What is Fungal Infection?

A fungal infection is an infection caused by fungi, a group of germs that includes yeasts and moulds. Some live harmlessly on and in the body and cause trouble only when conditions favour them, such as warmth, moisture or weak immunity.

Most are superficial

Most fungal infections affect the outer layers of the body:

• Skin: ringworm (tinea) on the body, groin (jock itch) and feet (athlete's foot)
• Scalp and hair: tinea capitis
• Nails: nail fungus
• Mouth and genitals: candidiasis such as oral thrush and vaginal yeast infection
• Skin colour change: pityriasis versicolor

They cause itching, redness, scaling or ring-shaped patches. They are common and treatable.

Rare but serious types

Fungi can sometimes spread inside the body, mainly in people with very weak immunity, uncontrolled diabetes or those on strong immune-suppressing treatment. These invasive infections are rare but serious and need hospital care.

Why it matters in India

Warm, humid weather and sweating make skin fungal infections especially common. Recurrent and hard-to-treat ringworm has become more frequent, partly because of the overuse of steroid creams and combination creams bought without a prescription.

Key points

• Most fungal infections need proper antifungal treatment, not just creams from the shop.
• Steroid-containing "combination" creams can make the infection worse.
• Keep skin dry, wear breathable clothes and do not share towels.
• See a doctor if there is no improvement in two weeks, or if the scalp, nails or genitals are involved.

About this section

The pages that follow cover causes, symptoms, types, stages, Ayurvedic perspective, home care, diet, medicines, prevention, treatment and yoga.