Some fungi cause infections in people. Because fungal spores are often present in the air or in the soil, fungal infections usually begin in the lungs or on the skin. Fungal infections are rarely serious unless the immune system is weakened, usually by drugs or medical disorders.
Fungal infections are caused by hundreds of fungi that exist in our everyday environment. Most people can be exposed to fungi regularly without an adverse reaction, but certain conditions can cause the fungi to overgrow and cause symptoms. Those conditions include: Weakened immune system.
Most common fungal diseases
Common infections of the fingernails or toenails. Caused by the yeast Candida, also called a “vaginal yeast infection.” A common fungal skin infection that often looks like a circular rash. Caused by the yeast Candida, also called “thrush.
Incorporating immune-boosting foods into the diet will help, such as foods rich in vitamin C, antioxidants, zinc, as well as yogurt with live and active cultures. A registered dietitian and nutritionist can help you build the right diet.
Typically, a course of antifungal creams (either prescription or over-the-counter) will clear up the rash and relieve the itchiness. Your healthcare provider can also discuss preventive steps to keep the rash from coming back.
Superficial fungal infections can take anywhere from a few days to a few months to heal. Deep tissue fungal infection can take up to two years to treat. In persons with weakened immune systems, the treatment and management of a fungal infection may take the rest of their lives.
Anyone can get a fungal infection, even people who are otherwise healthy. People breathe in or come in contact with fungal spores every day without getting sick. However, in people with weakened immune systems, these fungi are more likely to cause an infection.
The most common types of fungi that cause serious or life-threatening infections include: Aspergillus, which causes aspergillosis. It most often affects people with lung disease or a weakened immune system. Candida, which causes candidiasis, also called thrush.
The tendency for fungus to recur in many adults, especially on the feet and toenails, is a genetic condition. Their skin cannot recognize the fungus as foreign and get rid of it. After having a fungus there for a while the body's immune system learns to live with the fungus and no longer tries to get rid of it.
Aspergillus infection, Athlete's foot, Jock itch, Ringworm, Coccidioidomycosis, Sporotrichosis, valley fever, histoplasmosis are the few of the many deadly diseases caused by fungi.
The only way to know whether you have a bacterial, viral, or fungal infection is to be tested for them by a qualified medical professional. Many common ailments such as diarrhea or pneumonia can be caused by either bacterial or viral infections.
Fungal infections of your hair, skin and nails are usually not serious, but can take a while to completely go away with treatment. Deep fungal infections, like those in your lungs or other organs, can be life-threatening, especially if you're living with a weakened immune system.
You can also take probiotics which are “friendly” bacteria, as a supplement, which you can buy from a health food store or pharmacy. Ask your pharmacist which probiotic is best for you. A warm salt water bath will help relieve itching caused by a fungal infection.
Fungi can be difficult to kill. For skin and nail infections, you can apply medicine directly to the infected area. Oral antifungal medicines are also available for serious infections.
Tinea versicolor is a fungal skin rash. It's caused by too much growth of a normal yeast on the skin. The most common symptom is patches on the skin that may look white, pink, or light brown. They may also look dry or scaly.
Some people blame many common symptoms on the overgrowth of the funguslike organism Candida albicans in the intestines. They may say this fungus causes symptoms such as fatigue, headache and poor memory. This condition is sometimes called yeast syndrome. To cure these symptoms, some people try a candida cleanse diet.
Chronic mucocutaneous candidiasis, a hereditary immunodeficiency disorder, is persistent or recurring infection with Candida (a fungus) due to malfunction of T cells (a type of white blood cell). Chronic mucocutaneous candidiasis causes frequent or chronic fungal infections of the mouth, scalp, skin, and nails.