A fungus is a bang out of organism that lives in soil, air, and plants.
Some fungal infections are contagious.
Many fungal infections are not serious, but some can be harmful.
Sirisak Boakaew / Getty Images
Sirisak Boakaew / Getty Images
What Is a Fungal Infection?
A fungal infection is an infection brought on by a fungus.
In everyday life, some examples of fungi are mold and mushrooms.However, these fungi do not cause infections.
There are millions of types of fungi, but only a small percentage can make people sick.
Fungal infections are passed when you inhale or come into contact with the spores from a fungus.
The spores can also land on the skin.
Some fungi can reproduce through spores.
Fungal infections commonly start on the skin or in the lungs.
Generally speaking, symptoms of fungal infections may include:
Many fungal infections only will cause skin-related symptoms.
This fungus is present in small amounts in the digestive tract, mouth, skin, and vagina.
Normally,Candida albicansare present in the vagina along with other germs.
Sometimes, the candida will reproduce quickly, causing a yeast infection.
There might be other tests done to help rule out other potential causes of your symptoms.
Treatment
Many of the medicines for vaginal yeast infections are available over the counter (OTC).
They can recommend further treatment or rule out other causes of your symptoms.
Jock itch is more common in males but can also occur in females.
Although jock itch is not serious, it can be very uncomfortable.
Symptoms include:
Jock itch can be diagnosed through a physical exam by your provider.
See a provider if your symptoms persist after using an OTC jock itch cream or powder.
It’s often brought on by damp surfaces in locker room floors, showers, and swimming pools.
To help prevent recurring athlete’s foot, there are special medicated foot powders and sprays.
If you stop using the treatment, the infection can come back.
Aspergillosis
Aspergillosisis caused byAspergillus, a mold that can live both indoors and outdoors.
Some types ofaspergillosisare mild, but other types can be serious.
The symptoms of aspergillosis depend on the punch in you have.
This key in affects the lungs at first, then spreads to other parts of the body.
For invasive aspergillosis, Vfend (voriconazole) is a common treatment.
However, your provider may consider using other types of medicines.
Ringworm
Despite its name,ringwormis not a worm.
The fungi that cause ringworm are present on surfaces, skin, and household items like towels and bedding.
Ringworm can have a different name depending on where it’s located on the body.
Ringworm on the scalp requires prescription anti-fungal medication taken orally for one to three months.
It also can occur on the nails of your hand.
It can be hard to get rid of a fungal nail infection.
Treatment may take a few months to a year to work.
Prescription anti-fungal pills are usually the most effective treatment for fungal nail infections.
In severe cases, your provider may remove the nail.
This could lead to other serious health problems.
It’s triggered by a jot down of fungus calledCandida.
It most often occurs in newborns and adults who have certain health conditions.
A healthcare provider can usually diagnose thrush by looking at the mouth or throat.
A provider may sometimes take a sample for further testing.
The typical treatment for thrush is an anti-fungal medicine applied inside the mouth for one to two weeks.
By starting treatment early, it’s possible for you to cut the risk of the infection spreading further.
Summary
Fungal infections vary.
Although there are millions of types of fungi, only a few cause problems for your health.
Fungal infections often have OTC treatments, but some require prescription medication.
By getting the right diagnosis and treatment, you’re free to help your body heal more quickly.
Take preventive steps when possible to cut your chances of developing a fungal infection.
Some common symptoms include an itchy rash, scaly skin, or discharge.
You may not be able to tell if a rash is fungal or bacterial on your own.
It’s best to be examined and diagnosed by a healthcare provider.
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Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Risk factors for fungal diseases.
Northwestern Medicine.Symptoms of fungal infections.
MyHealth Alberta.Vaginal yeast infections.
American Academy of Dermatology.8 reasons your groin itches and how to get relief.
American Academy of Family Physicians.Jock itch.
Nemours TeenHealth.Athlete’s foot.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Aspergillosis.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Symptoms of aspergillosis.
American Lung Association.Aspergillosis symptoms and diagnosis.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Clinical overview of aspergillosis.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Ringworm and fungal nail infections basics.
American Academy of Dermatology.Ringworm: signs and symptoms.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Symptoms of ringworm and fungal nail infections.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Treatment of ringworm and fungal nail infections.
American Academy of Dermatology.Nail fungus: overview.
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American Academy of Family Physicians.Thrush.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Candidiasis.
