List of 6 Diseases Caused by Fungus in Humans

Fungal infections are a common problem in individuals with sensitive skin and poor immunity.

Diseases caused by fungus occur when this microorganism takes over a specific body part, and the immunity system in humans finds it challenging to deal with such infections.

Since the disease is contagious, individuals should consult a doctor at the earliest. Keep reading to learn more about the infections caused by fungus.

Team Digit

What are Fungal Diseases?
Causes of Fungal Diseases
List of Fungal Diseases
Signs and Symptoms
Damages Caused by Fungal Diseases
Associated Risk Factors
Diagnostic Tests
Treatment Methods
Preventive Measures
Does Health Insurance Cover ?
Frequently Asked Questions

What Is Meant by Fungal Diseases?

Individuals should know that different fungi variants cause different fungal diseases. Fungi are multicellular microorganisms that produce filamentous structures called moulds. Scientifically, these microorganisms can invade a human body and colonise it gradually.

Individuals can get fungal diseases by inhaling or coming in contact with the spores released during fungi reproduction. Generally, the areas surrounding the nails, skin, and lungs are infected first. These spores can penetrate the skin and infect the vital organs causing recurring infections.

Moreover, treating fungal diseases is challenging as the microorganism can re-infect the patient by finding a suitable environment. The symptoms of mild infection are generally rash or redness in a specific area.

In critical cases, the fungi can infect the lungs imitating the illness caused by bacterial or viral pneumonia. Fungal diseases like bloodstream infections and fungal meningitis can cause significant damage to the organs.

Let’s check the list of all diseases caused by fungus in humans. This will help you have a better understanding.

What are the Causes of Fungal Diseases?

Fungal diseases are caused by fungi microorganisms found in various environments. Here are some common causes of fungal diseases:

Environmental Exposure: Fungi thrive in damp, warm environments like soil, plants, and decaying organic matter, making exposure familiar in such conditions.
Weakened Immune System: Individuals with weakened immune systems, such as those with HIV/AIDS, cancer, or immunosuppressive drugs, are more susceptible.
Direct Contact: Skin contact with infected individuals, animals, or contaminated surfaces can lead to infections like ringworm or athlete’s foot.
Inhalation: Breathing in fungal spores from the environment can lead to respiratory infections like aspergillosis or histoplasmosis.
Inadequate Hygiene: Poor personal hygiene, especially in moist areas like feet, can lead to fungal infections.
Use of Antibiotics: Prolonged use of antibiotics can disrupt the natural balance of microorganisms, allowing fungi to overgrow and cause infections.

Fungal diseases can range from mild skin infections to severe systemic infections, depending on the type of fungus and the individual's health.

Let’s check the list of all diseases caused by fungus in humans. This will help you have a better understanding.

6 Diseases Caused by Fungus

Fungal infections are diverse and can affect various parts of the body. Here is a list of diseases caused by fungi commonly found in humans.

Athlete’s Foot

Tinea pedis, or Athlete’s foot, infects the skin around the feet, nails and hands. The dermatophytes, a fungi group that grows in humid and warm areas between human toes, cause this infection. It often results in itching, redness, and peeling of the affected skin and can spread to other parts of the body if not treated properly.

Jock Itch

Jock itch is a fungal infection occurring in the groyne region, buttocks and inner thighs of humans. Dermatophyte is a common fungus that causes this disease in humans, as they can survive in warm and humid areas. This infection leads to an itchy, red rash and can worsen with friction and moisture, often requiring antifungal treatment for relief.

Ringworm

Ringworm is a fungal infection that affects the scalp and skin and is caused by dermatophytes. This condition often leads to itchy, red, and scaly patches on the affected areas. It is highly contagious and can spread through direct contact or contaminated objects, making early treatment important to prevent spreading.

Yeast Infection

Candida Albicans causes yeast infection and infects the gastrointestinal tract, genitals, skin, mouth and urinary tract. Scientifically, small amounts of Candida Albicans reside in the human body and skin. The over-multiplication of these fungi can cause yeast infection, leading to symptoms such as itching, discharge, and redness.

