Mycoses are infections generated by fungi that, like bacteria, can reproduce in the human body.
Specifically addressed below are the benign type forms, which, often, do not present any symptoms and are more frequent in the summer period. For this reason, we will try to clarify well:
– What are mycoses and who are those most at risk?
– How and where can mycoses be contracted?
– Treating mycosis: how to intervene?
What are mycoses and who are those most at risk?
Mycoses are infections that can affect the skin, hair, nails, and mucous membranes, and can be classified into the following categories:
- Superficial, that is, mycoses affecting the skin, scalp, or nails
- Subcutaneous, which are more invasive infections that penetrate within the dermis and subcutaneous tissues
- Systemic, that is, mycoses that affect internal organs or the blood, and, therefore, very dangerous
- Opportunistic, which are infections that can be very serious and mainly affect people with immune system deficiencies
Mycoses can be, therefore, also very serious, invading mucous membranes and internal organs. They particularly occur in patients with reduced immunological defenses, such as in organ transplant recipients or patients undergoing chemotherapy. Chemotherapeutics decrease white blood cells, which are an initial barrier against the invasion of microorganisms, including fungi. Cortisone treatments in particular can promote fungal infections.
