6 fungal diseases that can be treated with caution

Children, adults, men, women, anybody and everybody can develop a fungal infection. It is extremely common and natural. A fungi is a microorganism that can take over and colonize your body internally and externally. An infection caused by fungi can be contagious and can spread from one person to another. In certain cases, one may get infected through contaminated soil, surface or an infected animal.

However, there are certain types of fungal diseases that can be treated. Here are some of the fungal diseases and their treatments.

Read more: 7 viral diseases that are the biggest killers

A yeast infection can occur in anyone and in different parts of the body. It is caused by a yeast (a type of fungus) called Candida. The umbrella term for the fungal infection is Candidiasis. It can form in places such as the mouth, throat, gut, and vagina, without causing any complications. A yeast infection inside the mouth is often called a thrush or an oropharyngeal candidiasis. Vaginal yeast infection is common amongst women, but is treatable.

According to the Centre for Disease Control and Prevention, some of the symptoms of yeast infection include "white patches on the inner cheeks, tongue, roof of the mouth, and throat", redness, loss of taste, pain while eating and more. For vaginal infections, vaginal itching or soreness, pain during sexual intercourse are some of the common symptoms.

However, these are not life threatening and can be treated with antifungal medicines. One can consult with the doctor for the same.

Athlete's foot is a type of fungal infection caused by dermatophytes, a group of fungi that multiplies in warm, humid environments. It affects the skin of the foot, hands and nails and can spread from person to person. Itching or a burning sensation are some of the common symptoms. For treatment, your doctor may recommend some anti-fungal medicines, which are usually very effective.

Read more: 5 diseases caused by deficiency of Vitamin C

Ringworm is a common fungal infection caused by a fungus that lives on dead tissues including skin, scalps and nails. It grows and thrives in humid and damp areas of the body, leading to symptoms such as oozing blisters, ring-like patches, thick, discoloured nails and bald patches on the scalp. Over-the-counter antifungal cream, medicines, sprays and ointments can work wonders on such infections. You may have to consult a doctor if the symptoms get worse or if you do not see any recovery.

Also known as tinea cruris, jock itch is a fungal infection caused by dermatophytes that affects the skin around the groin. It can also infect the inner thighs and buttock region. Symptoms include, redness, itchiness, discoloration, a rash and more. Again, this is a fungal infection that can be treated with the help of an antifungal cream, powder, or spray. Consult with your doctor for any medicines.

Fungal infections can also occur on your fingernails or toenails, often making them thick, discoloured and easy to break. Also known as onychomycosis, it can become severe but is usually not painful. According to the CDC, "Fungal nail infections can be difficult to cure, and they typically don’t go away without antifungal treatment. The best treatment for a fungal nail infection is usually prescription antifungal pills taken by mouth."

Caused by a fungus called Sporothrix, sporotrichosis lives in soil and on plant matter such as sphagnum moss, rose bushes, and hay, as per the CDC. There are three types of sporotrichosis - cutaneous (skin) sporotrichosis, Pulmonary (lung) sporotrichosis, which is rare and disseminated sporotrichosis.

Cutaneous (skin) sporotrichosis occurs when the fungus enters the skin through small cuts and cracks, an infection forms, leading to a "small, painless bump that can develop any time from 1 to 12 weeks after exposure to the fungus", says CDC.

Pulmonary (lung) sporotrichosis occurs when one breathes in the fungal spores. Cough, shortness of breath, chest pain, and fever are some of the associated symptoms.

Disseminated sporotrichosis can occur in different parts of the body. Symptoms depend accordingly.

Sporotrichosis infections are not life-threatening. It can be treated with prescription antifungal medicine for several months. Depending on which type of sporotrichosis you're suffering from, you can consult your doctor and act accordingly.