Black Fungus v/s White Fungus and now, Yellow Fungus: Know the Reasons, Symptoms, and Remedies
Amidst the ongoing second wave and preparation for the third, India is experiencing a high rise in black fungus, white fungus, and now, yellow fungus cases. Here’s all you need to know about them, their symptoms, and treatments.
What is Black Fungus?
Black Fungus or Mucormycosis is a rare fungal infection that is caused by exposure to mucor mould that is found in soil, plants, decaying fruits, vegetables, and even manure. The fungus can also enter the skin through cuts, burns, or any other type of skin trauma. It may be fatal for people with diabetes, HIV/AIDS, or cancer patients. People on long-term use of steroids are also at a greater risk of black fungus.
COVID patients currently in the hospital and even those who are a day to a couple of weeks out of the hospital are susceptible to this infection. As per the experts, a prolonged ICU stay can abet the growth of infection in the body. The black fungus has recently been declared an epidemic in 29 states of India.
Symptoms
- Loss or blurred vision
- Watery eyes
- Toothache
- Swelling in eyes or cheeks
- Pain in the eyes
- Severe headache
- Discoloration or blackening of tissue on nose and cheeks
-Nose bleeding
Treatment for Black fungus
The black fungus spreads to the nose, attacks the eyes, and then reaches the brain. Once it reaches the brain, it becomes difficult to treat, lowering down the patient’s chance of survival. The infected tissues need to be surgically removed, which has led to patients losing their eye, upper jaw, etc.
20 vials of Amphotericin B drug are required to treat the infection in each patient. Currently, the country is facing a shortage of injection, which usually costs between ₹ 5000–6000 per vial.
Precautions to prevent Black Fungus
- At the hospital
- Maintain good hygiene and keep your surroundings clean
- Avoid unnecessary use of antibiotics or antifungals
- Use sterile water for humidification while taking oxygen
- Limit steroid usage
- Once you have recovered from COVID or are at home, try to stay indoors.
- Make sure your surroundings are free from dust and dampness.
- Maintain good oral and nasal hygiene
- Avoid working in gardens as the soil and plants are a cause of infections. Use rubber gloves, masks, and boots; if it can’t be avoided.
-Avoid construction areas and fields.
White Fungus, also known as candidiasis, is a fungal infection caused by the candida group of organisms that results in the formation of whitish membranes or discharge. It affects the lungs, brain, kidneys, skin, nails, mouth, and even the private parts of your body.
Much like the black fungus, people with diabetes, and those on steroids for a long time are at risk of this infection. It is also affecting COVID patients on oxygen support. Beside senior citizens, children can also develop white fungus. White fungus is more dangerous than black fungus as it affects the vital organs of the body. It is detected via X-rays and CT scans.
Symptoms of White Fungus
- Cough
- Dark spots on lungs
- Fever
- Chest pain
- Skin lesions
- Diarrhea
- White patches in the oral cavity
- Reduced oxygen levels
Treatment For White Fungus
Patients infected with white fungus are treated with antifungal infections. They are required to take fluconazole or itraconazole orally. In case of the oral cavity and genitourinary infections, topical antifungals (medication that needs to be applied on the skin) are used. As per DNA India, critically ill patients are treated with caspofungin or micafungin.
Precautions to prevent White Fungus
- In hospitals, make sure the ventilators and oxygen cylinders are sanitized properly.
- Strengthen your immune system and stay indoors to avoid contracting COVID-19.
- Maintain clean surroundings that are free from dust.
What is Yellow Fungus?
Yellow Fungus or mucor septicus is a fungal infection that is occurring in COVID patients who were treated with immunosuppressants or steroids, which weakens their immunity. As per the experts, this infection happens in lizards, and not humans.
The first case of yellow fungus was reported on May 24, in Ghaziabad, Uttar Pradesh. The person was already infected with black and white fungus. The infection starts internally, which makes it difficult to identify and treat. In severe cases, it causes “leakage of pus” and slow healing of wounds. It also leads to sunken eyes, organ failure, and necrosis, a condition where living tissue cells die prematurely.
Symptoms of Yellow Fungus
- Lethargy
- Weight loss
-Loss of appetite
Treatment for Yellow Fungus
If detected early, yellow fungus can be treated. However, as it happens inside the body, it can be difficult to detect and treat in time. It can be treated through Amphotericin B injection, which is also used for black fungus infection. The patients should be taken to the hospital as soon as the symptoms occur. It is more dangerous than black and white fungus.
Precautions to prevent Yellow fungus
The yellow fungus can be caused due to high humidity, old, contaminated food, and also poor hygiene. Discard old food and maintain proper hygiene to prevent infection.
People on oxygen therapy should ensure that the water is clean and filtered.
Control the usage of steroids and related medications.
Overall, COVID patients and those susceptible to fungal infections should maintain good hygiene and keep their surroundings clean at all times. It is necessary to keep your blood sugar levels in check as well. In case you experience any symptoms, consult your doctor or immediately visit your nearest health facility. Also, follow all the COVID protocols and strengthen your immunity by adopting a good diet and exercise regimen.
Stay home, stay safe!
As the vaccination drive in the country is in full swing, here are a few FAQs, answers to which you should know for a smooth vaccination experience. Read this blog here.
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Originally published at https://www.fuzia.com.