July 12, 2018 | They are everywhere you look, in the soil, on plants and trees, on many indoor surfaces and even on human skin. There are millions of different fungal species on the planet but only about 300 that are capable of making you sick. Most fungi are not dangerous but some forms can be harmful to your health. 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. Mild fungal skin diseases can look like a rash and are very common. Some fungal diseases like fungal meningitis and bloodstream infections are less common than skin and lung infections but can be deadly. Because fungal diseases can affect anyone, learning about them can help you and your doctor recognize the symptoms of one early and may help prevent serious complications.

July 12, 2018 | An infection of the toenail is also called onychomycosis. The nail may look brownish, yellowish or have little white patches. The nail may get flaky, brittle, ragged and chipped. In some cases, the toenail may get so thick that wearing shoes can cause pain. Infected nails may also separate from the nail bed, a condition called onycholysis. Unfortunately, over-the-counter creams and ointments generally do not help treat this condition. Prescription antifungal medicines taken by mouth may help clear the fungus in about 50 percent of patients. However, such medicines can cause side effects or may interfere with other medications. Some of the oral medications used to treat fungal infections of the nail can harm the liver. In some cases, the health care provider may remove the nail. Toenails grow slowly and even if treatment is successful, a new nail may take up to a year to grow in. And even with successful treatment, it is common for the fungus to return.

July 12, 2018 | Athlete’s foot is a skin disease caused by a fungus, usually occurring between the toes. The fungus most commonly attacks the feet because shoes create a warm, dark, and humid environment which encourages fungus growth. The warmth and dampness of areas around swimming pools, showers, and locker rooms are also breeding grounds for fungi. The signs of athlete’s foot, singly or combined, are dry skin, itching, scaling, inflammation, and blisters. If your athlete’s foot is severe or doesn’t respond to over-the-counter medicine, you may need a prescription-strength topical medication, a lotion, powder, spray or ointment, or an oral medication. To help avoid athlete’s foot or ease its symptoms, wear socks that are made of natural material like cotton or wool or a synthetic fiber designed to draw moisture away from your feet, change your socks regularly, and go barefoot to let your feet air out as much as possible when you’re home.

July 12, 2018 | Despite the name, ringworm is NOT caused by a worm. Rather, it’s an infection caused by a fungus that most commonly appears as a ring-shaped red, itchy rash on the skin. Anyone can get ringworm, but people who have weakened immune systems may be especially at risk for infection and may have problems fighting off a ringworm infection. People who use public showers or locker rooms, athletes, people who wear tight shoes and have excessive sweating, and people who have close contact with animals may also be more likely to come in contact with the fungi that cause ringworm. To prevent the spread of ringworm, don’t walk barefoot in areas like locker rooms or public showers and don’t share clothing, towels, sheets, or other personal items with someone who has ringworm. Wash your hands with soap and running water after playing with your pet and wear gloves and long sleeves if you must handle animals with ringworm.

July 12, 2018 | Histoplasmosis is an infection caused by the fungus Histoplasma. The fungus lives in soil and you can get the infection by breathing in the microscopic spores from the fungus. Farming, construction or any activity that disturbs the soil can release spores into the air. You can’t catch histoplasmosis from another person or from an animal. Birds do not carry the infection but their droppings provide food for the fungus so you can get histoplasmosis in areas such as chicken coops. The droppings of bats feed the fungus so you can also get histoplasmosis in areas where bats live, such as caves. Although most people who breathe in the spores don’t get sick, those who do may have a fever, cough, and fatigue. Many people who get sick will get better on their own without medication. In some people, such as those who have weakened immune systems, the infection can become severe, especially if it spreads from the lungs to other organs.