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What is Fungal Infection?

By Garry Crystal
Updated: Mar 03, 2024
Views: 155,387
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The human body is covered with a vast amount and diverse range of germs. These germs live harmlessly within the body and on the skin. However, certain types of fungus can build up on the skin and cause infections. A fungal infection is usually not serious and cannot normally be spread easily from person to person. An infection deeper within the body may be more serious.

A fungal infection usually appears on the skin, as the organisms live on a protein called keratin. This protein makes up the nails, skin and hair. The various symptoms of this type of infection depend on the type of fungus that has caused the infection. Symptoms and appearance also depend on the part of the body infected.

Usually, a rash will appear, but this too may have different characteristics. Some look very similar to dry skin, while others may be itchy, red and scaly. A fungal infection can also occur in areas hidden by hair, such as the beard or scalp. These infections can often result in hair loss.

There are a number of variables that can make you more susceptible to a fungal infection. If you have recently taken a course of antibiotics or taken oral steroids, you are more likely to contract an infection. Also, if you have diabetes or cancer, or if HIV has weakened your immune system, then this type of infection is not uncommon.

Another cause of fungus is damage to the skin surface. A graze to the skin surface or a cut encourages fungi to spread. If you have been bathing or sweating heavily and the skin has not been dried properly, a fungal infection may also occur.

There are various types of infections caused by fungi. The most common infection is Tinea Pedis, or athlete's foot. The symptoms are sogginess and scaling of the skin. This infection usually occurs in the space between the toes and can often be caught from infected skin particles. It is most usually picked up in public places, such as swimming pools.

Fungal nail infections can occur in toenails and fingernails. The nails become crumbly and malformed. This infection is sometimes linked with athlete's foot. There is also ringworm of the body, which appears as red patches with scaly edges and red centers.

Another common infection is thrush. The fungus Candida lives harmlessly within most people. However, if you have had a recent illness, the fungi can multiply and cause thrush. Thrush can affect the mouth and tongue and the male and female sexual organs.

There are a number of treatments available for fungal infections. Creams, lotions or tablets are available to treat these infections. Your pharmacist will be able to advise which is best for certain infections. These treatments are usually effective, but remember the fungi may return and need to be retreated.

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Discussion Comments
By anon311607 — On Jan 02, 2013

I can feel something like lumps around my testicle inside my scrotum and I have a red sort skin rash in that area and I don't know if these are linked but there is a sort of red dot there too. What should I do?

By anon295055 — On Oct 04, 2012

I have a really itchy fanny and the itch won't go away. There's also pus coming out of the rash.

By anon188981 — On Jun 22, 2011

My three year old son has been battling a fungal infection. Now they say it's in the stomach. What should we do?

By pharmchick78 — On Aug 06, 2010

@catalonzo -- Yes, pyrithione zinc has been shown to work as a treatment for tinea versicolos.

I assume that you are talking about the fungal infection "jock itch"?

That's the most common type of tinea versicolos, and for mild to moderate cases, an anti-dandruff shampoo can certainly help.

By Charlie89 — On Aug 06, 2010

@pleats -- What are some of his symptoms? When it comes to fungal skin infections, symptoms can make a big difference in diagnosis.

For example, if it always shows up as blisters, or acne-like bumps, it can be a sign of a yeast infection in the skinfolds.

If there are rings or a reddish rash on the skin, then it's more likely to be ringworm.

Either way, I'd contact a dermatologist the next time it breaks out -- that way he or she can tell you what's going on so you can keep it from happening again.

By pleats — On Aug 06, 2010

What could be come causes of a chronic fungal infection?

My husband seems to keep getting fungal skin infections, and we can't figure out what's causing them.

Does anybody have any ideas?

By catalonzo — On Jun 28, 2008

can anti dandruff shampoos that contain zinc pyrithione treat tinea versicolos?

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