Mycosis

Mycosis (plural: mycoses) is a condition in which fungi pass the resistance barriers of the human or animal body and establish infections(An infection is the detrimental colonization of a host organism by a foreign species. In an infection, the infecting organism seeks to utilize the host's resources to multiply, usually at the expense of the host. )Mycoses can result when the climate is hot and humid, and when people live in crowded conditions. Some fungi reproduce through tiny spores(In biology, a spore is a reproductive structure that is adapted for dispersal and surviving for extended periods of time in unfavorable conditions.) in the air. People inhale those spores or they land on the skin. Therefore, fungal infections often start in the lungs or on the skin.

 Causes

People are at risk of fungal infections when they are taking strong antibiotics for a long period of time because antibiotics kill not only damaging bacteria, but healthy bacteria as well. This alters the balance of microorganisms in the mouth, vagina, intestines and other places in the body, and results in an overgrowth of fungus.
Individuals with weakened immune systems are also at risk of developing fungal infections. This is the case of people with HIV/AIDS, people under steroid treatments, and people taking chemotherapy. People with diabetes also tend to develop fungal infections. Very young and very old people, also, are groups at risk.

Classification

Mycoses are classified according to the tissue levels initially colonized.

 Superficial mycoses

Superficial mycoses are limited to the outermost layers of the skin and hair.
An example of a fungal infection is Tinea versicolor, a fungus infection that commonly affects the skin of young people, especially the chest, back, and upper arms and legs. Tinea versicolor is caused by a fungus that lives in the skin of some adults. It doesn't usually affect the face. This fungus exists in two forms, one of them causing visible spots. Factors that can cause the fungus to become more visible include high humidity, as well as immune or hormone abnormalities.

Cutaneous mycoses

Cutaneous mycoses extend deeper into the epidermis(The epidermis is the outer layer of the skin), and also include invasive hair and nail diseases. These diseases are restricted to the keratinized layers of the skin, hair, and nails. Unlike the superficial mycoses, host immune responses may be evoked, resulting in pathologic changes expressed in the deeper layers of the skin. The organisms that cause these diseases are called dermatophytes. Cutaneous mycoses are caused by Microsporum, Trichophyton, and Epidermophyton fungi, which together comprise 41 species.
One common disease is the athlete's foot which most commonly affects men and children before puberty. It is divided in three categories: chronic interdigital athlete's foot, chronic scaly athlete's foot, and acute vesicular athlete's foot. 

Subcutaneous mycoses

Subcutaneous mycoses involve the dermis, subcutaneous tissues, muscle, and fascia. These infections are chronic and can be initiated by piercing trauma to the skin, which allows the fungi to enter. These infections are difficult to treat and may require surgical interventions such as debridement.

 Systemic mycoses due to primary pathogens

Systemic mycoses due to primary pathogens originate primarily in the lungs and may spread to many organ systems. Organisms that cause systemic mycoses are inherently virulent. Generally, primary pathogens that cause systemic mycoses are dimorphic.

Systemic mycoses due to opportunistic pathogens

Systemic mycoses due to opportunistic pathogens are infections of patients with immune deficiencies who would otherwise not be infected. Examples of immunocompromised conditions include AIDS, alteration of normal flora by antibiotics, immunosuppressive therapy, and metastatic cancer. Examples of opportunistic mycoses include Candidiasis, Cryptococcosis and Aspergillosis.

Treatment

Antifungal drugs are used to treat mycoses. Depending on the nature of the infection, a topical or systemic agent may be used. Photochemotherapy or photopheresis is a technique used at medical centers for the treatment of mycosis fungoides.
An example of antifugal is fluconazole, or Diflucan, which is the basis of many over-the-counter antifungal treatments. Another example is amphotericin B (the A form being toxic) which is more potent. It is used in the treatment of the most severe fungal infections that show resistance to other forms of treatment and it is administered intravenously. ^[5]
Drugs to treat skin infections are Tolfanate (Tinactin), an over the counter topical; Ketoconazole, especially used to treat tinea versicolor and other dermatophytes; Itraconazole; Terbinifine (Lamisil); Echinocandins (caspofungin); Griseofulvin, commonly used for infections involving the scalp and nails. ^[6]
Yeast infections in the vagina can be treated with medicated suppositories whereas skin yeast infections are treated with medicated ointments.

 Prevention

Keeping the skin clean and dry, as well as maintaining good hygiene, will help larger topical mycoses. Because fungal infections are contagious, it is important to wash after touching other people or animals. Sports clothing should also be washed after use. Wearing flip-flops if using a community swimming pool or shower will also help prevent topical infections.