Diseases
fungal infections
For healthcare professionals — reference only. This page is a brief summary, not medical advice and not a substitute for official labeling or clinical judgement. Always verify before prescribing or dispensing.
Overview
Fungal infections are any disease or condition you get from a fungus. They usually affect your skin, hair, nails or mucous membranes but they can also infect your lungs or other parts of your body. You're at higher risk for fungal infections if you have a weakened immune system.
Symptoms
- itching, soreness, redness or rash in the affected area.
- symptoms are most common on your skin, nails or mucous membrane
- discolored, thick or cracked nails.
- sometimes you can have symptoms of an infection in your lungs, brain, eye
- fatigue (tiredness).
Causes
- dermatophytes are a group of fungi that live off of keratin
- candida albicans is a yeast that naturally lives on your body
- environmental fungi that live in soil or water.
Risk factors
- dampness and humidity.
- menopausal status.
- poor blood circulation.
Diagnosis
- biopsy of the skin or other affected tissue.
- phlegm (sputum).
- fluid around your brain and spinal cord (cns fluid).
- pee (urine).
Medicines used
Frequently asked questions
What is fungal infections?
Fungal infections are any disease or condition you get from a fungus. They usually affect your skin, hair, nails or mucous membranes but they can also infect your lungs or other parts of your body. You're at higher risk for fungal infections if you have a weakened immune system.
What are the symptoms of fungal infections?
itching, soreness, redness or rash in the affected area., symptoms are most common on your skin, nails or mucous membrane, discolored, thick or cracked nails., sometimes you can have symptoms of an infection in your lungs, brain, eye, fatigue (tiredness).
What causes fungal infections?
dermatophytes are a group of fungi that live off of keratin; candida albicans is a yeast that naturally lives on your body; environmental fungi that live in soil or water.
Which medicines are used for fungal infections?
oxiconazole, tolnaftate
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