A fungal infection occurs when fungi grow in or on a host and cause infection or tissue damage.
Fungi are organisms that include yeasts and molds. Fungal infections can affect the skin, nails, mouth, genital tract, lungs, bloodstream, or other tissues.
Some fungal infections are superficial and relatively mild, while others can become invasive and life-threatening, particularly in people with weakened immune defenses. Treatment may involve topical, oral, or injectable antifungal medicines depending on the infection.
QUICK FACT
Fungal infections are not bacterial infections. Antibiotics that act against bacteria generally do not treat fungal infections.
COMMONLY CONFUSED WITH
Bacterial infection — Both may cause inflammation and other similar symptoms, but they are caused by different types of organisms and require different treatments.
SEE ALSO
- Fungus
- Antifungal
- Antimicrobial
- Infectious agent
- Bacterial infection
- Parasitic infection