What is Mycosis?
Mycosis, in humans and pets, is a disease caused by any fungus that invades the tissues, causing superficial, subcutaneous, or systemic disease. Superficial fungal infections, also called dermatophytosis, are confined to the skin and are caused by Microsporum, Trichophyton, or Epidermophyton species.
Causes
Antibiotics are a risk factor for fungal infections.
People with compromised immune system are also at higher risk of fungal infections. Characteristic cases of patients with weakened immune system are people with HIV / AIDS, individuals under treatment with steroids, and patients under chemotherapy. Individuals who have diabetes also tend to develop fungal infections. Very young children and the elderly are also at greatest risk.
Classification
Mycoses are classified according to the tissue levels initially colonised.
Superficial Mycoses
Superficial mycoses are limited to the outermost layers of the skin and hair. An example of such a fungal infection is Tinea versicolor, an infection that commonly affects the skin of young people, especially the chest, back, and upper arms and legs. Tinea versicoloris caused by a fungus that normally lives in the skin.
It does not usually affect the face. This fungus produces spots that are either lighter than the skin or havea reddish – brown colour.
This fungus exists in two forms, one of them causing visible spots. Factors that can cause the fungus to become more visible include: high humidity, as well as immune or hormone abnormalities. However, almost all people with this very common condition are healthy.
Cutaneous Mycoses
Cutaneous mycoses extend deeper into the epidermis, and also affect the hair and nails, causing diseases. These diseases are restricted to the keratinised layers of the skin, hair, and nails. The organisms that cause these diseases are called dermatophytes. This category includes diseases such as fungal infections of the nails, fungal infection of the scalp – usually in children, fungal infection of the foot, fungal balanoposthitis, etc.
Prevention
Keeping the skin clean and dry, as well as maintaining good hygiene, will help not to develop or spread topical fungal infections. Because fungal infections are usually contagious, it is important to wash after touching other people or animals. Sports clothing should also be washed after each use.
Fungal Infections Treatment
Anti-fungal medicines and soaps are used for the treatment of fungal infections. Depending on the nature of the infection, a local or systemic agent may be used.
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