Black Fungus Vs White Fungus: Cause, Symptoms And Treatment

The Covid-19 pandemic has jolted humanity to its senses, reminding us why it is important to maintain good hygiene and lead a healthy life. To make these measures much more prominent, in recent times, multiple recorded cases of Black Fungus and White fungus have popped out all over the country.

The novel coronavirus itself is contagious, of course, but these fungal infections that accompany Caovid-19 may actually enter the body through non-communicable means and fester due to poor hygiene.

Today, let us take a look at Black Fungus and White Fungus in detail to understand why they attack their victims, what are the symptoms you need to look out for, and the possible means of treatment should you contract one of these nerve-wracking infections.

What is Black Fungus?

Black Fungus, which is also referred to as Mucormycosis, is a dangerously new fungal infection that is divided into three categories based on the parts of the body that it affects. Normally, Black Fungus tends to kill the cells and blood vessels around the areas that it infects. Hence it is named so because of the appearance of black dead cells in the body.

Black Fungus is likely to affect people recovering from covid-19, especially if they are diabetics. Diabetes, in itself, invites several disorders due to high blood sugar levels. Coupled with the use of steroids in treating the body from covid-19 or for any reason really, it just opens up further possibilities of attack. The immune system is constantly under stress due to the steroid.

Thus, when a person is exposed to Mucor Mold in the natural environment, the fungi quickly make their way into the body. It may seep through skin abrasions, burns, etc. which makes it that much more tangible.

Therefore, if you have diabetes, covid-19, or take steroids, it is best to steer clear of mouldy areas around the house, always maintain good hygiene, and keep an eye out for any symptoms of Black Fungus.

What is White Fungus?

White Fungus is another dangerous fungal infection caused by the organisms of the Candida group, hence sometimes referred to as Candidiasis. It stimulates white discharge or membranes to form on vital organs such as lungs, brain, nails, skin, kidney, mouth, and others.

The white Fungus is considerably docile as compared to Black Fungus. However, if it grows systematically and infects the lungs or blood, then it can make its way into major organs causing substantial damage. At this stage, it is much more dangerous and quite fatal.

Therefore, it is highly recommended that if you notice any signs of White Fungus in a patient recovering from covid-19 or anyone who came in contact with the novel coronavirus, then call the doctor. The White Fungus is easily diagnosed with X-rays and CT scans, so don’t waste any time contemplating the possibilities.

If the White Fungus is caught at an early stage, it is easily managed and treated. However, if it passes through to the Lungs or blood, thereby creeping into other organs, then it is nearly impossible to treat.

What are the possible causes of Black Fungus?

The possible causes of Black Fungus infestations in the body are:

• Overuse of steroids in treating covid-19
• Coming in contact with Mucor Molds present in the air through cuts and burns on the skin
• Weakened immune system due to Diabetes
• Poor hygiene

What are the possible causes of White Fungus?

White Fungus is usually instigated by the following:

• When oxygen cylinders are introduced to the patient without proper sterilization.
• Overusing steroids.
• Inhaling the fungi present in the natural environment.

What symptoms can indicate a festering of Black Fungus in the body?

The symptoms of Black Fungus are quite prominently visible therefore if you notice any of the following signs then seek medical help as soon as you possibly can.

• Numbness in muscles
• Swollen cheeks and eyes
• Nasal discharges
• Facial pain
• Blockage in the nasal cavities
• Nose bleeds
• Double vision
• Blurring of vision
• Eyes watering
• Discoloured tissues or blackened skin around the cheeks and nose
• Toothache

What are the symptoms that indicate an infestation of White fungus in the body?

White fungus, although considerably easy to spot during a CT scan or X-ray, displays symptoms similar to covid-19. Therefore, while the authorities and family members are running around testing for the novel coronavirus, White Fungus might start spreading through the system.

Therefore, if you observe the following symptoms or suspect a possible case of covid-19, seek medical attention immediately and insist upon a CT scan or at the very least, an X-ray of the patient. Even if you are over-reacting, at least you will be certain.

• Fever
• Infections
• Skin lacerations
• Cough
• Headaches
• Myalgia or pain in muscles
• Chest pain
• Muscle swelling
• White discharge
• Dark spots found in X-rays and CT scans of the lungs
• Diarrhoea
• White patches in the oral cavity
• Reduced levels of oxygen in the body

What possible treatments can you avail if you have Black Fungus growing in your system or that of a loved one?

Black Fungus is highly dangerous as it keeps moving. If you notice discolouration and blackening of tissues on the potential patient, then do not hesitate to reach out to a medical practitioner.

The Black Fungus has a quality of attacking the nasal cavity, GI tracts, or Lungs. However, once it has set up camp in the body, it moves up towards the optic nerves, thus dulling vision and eventually leading to blindness. However, it does not stop there. It then moves on to attack brain cells at which point it is nothing short of a fatal infection.

Therefore, it is important to seek medical care at the appearance of early signs, in order to treat and eliminate Black Fungus.

If the Black Fungus is diagnosed and treated early, then the doctor can proceed to surgically eradicate the affected tissues. It is likely that the patient may completely lose their sight but at least it will save their life.

Additionally, Posaconazole and Amphotericin B are used to treat the fungi effectively. Perforate medications such as preliminary antifungal medications may also be administered to the patients.

Furthermore, the patient’s family and medical professionals must work together to reduce the intake of steroids. This is not only an excellent measure for after the diagnosis but also effective preventive care to follow.

What treatments are available if you or a loved one is infected by White Fungus?

As we have stated before, the White Fungus when diagnosed at its preliminary stages is quite easy to manage and treat. As long as the fungal infection doesn’t spread throughout the body from the lungs or blood vessels into vital organs, the doctor can quickly diagnose and begin the treatment.

You must bear in mind that the symptoms of White Fungus are similar to covid-19. Therefore, when you see the signs, the authorities may focus on diagnosing another attack by the novel coronavirus. However, you must adamantly insist on getting a CT scan or X-ray to detect a possible infestation of White Fungus. It is better to be sure than to be sorry.

Once the Candidiasis is diagnosed, detected, and localized, a course of antifungal medication will be used to treat the patient. Oral doses of Itraconazole or Fluconazole can be administered. If the fungal infection has infested the oral cavity then tropical applications are a great measure. If the patient is critically infected then Micafungin or Caspofungin must be administered.

The most important thing about treating White Fungus, not just in an infected patient but in the overall community is sterilizing the oxygen cylinders and ventilators. These preventive measures are far more effective in keeping these fatal fungal infections at bay, rather than treating them after they manifest in the human body.

Conclusion

Fungal infections are commonly a result of poor hygiene and improper care.

Whether we address the Black Fungus or White Fungus, the best possible measure is to always sanitize the surroundings and maintain good and healthy personal hygiene.

Both Black and White Fungus can be highly dangerous to the point of fatality if they infest the human body. Therefore, if you notice symptoms of fungal infection, then do not hesitate to call for medical attention. Both fungal infections rely heavily on the overuse of steroids. Perhaps, it is time to address the issue and nip it in the bud.

Steroids may be used for all the right reasons when treating covid-19, but you must keep in mind that anything in excess can have adverse effects. Therefore, rein in the use of steroids. Instead of saving lives, they cause more problems.

Lastly, medical facilities need to pay special attention to sanitization and sterilization of medical equipment. People put their faith in your ability to help them. Don’t skimp on the purification process. Always adhere to healthy eating habits to build strong immunity, disinfect your natural environment, and maintain good hygiene to fight against fungal infections.