Fungal diseases in the mouth

Fungal diseases of the mouth are infections of the oral cavity and throat, mostly caused by a specific fungal species called Candida albicans. This is a yeast fungus, which is also present in the mouth and throat of many healthy people, but does not cause infection. In people who are ill or have a very weakened immune system, the yeast fungus leads to infections of the oral mucosa.

This manifests itself in the form of strongly reddened and inflamed mucous membranes on which a whitish, detachable coating forms. In addition to a strong burning sensation in the mouth and taste disorders, bad breath often occurs. This disease is also called oral thrush.

Mouth thrush in babies is relatively common. The babies are often infected during birth by an unknown vaginal fungus of the mother. To treat the fungal disease, anti-fungal agents (see: Anti-fungal agents) are used, which can be applied in the form of gel, irrigations or even lozenges. To improve the healing process and to prevent infection, adequate oral hygiene should be ensured. Fungal infections of the mouth can also spread further into the intestines.

Fungal diseases of the skin

The different types of fungal diseases of the skin are summarized in medical terminology under the term dermatomycoses. The infectious fungi are transmitted through human body contact or through objects contaminated with the fungi in everyday life. Among the fungi that in most cases cause a fungal disease of the skin are molds, yeast fungi and so-called dermatophytes.

Depending on the type of fungus and the affected area of skin where it settles, different types of skin fungus are distinguished. The most common fungal disease of the skin is the athlete’s foot, which is caused by dermatophytes and mainly affects the skin between the toes. Other forms are fungal diseases of the hairy parts of the skin and of the head, in the groin region and on the hands.

A fungal disease of the skin is characterized by severe, newly occurring itching, which can be accompanied by redness and scaling of the affected skin area.Since most symptoms of skin fungus cannot be clearly distinguished from an allergic reaction or skin irritation, one should seek the advice of a dermatologist. A detection of the infectious pathogen should be carried out in order to adapt the therapy exactly to the fungal species present. Therapeutically, antimycotics are used in the form of ointments which attack and kill the fungi and also have a caring component for the affected skin areas.