A fungus is a primitive organism that lives and thrives in the air, soil, plants and water. Fungi can also be present on surfaces and in the human body. Anyone can get a fungal infection, especially people with weak immune systems. Most fungal infections are mild. However, fungal meningitis and bloodstream infections can be deadly, although not as common as skin and lung infections.

What Is the Main Cause of Fungal Infection?

There are millions of fungal species, but only about half of all types of fungi can make people sick. Mushrooms, molds, mildew and yeasts are some familiar types of fungi.

Fungal infections in the lungs or skin occur when fungi reproduce through tiny spores in the air and get inhaled or land on the skin's surface. People with weakened immune systems or taking antibiotics are more likely to get a fungal infection.

Fungi can cause many types of illness, including: 

• Asthma or allergies
• Rashes or infections on the skin and nails
• Pneumonia with symptoms like the flu or tuberculosis
• Bloodstream infections
• Meningitis

What Are the Most Common Fungal Infections?

Some fungal diseases go undiagnosed. Learning more about fungal infections can help you recognize some of the symptoms of certain fungal diseases early and get a proper diagnosis. The following are the most common fungal diseases:

• Fungal nail infections (also called onychomycosis) This fungal infection affects up to 14% of the general population. Most fungal nail infections are not severe, but some people may experience pain or be bothered by the appearance of their nails. Germs that enter small cracks in the nail cause this infection. People with fungal nail infections have discolored, thick, fragile or cracked nails. Sometimes the affected nail may separate from the nail bed.
• Vaginal candidiasis (also called vaginal yeast infection) A type of yeast called Candida causes vaginal candidiasis. It usually lives on the skin and inside the mouth, throat, gut and vagina. Candidiasis is often mild but may become serious if conditions change inside the vagina, encouraging fungal growth. Symptoms include vaginal itching or soreness, pain during sexual intercourse, pain or discomfort when urinating and abnormal vaginal discharge.
• Ringworm (also called tinea or dermatophytosis) Ringworms are common skin infections that can cause symptoms such as red and itchy circular rashes. The fungus that causes ringworms can live on the skin, surfaces and even on clothing, towels and bedding.
• Candida infections of the mouth, throat and esophagus (also called thrush or oropharyngeal candidiasis) When the environment inside the mouth, throat or esophagus becomes a favorable breeding ground for the Candida fungus, it causes a condition similar to vaginal yeast infection. Symptoms include white patches on the inner cheek, tongue, roof of the mouth and throat; redness or soreness; cotton-like feeling in the mouth; loss of taste; pain while eating or swallowing or cracking and redness at the corners of the mouth.

How Do You Cure Fungal Infections?

Antifungal medicines work by either killing the fungus or preventing the fungus from growing. If you have symptoms that may point to a fungal infection, consult a doctor before taking any medication to avoid getting antifungal treatments that can increase your risk of developing resistance to antifungal drugs.

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