Onychomycosis

Onychomycosis infection occurs in toenails, fingernails, and nail beds. It is also known as Tinea Unguium. This condition typically causes nails to become discoloured, thickened, and brittle. If left untreated, it can lead to further complications and discomfort, potentially affecting daily activities and overall nail health.

Tinea Versicolor

Tinea Versicolor is a fungal infection caused by Malassezia yeast affecting the skin's pigmentation. It leads to discoloured patches on the skin, which may appear lighter or darker than the surrounding areas. This infection thrives in warm and humid conditions and can cause uneven skin tone and cosmetic concerns.

Additionally, certain fungi variants don’t cause human infections but can weaken the immune system.

Let’s check the symptoms of fungal infection to keep a tab on the bodily changes.

What Are the Symptoms of Fungal Diseases?

The symptoms of fungal infection may vary from person to person. However, the common symptoms include-

Irritation
Scaly skin
Itching
Swelling
Redness
Blisters

Here are some symptoms of severe fungal infection-

Fever
Muscle pain
Fast heartbeat
Headaches
Chills
Nausea

What Are the Damages Caused by Fungal Diseases in Humans?

Ignoring fungal diseases can cause significant damage to the body. Some of the harmful effects of fungal infections are -

Fungi can increase the risk of allergic and asthmatic diseases in humans.
It can damage the vision or cause eye infections leading to blindness.
Fungal invasion in the gut can cause ulcerative colitis, gastric ulcers, food allergies, Crohn’s disease and alcoholic liver diseases.
Severe fungal infection can cause neurological disorders such as Alzheimer’s disease.
Persistent fungal infections can weaken the immune system, making the body more susceptible to other infections and illnesses.
Fungal infections can cause persistent skin issues such as eczema, dermatitis, and chronic rashes, which can affect quality of life and require ongoing treatment.

It is essential to know the risk factor linked with the said disease. Individuals who are prone to fungus disease should opt for routine medical checkups.

Who Are at Risk of Suffering From Diseases Caused by Fungus?

Individuals should know that multiple factors can lead to fungal infections in humans. For instance, environmental or seasonal changes increase the risk of fungus exposure.

Athletes or individuals who sweat heavily and work out in humid environments are prone to fungal diseases.
Walking barefoot in showers, gyms, damp ground, or public places can also increase the chances of fungal infection.
Individuals with poor blood circulation and poor immunity are prone to fungal infection. The reduction of immunity response worsens the conditions.
Women in their postmenopausal years have lower acidity levels in the vagina leading to yeast infections.
People suffering from medical conditions like immunodeficiency disorders and nutrient deficiencies are prone to fungal infections as these conditions decrease immunity. People who smoke regularly or suffer from stress are also vulnerable to fungal diseases.
People having minor injuries or cuts can be affected by fungus as open wounds left untreated affect the tissues underneath the skin.
Cancer patients are more prone to get affected as such treatments can reduce the body’s ability to fight fungal infections.

Let’s check how this disease is diagnosed. An earlier diagnosis helps to understand the causes of fungus disease and receive the appropriate treatment.

How Is Fungal Disease Diagnosed?

A doctor analyses the infected area and growth to identify fungal disease. They may suggest the following diagnosis

Diagnostic Test	Description
Microscopic Examination	It involves examining skin, sputum, or blood under a microscope to identify fungal elements.
Fungal Culture	Grows fungi from samples on specific media to identify the species, though it may take time to develop.
PCR Test	Detects fungal DNA from samples using Polymerase Chain Reaction, making it highly accurate.
Antibody Blood Tests	Identifies antibodies in the blood, indicating past or present exposure to fungal pathogens.
Histopathology	Analyses stained tissue samples under a microscope to observe fungal structures directly in tissues.

Doctors usually scrape the scaling skin off a patient’s skin and send it for examination.

In case of yeast infection, a doctor might examine the cervix and vaginal walls. They might scrape some vaginal cells for further examination.

Let’s check the treatment methods suggested by doctors for the said disease.

