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Fungi are tiny living organisms that can cause infections in the body. These infections may affect the skin, nails, mouth, scalp and other parts of the body.
A fungal infection, also called mycosis, is an illness caused by a fungus such as yeast or mould. Most common infections affect the skin, nails or moist areas of the body. Some fungal infections can affect the mouth, throat, lungs, eyes, urinary tract or other internal organs.
Superficial infections stay on the skin or mucous membranes. Deeper infections can spread under the skin or into organs. Deep fungal infections are more likely to become serious in people with a weakened immune system.
Common types of fungal infections include:
Ringworm: A contagious infection that can cause round, itchy, scaly patches on the skin.
Athlete’s foot: Affects the feet and may cause peeling, cracking, burning or itching.
Jock itch: Causes an itchy rash in the groin or upper thigh area.
Yeast infection: Candida can affect the mouth, skin folds, vagina or other moist areas.
Nail fungus: Makes fingernails or toenails thick, brittle or discoloured.
Scalp ringworm: Can cause scaling, broken hair and bald patches.
Tinea versicolor: Causes lighter or darker patches on the chest, back or neck.
Fungal eye infections: May cause pain, redness, discharge or blurred vision.
Invasive fungal infections: Aspergillosis, cryptococcosis, histoplasmosis and mucormycosis can affect internal organs.
Fungi grow more easily in warm, damp places. Common causes and risk factors include:
Sweating and keeping the skin damp
Walking barefoot in public showers, gyms or changing rooms
Sharing towels, shoes, clothing or personal items
Contact with an infected person or animal
Small cuts, scratches or damaged skin
Contact with soil, plants, dust or contaminated surfaces
Recent antibiotic use
Diabetes or poor circulation
A weakened immune system
Tight clothing that traps moisture
Poor nail, skin or mouth hygiene
Some fungal infections spread between people, while infections acquired from soil or inhaled from the environment usually do not spread through ordinary contact.
Symptoms depend on the body area involved. Skin infections may cause itching, redness, scaling, soreness, burning or a ring-shaped rash. The skin may crack, swell or develop small blisters.
Nail fungus can make the nail yellow, white or brown. The nail may become thick, crumbly or separated from the nail bed. Oral thrush may cause white patches, soreness, loss of taste or pain while eating. Vaginal yeast infections may cause itching, irritation and unusual discharge.
Fungal infections in the lungs may cause cough, fever, tiredness, night sweats, muscle aches or shortness of breath. Eye infections may cause pain, redness, watering, discharge, light sensitivity or blurred vision.
A healthcare professional may identify a simple skin infection by examining it. A skin scraping, nail clipping, swab or sample of discharge may be sent for testing. Blood tests, sputum tests or urine tests may be needed for deeper infections.
If a fungal infection may involve the lungs, brain or another internal organ, an X-ray, CT scan or MRI may be required. Testing helps distinguish a fungal infection from eczema, psoriasis, bacterial infection or another condition.
The main antifungal medicine depends on the fungus, body area and severity of the infection.
Antifungal creams and lotions: Clotrimazole, miconazole, terbinafine, ketoconazole and econazole may treat selected skin infections.
Antifungal powders and sprays: These may help keep affected areas dry while treating some superficial infections.
Antifungal shampoos: Ketoconazole or selenium sulfide shampoos may be used for certain scalp conditions and tinea versicolor.
Nail treatments: Amorolfine, ciclopirox and other medicated products may be used for selected nail infections.
Oral antifungal tablets or capsules: Fluconazole, Itraconazole, terbinafine and griseofulvin may be prescribed when infection is extensive, severe or difficult to reach with a cream.
Oral or liquid mouth treatments: Nystatin suspension, mouth gels or other medicines may be used for oral candidiasis.
Vaginal antifungal medicines: Clotrimazole, miconazole or a prescribed oral medicine may be used for confirmed vaginal candidiasis.
Antifungal eye drops: Natamycin and other specialist medicines may be prescribed for fungal eye infections.
Hospital antifungal treatment: Amphotericin B, voriconazole, posaconazole or similar medicines may be used for serious invasive infections under specialist supervision.
Oral antifungal medicines can affect the liver and may interact with other medicines. Some people need blood tests during treatment. Do not choose a tablet based only on the appearance of a rash.
Use the medicine for the full time advised, even if the skin starts to look better. Stopping too early may allow the infection to return. Wash hands before and after applying creams, and avoid touching the eyes unless the product is made for ophthalmic use. Tell the prescriber about liver disease, kidney disease, pregnancy, breastfeeding, allergies and all other medicines being taken. Some oral antifungals interact with blood thinners, cholesterol medicines, heart medicines, seizure medicines and certain antibiotics.
Contact a healthcare professional if the infection spreads, keeps returning, does not improve or affects the nails, scalp, eyes or internal organs. Seek urgent help for breathing difficulty, confusion, severe weakness, sudden vision changes or signs of sepsis.
Clotrimazole, miconazole, terbinafine and ketoconazole creams may help selected skin infections. The correct choice depends on whether the problem is ringworm, yeast, eczema, allergy or another condition.