Is That a Fungal Disease?
Fungal infections, also known as mycoses are not common in the
normally healthy person. However, thanks to AIDS, and stress,
the immune system of much of the population has been
compromised. When the immune system has been compromised, fungal
infections are given the chance to attack, successfully. What
are some examples of fungal infections?
Ringworm, or tinea, is an example of an infection of the skin.
Diseases that are fungal and attack the skin are known as
superficial infections. Diseases that fall into this range are
located on the skin, hair and nails. Athlete's Foot is one of
the most common superficial fungal infections. Thanks to the
rise in youth sports programs, the incidences of superficial
fungal infections have seen an increase.
Another form of fungal infection occurs in the dermis, or
subcutaneous tissue directly underneath the skin. These types of
infection are rare, and are mostly found in the Americas, South
Africa and Australia. The disease is known to invade through
insect bites or scratches from fish spine.
Systemic fungal diseases are much more serious, and can be
potentially life threatening. Their entry into the body occurs
through the lungs, intestines, or through intravenous lines. The
fungal diseases that enter through the lungs are most often
airborne spores, and containment is often impossible. These
diseases belong to the pathogenic fungi, and can result in death.
There are over 100 species of fungi that are dangerous to man,
and can infect the human host. Not all of them are
life-threatening, and many that pose a problem in the sick, are
not at all successful with healthy individuals. Nail fungus,
athlete's foot, and yeast infections, while not life-threatening
are annoying conditions that need treatment. With a yeast
infection, there is the possibility of further mutation of the
yeast, into a fungal state, and the resulting condition is very
serious. The fungus at that point begins to invade the entire
body.
Your best line of defense in treating a fungal infection is to
treat it until it is completely gone. The fungal infection that
is almost gone is just another opportunity for renewed growth.