellow, green, brown, or black in color, and they may emit a foul odor. In some cases, infected nails may separate from the nail bed, causing a condition called onycholysis.
Mouth: Symptoms of oral thrush may develop suddenly. Oral thrush typically causes creamy white lesions on the tongue, inner cheek, and sometimes, the gums, tonsils, and roof of the mouth. These lesions are often painful in patients with weakened immune systems, and they may bleed slightly when they are rubbed.
Esophagus: Severe cases of oral thrush may spread into the esophagus. This is most likely to occur if oral thrush is left untreated or if the patient is extremely immunocompromised. Common symptoms of esophageal candidiasis include pain or difficulty swallowing and the sensation of food sticking to the throat. The pain may be so severe that it is difficult to eat. A fever may indicate that the infection has spread beyond the esophagus.
Lungs: Symptoms of histoplasmosis typically develop about 17 days after the fungal spores were inhaled. Common symptoms include fever, headache, dry cough, chills, chest pain, weight loss, and sweats.
Vagina: Common symptoms of vulvovaginal candidiasis (yeast infection) include itching, watery or curd-like vaginal discharge that is white in color, vaginal erythema (reddening of the skin), pain during sexual intercourse (dyspareunia), painful urination, swollen labia and vulva, and vaginal lesions. Symptoms generally worsen during menstruation because the hormonal changes provide a better environment for fungal growth.
Feet: Fungal infections of the feet, such as athlete's foot, may cause burning or itching anywhere on the feet. Symptoms are usually most noticeable in between the toes. Patients may also develop itchy blisters, cracked or peeling skin, dry skin, or toenails that are thick, crumbly, discolored, or pulling away from the nail bed.
You should read product labels, and discuss all therapies with a qualified healthcare provider. Natural Standard information does not constitute medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.
Nail beds: Patients who have fungal nail infections (onychomycosis) may develop thick, brittle, or crumbly fingernails or toenails, which may be painful. The nails may become distorted in shape, flat, or dull. The nails may be yellow, green,... More
