Black fungus
The black fungus also referred to as Covid-19-associated mucormycosis, could be a Covid-19 disease associated with Mucormycosis (severe fungal infection). It is a fungal infection mainly targeting people with other health issues that lower their immunity to fight other environmental pathogens. Black fungus is common in diabetic patients.
According to the Indian Council of Medical Research, the below-given conditions in Covid-19 patients increase the possibility of mucormycosis infection:-
1. Uncontrolled diabetes
2. Weak immune system due to use of steroids
3. Long-time stay in ICU/hospital
4. Voriconazole therapy (to treat serious fungal infections)
5. Co-morbidities / post organ transplant / cancer
Black fungus symptoms –
-Fever
-Cough
-Pain, redness near eyes and nose
-Blackening or discolouration on the nose
-Breathlessness
-Blood in vomiting
-Headache
-Double or blurred vision
-Chest pain
Black fungus disease with Covid-19 –
-The black fungus disease is caused by a group of micro-organisms, called micromycetes, which are found naturally in the environment, observed mainly in soil and other decaying organic matter like leaves, compost and piles.
-The Covid-19 disease affects our immunity and Covid-19 treatment involves the intake of drugs like dexamethasone, which badly affects our immune response. Due to these factors, the Covid-19 patient’s natural defence system fails to fight the attacks by organisms such as micromycetes.
– In ICU humidifier is used for Covid-19 patients on oxygen therapy. The humidifiers are vulnerable to fungal infection because of moisture exposure.
– But every coronavirus patient is not infected by Mucormycosis. The disease is rarely observed in non-diabetic individuals but can be critical if not treated on time. Hence, Covid-19 diabetic patients need to take maximum precaution.
Black fungus treatment –
-While the black fungus infection may just start with a skin infection, it can spread to other body parts. The black fungus treatment consists of surgically eradicating all dead and infected tissue. In some severe cases, there can be a possibility of a loss of the upper jaw or sometimes even the eye. Intravenous antifungal therapy can also be used for treatment.
-Controlling diabetes is one of the main preventive measures suggested by ICMR
– Doctor’s prescription is mandatory for black fungus treatment
White fungus –
· White fungus or Candidiasis is a harmless fungal infection caused by a yeast (a kind of fungus) known as Candida. The common species that cause white fungus infection is Candida albicans.
· Candida is commonly found on the skin and inside the body, such as the mucous membranes of the mouth, throat, intestinal tract, and vagina, without causing any complications.
· Candidiasis is rarely serious in a healthy population. In some cases, it may extend to other body parts if the patient has low immunity.
White fungus symptoms –
– White discolourations around the mucous membranes of the mouth (oral thrush), tongue, and throat
– Infection on the genitals like redness, soreness, irritation, itching and burning sensation
– Skin irritation and itching; chafing or broken skin
– Gastrointestinal candidiasis symptoms in healthy individuals include intestinal cramps, indigestion, anal itching, belching, bloating, nausea, diarrhoea, gas, vomiting, and gastric ulcers.
White fungus treatment –
· Treatment for candidiasis for skin infection is usually simple. You don’t need to worry unless it affects your immune system or the candidiasis has spread into the bloodstream. Oral candidiasis/Oral thrush usually responds to topical treatments or systemic antifungal medications.
· Vaginal candidiasis is treated with antifungal medications. However, other medications may be needed for more acute infections.
· Athlete’s foot is treated with sprays, powders, and ointments.
· Other serious infections are mostly cured with oral or even intravenous medications.