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Can black fungus spread through clothing?

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Patient's Query

Hello doctor,

I am suffering from skin rash, dry eyes, and fatigue for more than a month. Kindly help.

Hello,

Welcome to icliniq.com.

Could you explain your symptoms elaborately? Have you done any laboratory investigations for this issue?

Kindly revert to help you better.

Regards.

Patient's Query

Hello doctor,

Thanks for your response.

My blood investigation results are normal, including the thyroid gland test. The only concern is the rash. Could it be contagious? I could notice it getting spread by touch. Is it possible? I suspect it to be a black fungus infection, but the doctors I consulted said it is impossible to have such disease for more than a month as it is highly fatal.

Kindly give your opinion and help.

Thanks.

Hi,

Welcome back to icliniq.com.

Few infectious rashes are contagious and could spread through skin contact.

Black fungus is mucormycosis. It is most common in diabetic patients, iron overload conditions, and immunocompromised individuals. Recently it has been seen in COVID patients who got steroids treatment. Black fungus is not contagious, but it spreads through fungal spores in the environment.

Do you have a history of diabetes or other conditions? What did your doctor say regarding fatigue and dry eyes? Describe the rash more specifically in terms of duration, site of infection, itchiness, color. Does it fade away or reappearing?

Thanks.

Patient's Query

Hello doctor,

Thanks for responding.

I am not a diabetic. The rash is itchy without any traces. Can black fungus spread through clothing?

Kindly help.

Hi,

Welcome back to icliniq.com.

The black fungus spreads through spores released in the atmosphere. It is naturally found in the environment, but it cannot produce disease because of our immune system. It causes blackish discoloration of the skin. The most common presentation of black fungus is an infection around the eyes, nose called rhino-oculo cerebral disease.

The infection cannot spread through clothing.

Thanks.

Patient's Query

Hi doctor,

What is the test to confirm rhino-oculo cerebral disease? Do I need an MRI, CT, or a biopsy?

Kindly help to get better.

Hi,

Welcome back to icliniq.com.

If the treatment is not initiated on time, mucormycosis spreads rapidly and could be highly fatal.

Histopathological diagnosis with a biopsy to help identify the fungal hyphae of mucor to confirm the diagnosis. Both CT and MRI helps in the diagnosis. Each has its advantage in demonstrating the extension of the disease.

It occurs in immunocompromised individuals, but you do not have such a history.

Thanks.

Patient's Query

Hi doctor,

Thanks again for your reply.

Even though I am not immune-compromised, I still have symptoms. Should I take MRI for the brain or sinuses?

I need your help.

Thanks.

Hi,

Welcome back to icliniq.com.

If you still have symptoms related to it, visit the local doctor to guide you in investigations. I suggest you see a local doctor and let him diagnose your condition and guide you properly.

Thanks.

Medically reviewed byDr. Sneha Kannan

Published At July 29, 2021
Reviewed AtJuly 29, 2021

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