Fungal Infections

Fungal infections are quite common, sometimes contagious, treatable and normally not life-threatening. However, people with some types of immunological dysfunction (i.e. HIV, AIDS, or cancer) are at a higher risk of a run-of-the-mill fungal infection turning into a serious matter.

Any warm, moist area on the body can be a prime fungi breeding area. So, for most types of fungus, the feet (including toes), groin, mouth, armpits and skin folds (obesity) can become primary target areas for development of an infection. Contact with a person or item with fungus may be all it takes to kick-off your own attack – although in the case of yeast infections, just the fungi already present in or on the body is all this is needed under the right circumstances.

There are several varieties that are more common, and these will be discussed below.

Some common types of yeast infection include oral thrush, vaginitis, diaper rash and intertrigo. A species of yeast referred to as candida is responsible for these types of fungal infections, commonly called Candidiasis.

Yeast infections are not contagious, and are treated differently depending upon the type of infection. Medicated ointments are normally used to treat skin yeast infections. Vaginitis is usually treated with medicated suppositories. Oral thrush can be treated with a medicated mouthwash or lozenges.

Commonly referred to as tinea in the medical community, there are several different types of ringworm that produce rashes, scaling and itching. Symptoms vary depending upon the location of the infection. Athlete’s foot (tinea pedis), jock itch (tinea cruris), scalp ringworm (tinea capitis), body ringworm (tinea corporis), beard ringworm (tinea barbae), hand ringworm (tinea manus), face ringworm (tinea faciei) and nail fungus (tinea unguium) – also called onychomycosis are all examples of the various types of ringworm fungal infections.

Most types of ringworm respond well to topical antifungal creams - with noticeable results obtained in a week or two. However, scalp and nail fungus can be more difficult to treat and they usually require the use of oral medications (e.g. fluconazole).

Also referred to as pityriasis versicolor - this fungus (malassezia furfur) attacks the topmost layer of skin causing scaly, discolored patches. It is especially prevalent in younger adults, and affects the normal skin tanning process. Naturally dark skin may exhibit lighter patches, and people with fair complexions may develop patches of darker skin. These patches often develop on the chest and back.

Topical antifungal creams usually work well to alleviate the infection. However, the condition usually returns after treatment is stopped because this type of fungus is ever present on the skin.

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