Black Fungus vs White fungus: Which one causes more damage? check symptoms, cure and what medical experts say

Though the country is reporting below 3 lakh daily covid cases from the last few days, the rise of black fungus cases and the emergence of white fungus cases have become a new concern.

Black fungus or mucormycosis is a disease primarily affecting immunocompromised Covid-19 patients and people who are diabetic, have kidney or heart problems, or are on high steroids. While several reports of another fungal infection named “white fungus” have now feared the people.

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In such a situation, people have lots of questions in their mind related to these two fungal infections. Here is what health experts have to say on the same:

According to a statement by Dr Suresh Kumar, MD LNJP Hospital, Delhi, as quoted by ANI, "White fungus (Aspergillosis) is not as dangerous as black fungus. The treatment for the latter can continue for 1-1.5 months hence early diagnosis is critical."

White fungus (Aspergillosis) is not as dangerous as black fungus. The treatment for the latter can continue for 1-1.5 months hence early diagnosis is critical. Don't take steroids to treat #COVID19 without consulting your doctor: Dr Suresh Kumar, MD LNJP Hospital, Delhi (21.05) pic.twitter.com/GUe5u7AdJ6

— ANI (@ANI) May 21, 2021

As per a report by India Today, medical experts have said that there is no such disease as “white fungus”. The infection that is being reported is nothing but candidiasis, they said.

Candidiasis is a fungal infection caused due to any type of Candida which is a type of yeast.  When it affects the mouth, in some countries it is commonly called thrush, according to a report by india.com.

People can look for the symptoms like white patches on the tongue or other areas of the mouth and throat, soreness and problems in swallowing.

The first case of white fungus came from Patna, Bihar. However, the government-run Patna Medical College and Hospital (PMCH) has dismissed these reports, according to India Today. And now a fresh case has been detected in Uttar Pradesh.

“White fungus is just a myth and misconception. It is basically candidiasis, a fungal infection caused by a type of fungus called Candida. It is the most common fungal infection,” India Today quoted infectious diseases specialist Dr Ishwar Gilada.

Talking about if white fungus is more dangerous or black fungus, Dr Kapil Salgia, pulmonologist at the Bombay Hospital, who has been treating black fungus patients, was quoted as saying by India Today that mucormycosis was more invasive and might cause lot of damage to sinuses, eyes, brain and requires extensive surgery.

“Mucormycosis is more dangerous because it is normally not found in the human system, and we normally do not see many cases. Candidiasis is easily diagnosed and easily treated. Most of the times, it is not life threatening, unless you miss treatment or symptoms completely and it becomes invasive,” Dr Salgia said.

The doctor further explained, those with weakened immunity, suffering from diabetes and have been on steroids during Covid-19 treatment for a long period are vulnerable to candidiasis.

Health experts said the most common candidiasis infection is oral thrush. “This infection generally affects areas or parts of the body that have a thin lining, mucocutaneous junctions like lips, nose, or inside the mouth and genital area,” Dr Gilada said.

As per the report by India Today, according to Dr Gilada, the symptoms to watch include:

1. Headache

2. Pain in one side of the face

3. Swelling

4. Loss of vision or diminishing vision

5. Ulcer in mouth

A simple microscopic examination under 10 per cent KOH (potassium hydroxide) can be done to detect the infection, Dr Gilada added.