When most people think of fungus, they think of a mushroom growing in the wild or something being controlled in a laboratory. Both are completely true and typical. However, most people don’t realize, or choose to ignore, that fungus is present all around us, even living on and inside of our bodies. Scary stuff when you think about it, but the fact is we all live with fungus every single day. It is on the surfaces we touch, the floors we walk on, even in the air we breathe.

According to Merck Manual, most fungi spores that we come into contact with on a daily basis are not harmful and will not cause infections. With a few exceptions, fungal infections are not spread from person to person and are not a serious health risk in a normal immune system. So then why the concern? In a typical person with a healthy immune system fungal infections can cause moderate to severe itchy, painful rashes, blisters and lesions. Nothing life threatening, but sure to cause a great deal of discomfort, considering some of these infections can last for weeks or months. In a person with a compromised immune system, such as the elderly, organ transplant patients, or persons with HIV/AIDS, fungal infections can lead to far more serious complications. Fungal infections can spread to the bloodstream and attack the organs in the body from the inside out, putting a person with a weakened immune system at serious and even life-threatening risk.

Web MD classifies two main groupings of fungal infections. The first is called Tinea, commonly referred to as ringworm and the second is called Candida. Tinea, or ringworm, is a dermatophyte. Simply put, ringworm is a fungal infection that affects the skin, hair or nails. Ringworm includes such things as athlete’s foot, jock itch, scalp infections and nail infections, as well as skin infections on the arms, legs and body. Candida, on the other hand, is a yeast infection. Yeast infections can affect many parts of the body, including the vagina, mouth (aka thrush), folds in the skin and nail beds. Ringworm and yeast infections are both nothing to be overly concerned about from a health standpoint for the majority of the population. Again, unless you have a compromised immune system, these fungal infections should be nothing more than unsightly and uncomfortable. Both ringworm and yeast infections can be treated at home with over-the-counter topical medications. If the infection is extreme or prolonged, your doctor may prescribe a topical or oral medication.

So what are the most common fungal infections you’re likely to encounter at some point? Let’s break them down.


Tinea Pedis (Athlete’s Foot)

According to the Cleveland Clinic Center for Continuing Education, athlete’s foot is the most common fungal infection in persons in North America and Europe. Typical symptoms include a red, flaky rash, persistent itch and burning, and sometimes blisters or sores. Most commonly found between the toes, some varieties affect the soles and heels, even extending up the sides of the feet. To make matters worse, athlete’s foot can spread to the hands if one picks or scratches at the infected area.

The Mayo Clinic states that athlete’s foot is contagious, spread through warm, moist environments such as floors, shoes or towels. Athlete’s foot can usually be treated easily with over-the-counter ointments or sprays; however, in severe cases, prescription topical medicine or antifungal pills may be required.

A few tips to prevent athlete’s foot include:

·      keeping your feet dry

·      changing your socks often -- especially if your feet sweat a lot

·      not sharing shoes or towels

·      wearing shoes or flip-flops in communal places such as the gym or sauna

·      using powder to help keep feet dry


Tinea Capitis

Most common in young children, tinea capitis is a fungal infection of the scalp. It presents itself as circular, scaly patches on the scalp. Tinea capitis is highly contagious and can become an epidemic if not diagnosed and treated quickly.

Tinea capitis can be spread through direct contact with humans or animals, as well as indirect contact with such items as towels, combs and bedding. In severe cases, permanent hair loss can result. The most common method of treatment is a prescribed oral antifungal medicine, as well as a prescription strength shampoo.

The easiest way to prevent the spread of tinea capitis is awareness. Avoid contact with infected people and animals. Wash hair and hands regularly, as well as items that may have come into contact with an infected person, such as bedding and grooming products.

Tinea Crusis (Jock Itch)

By far one of the most uncomfortable of all fungal infections, telltale signs include a reddish, itchy, burning rash around the groin, anus and inner thighs. In extreme cases, blistering and oozing may occur.

The Mayo Clinic and How Stuff Works both state that while jock itch is typically a problem men experience, it can, in fact, affect women. Jock itch is also commonly experienced by persons with athlete’s foot, most likely spread by touching or scratching both areas or by the simple act of putting on underwear.

Jock itch can be treated with over-the-counter or prescription topical creams.


Thrush

Thrush is a type of Candida, or yeast infection affecting the mouth that can present itself in anyone but is typical in infants, the elderly and persons with impaired immune systems. Characterized by distinctive white lesions and tender, red areas in the mouth, thrush is easily treated with oral antifungal medications and clears up in one to two weeks.

Web MD states a few easy ways to prevent thrush include proper brushing and flossing, regular dental appointments, and not smoking.

Vaginal Yeast Infections (Vaginal Candida)

According to The Mayo Clinic, as many as three out of four women will experience at least one vaginal yeast infection in her lifetime, so it should be no surprise that the name is as recognizable as athlete’s foot. Yeast infections are caused when the normal and natural balance of bacteria found in the vagina is disrupted, and they are characterized by vaginal irritation, itchiness and discharge. Treatment is based on the frequency and severity but can range from a topical ointment to weeks or months of prescription medications.

There are numerous types of fungal infections, and most are typically mild and easily treatable. There are, however, a few out there that can be more than a little unsightly or uncomfortable. Several factors should always be considered when dealing with your own infection, such as your age and relative health, potential causes of said infection and capability of your immune system to fight off any potentially serious fungal infections. Always consult your doctor with any questions or concerns.