What Are the Treatment Methods for Fungal Diseases?

These are the standard treatment processes suggested by doctors to treat fungal diseases.

Medical practitioners suggest the application of sprays, cream and shampoos to treat fungal infection. There are multiple medications and oral solutions that damage fungal cell or fungus walls.
Doctors may prescribe an antiviral drug to treat fungal infections.
Tablets or capsules like anidulafungin, fluconazole and micafungin treat severe fungal infection. However, these medications have adverse side effects and must be taken under a doctor’s administration.

Now, let’s check how to prevent fungus infection.

What Are the Preventive Measures to Control Diseases Caused by Fungus?

The ways to prevent diseases caused by fungus and their impact are as follows:

Individuals should maintain sanitisation. They should wash their hands before and after taking a meal.
One should keep their skin dry and clean.
It is essential to avoid sharing toothbrushes, towels and personal care products.
Always wear shoes and slippers in public showers, wet grounds, gyms, locker rooms, etc.
Sanitise or clean car handles, public seats, gym equipment, etc., before and after usage.

Now that individuals know all about diseases caused by fungus, they will be able to quickly identify the symptoms. Individuals should consult a dermatologist or doctor when symptoms of fungal infection occur. This would help them prevent any disease caused by a fungus and its impact.

Does Health Insurance Cover Fungal Diseases?

Yes, health insurance generally covers the treatment of fungal diseases, including costs for doctor visits, diagnostic tests, and prescribed medications. If hospitalisation is required for severe infections, most policies will also cover inpatient expenses, though specifics like deductibles and copays can vary by plan.

However, some insurance plans may have exclusions or waiting periods, particularly for pre-existing conditions related to fungal infections. Reviewing your policy to understand the exact coverage and any potential limitations is essential.

FAQs about Diseases Caused by Fungus

All

Which is the most severe type of fungi that causes fungal disease?

The most common fungi that cause life-threatening infections is Aspergillus. It affects people with lung disease or a weakened immune system.

Does weight loss indicate fungal disease?

Yes, in some cases, weight loss indicates fungal disease.

What are fungal infections?

Fungal infections are diseases caused by fungi, which can affect the skin, nails, lungs, or other internal organs. Common examples include athlete's foot, ringworm, and candidiasis.

How do fungal infections spread?

Fungal infections can spread through direct contact with infected individuals, surfaces, or contaminated soil and even through inhalation of fungal spores.

Who is at risk of developing fungal infections?

People with weakened immune systems, those with chronic health conditions like diabetes, or those taking certain medications (e.g., corticosteroids) are at higher risk.

What are the symptoms of a fungal infection?

Symptoms vary depending on the type of infection but can include itching, redness, swelling, rashes, and, in severe cases, respiratory issues or systemic symptoms.

How are fungal infections diagnosed?

Fungal infections are diagnosed using various methods, such as microscopic examination, culture, PCR tests, and histopathology of tissue samples.

Can fungal infections be treated?

Yes, fungal infections can be treated with antifungal medications, which can be topical, oral, or intravenous, depending on the severity and location of the infection.

Are fungal infections contagious?

Some fungal infections, like athlete's foot and ringworm, are contagious and can spread from person to person or through contaminated surfaces.

What is the difference between superficial and systemic fungal infections?

Superficial fungal infections affect the skin, nails, or hair, while systemic fungal infections affect internal organs and are more serious.

Can fungal infections be prevented?

Yes, Fungal infections can be prevented. Prevention includes maintaining good hygiene, keeping skin dry, avoiding sharing personal items, and wearing protective footwear in communal areas.

What complications can arise from untreated fungal infections?

Untreated fungal infections can lead to severe complications, including secondary bacterial infections, spread to other body parts, and, in some cases, life-threatening conditions like fungal meningitis.

What is the role of the immune system in fungal infections?

The immune system typically controls fungal infections, but fungi can cause more severe and persistent infections in immunocompromised individuals.

How common are fungal infections worldwide?

Fungal infections are common globally, particularly in tropical and subtropical regions, affecting millions of people each year with varying degrees of severity.