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Fungal Infections
Reviewed by Medicinsk Expert•Last updated: 2026-10-22•Skin Hair Nails

Fungal Infections

Fungal infections are caused by primitive organisms found in the environment that can affect the skin, lungs, and other parts of the body.

Overview

If you have ever had athlete's foot or a yeast infection, you can blame a fungus. A fungus is a primitive organism; mushrooms, mold, and mildew are examples. Fungi live in air, in soil, on plants, and in water. Some live in the human body. Only about half of all types of fungi are harmful.

Causes and Transmission

Some fungi reproduce through tiny spores in the air. You can inhale the spores or they can land on you. As a result, fungal infections often start in the lungs or on the skin. You are more likely to get a fungal infection if you have a weakened immune system or take antibiotics.

Treatment

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.

Frequently Asked Questions

Recurrence is common because fungal spores can remain dormant in the environment, such as in shoes, socks, or bedding, and reinfect the skin. Additionally, if the initial treatment course was too short or if the area remains moist and warm, the fungus can survive and regrow. To prevent recurrence, it is vital to keep the affected area dry, change into clean, dry clothing daily, and wash linens in hot water. For nail infections, which take longer to grow out, treatment must continue until new, healthy nail tissue has fully replaced the infected part.
Fungal skin infections, such as ringworm or athlete's foot, often present with a distinct ring-shaped or circular border that is red, scaly, and raised, while the center of the rash may appear normal or heal. In contrast, eczema and psoriasis typically present as broader patches of dry, itchy, or silvery scales without a clear ring-like border. Fungal infections are also more likely to be confined to specific areas like the feet, groin, or scalp, and they may improve slightly with over-the-counter hydrocortisone but will not resolve without antifungal medication. If a rash persists or spreads despite standard eczema treatments, a doctor can perform a simple skin scraping to confirm a fungal cause.
Yes, certain fungi, such as those causing ringworm, are zoonotic, meaning they can spread from animals to humans. Cats and dogs are common carriers, often showing no visible symptoms themselves. If you suspect your pet has a fungal infection, take them to a veterinarian for diagnosis and treatment. Simultaneously, you should treat the home environment by washing all bedding, grooming tools, and carpets with hot water and appropriate disinfectants to eliminate spores. Avoid close contact with the pet until it has been treated to prevent transmission to yourself or other household members.
ntibiotics are designed to kill bacteria, but they also disrupt the natural balance of beneficial bacteria in your body, particularly in the gut and vagina. These beneficial bacteria normally keep fungal populations, such as Candida, in check. When the bacteria are wiped out, the fungi can overgrow unchecked, leading to infections like vaginal yeast infections or oral thrush. This is a common side effect, and if you notice symptoms like itching, burning, or unusual discharge while on antibiotics, you should consult your healthcare provider for targeted antifungal treatment.
Source: MedlinePlus, National Library of Medicine

MedlinePlus brings together authoritative health information from the National Library of Medicine (NLM), the National Institutes of Health (NIH), and other government agencies and health-related organizations.

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