What is Fungal Disease?
Fungal disease is an infectious skin condition caused by microscopic fungi that result in infections on the skin and nails. It often arises due to factors such as skin contact, shared items, lack of hygiene, or a weakened immune system. This disease is most commonly found in warm and humid areas like feet, hands, nails, groin region, scalp, and body folds.
Types of Fungal Disease
Fungal diseases are classified according to the area where the infection is observed and the type of fungus involved.
1. Athlete's Foot (Tinea Pedis)
- Usually manifests as itching, redness, and peeling between the toes.
- Shared towels, slippers, or walking barefoot in gyms increase the risk of transmission.
2. Jock Itch (Tinea Cruris)
- Appears with redness, itching, and peeling skin in the groin area.
- Usually occurs due to excessive sweating and wearing tight clothing.
3. Scalp Ringworm (Tinea Capitis)
- Can cause flaking, itching, and sometimes hair loss on the scalp.
- Mostly seen in children and is contagious.
4. Nail Fungus (Onychomycosis)
- Causes yellowing, thickening, and deformation of the nails.
- If untreated, nail fungus can lead to nail loss.
5. Body Ringworm (Tinea Corporis)
- Forms rashes in the shape of red rings on the skin.
- Can easily spread through skin contact.
6. Oral and Vaginal Yeast Infections (Candidiasis)
- Causes white plaques in the mouth and itching and discharge in the vaginal area.
- More common in individuals with a weakened immune system.
Symptoms of Fungal Disease
Fungal infections can cause different symptoms depending on the type of fungus and its location. However, the most common symptoms observed are:
- Redness and itching on the skin
- Flaking and peeling
- Fluid-filled blisters
- Cracks or sores on the skin
- Yellowing and thickening of the nails
- Hair loss or dandruff
Symptoms may intensify based on the progression of the fungus and can lead to more serious infections if left untreated.
Causes of Fungal Disease
The most common causes of fungal infections are:
- Moist and warm environments
- Shared towels, socks, shoes
- Excessive sweating and lack of hygiene
- Weak immune system
- Contact transmission (transfer from humans or animals)
- Diseases that weaken the immune system, like diabetes
- Use of antibiotics or corticosteroids
The risk of transmission is particularly high in moist environments like gyms, swimming pools, baths, and communal shower areas.
How is Fungal Disease Treated?
Treatment of fungal infections involves different methods depending on the type of infection and its prevalence.
1. Antifungal Creams and Medications
- Antifungal creams and lotions can be used in mild cases.
- In advanced cases, antifungal tablets prescribed by a doctor may be used.
2. Natural and Supportive Treatments
- Apple cider vinegar: Its antibacterial properties can help reduce the fungus on the skin surface.
- Tea tree oil: Can be used to alleviate fungal infections.
3. Fungal Prevention Measures
- Wash and dry feet and body daily
- Wear cotton socks and breathable shoes
- Avoid sharing personal items
- Eat in a way that strengthens the immune system
Fungal treatment usually lasts from a few weeks to several months. Some infections, like nail fungus, may be resistant to treatment and require prolonged therapy.
Foods and Drinks That Trigger Fungal Disease
Certain foods can accelerate the growth of fungus, leading to the spread of infections. Therefore, it is recommended that individuals with fungal infections limit the following:
- Sugary foods (desserts, fizzy drinks, white flour)
- Yeast-containing foods (beer, wine, bread)
- Dairy products (may trigger fungus growth in some individuals)
- Fast food and processed foods
Instead, consuming foods with antifungal properties such as probiotic yogurt, garlic, green vegetables, lemon, and ginger can be beneficial.
Preventive Measures Against Fungal Disease
- Keep the skin dry and clean
- Avoid tight and synthetic clothes
- Pay attention to personal hygiene in public places
- Strengthen the immune system by proper nutrition
- Regularly change shoes and socks
Fungal disease is an infectious disease commonly seen in moist and warm environments. It presents with symptoms such as itching, redness, and flaking on the skin. During the treatment process, paying attention to antifungal creams, medications, and hygiene rules is crucial. If your fungal infection does not resolve or spreads, seeing a dermatologist is necessary.
What Helps with Fungal Disease?
In treating fungal infections, lifestyle changes and supportive natural practices are as important as medical treatment. Controlling skin moisture, observing hygiene rules, and strengthening the immune system accelerate the healing process.
- Create a daily cleaning routine: After showering, the skin should be dried thoroughly, particularly avoiding leaving areas like between the toes moist.
- Use natural antifungal contents: Tea tree oil, apple cider vinegar, and garlic have natural antifungal properties. They should be diluted before direct application to the skin, considering the risk of allergy.
- Support the immune system: Factors such as balanced nutrition, adequate sleep, and avoiding stress increase the body's possibility of fighting fungus.
- Consume probiotics: Foods rich in probiotics should be preferred to balance Candida-type fungi.
Risks of Common Areas like Swimming Pools
Common areas such as swimming pools have an impact on the spread of fungal diseases. As these areas are hot and humid, they provide suitable conditions for fungi to live and multiply. Walking barefoot, using shared showers, or contact with towels make the spread of infection easier.
Therefore, the following precautions should be taken when present in swimming pools:
- Use pool slippers
- Carry your own towel and personal care items
- Dry feet thoroughly after showering
- Wear clean and dry clothes after swimming
What is Allergic Fungal Disease?
Fungal infections are not limited to the skin or nails; the immune system can overreact to fungal allergens. This condition is called allergic fungal disease. It is caused by Aspergillus-type fungi and can create issues in the respiratory tract, sinuses, and lungs.
Allergic fungal disease presents with symptoms such as asthma-like breathlessness, runny nose, sinusitis, cough, and chest tightness. Its treatment includes antifungal medications along with antihistamines and corticosteroids for allergy control.
Symptoms of Black Fungus Disease
Black fungus disease (Mucormycosis) seen in people with suppressed immunity post-COVID-19 is a serious type of infection. The symptoms of black fungus disease progress rapidly.
Main symptoms include:
- Swelling and discoloration on the face
- Pain, swelling around the eyes, vision loss
- Black discharge from the nose
- Fever and confusion
- Sinusitis-like symptoms
Frequently Asked Questions
What happens if fungal disease is not treated?
Untreated fungal infections can spread over time, damage deeper tissues, and pose a risk of transmission to others. Infections on the nails, scalp, or genital area can become chronic. In individuals with weakened immunity, fungal infections can become systemic, leading to serious health issues.
Can fungal disease recur?
Yes, even if fungal infections are treated, they may recur if appropriate precautions are not taken. Being in moist environments, not paying attention to hygiene, or having a weak immune system can cause the fungus to reappear. Therefore, it is important to maintain skin cleanliness even after treatment.
Is fungal disease contagious?
Most fungal diseases are contagious. They can be transmitted through skin contact, shared items, communal living areas, and animal contact. The lack of hygiene in common areas like swimming pools increases the risk of transmission.
What should someone with a fungal disease avoid eating?
Major foods that trigger fungal infections include sugary foods, white flour, fermented products, dairy, and processed fast food products. Instead, consuming immune-supporting foods such as vegetables with antifungal effects, ginger, garlic, and lemon should be preferred.