Definition any inflammatory condition caused by a fungus. Most fungal infections are superficial and mild, though persistent and difficult to eradicate. Some, particularly in older, debilitated, or immunosuppressed or immunodeficient people, may become systemic and life threatening.

What causes fungal infections? Different types of fungus cause a variety of fungal infections: Athlete’s foot, jock itch, and ringworm are caused by a fungus called tinea. Most yeast infections, such as vaginal thrush, oral thrush, and fungal gastroenteritis, are caused by a fungus called Candida albicans. Fungus can also cause fungal infections of the lungs due to inhaled fungal spores. Certain factors or conditions can result in an overgrowth of fungus in the body. These include: Taking antibiotics. Antibiotics can kill off “healthy” bacteria in the body, as well as bacteria that cause disease. When antibiotics kill the healthy bacteria, the normal balance of microorganisms in the mouth, vagina, intestines, and other places in the body is altered, resulting in an overgrowth of Candida albicans or other fungi. Having a weakened immune system due to certain conditions, such as HIV/AIDS or taking steroid medications or chemotherapy

A change in the pH balance of the vagina or a change in your hormonal balance a change in your hormonal balance jeans or wearing synthetic underwear • • • • A change in the pH balance of the vagina or A change in the pH balance of the vagina or Staying in a wet bathing suit, wearing tight Douching and wiping from rear to front Having high blood sugar due to diabetes, which provides food for Candida albicans and encourages its overgrowth Fungal infections can also be passed from a pregnant woman to her infant during vaginal delivery or breastfeeding. A change in the pH balance of the vagina or a change in your hormonal balance Staying in a wet bathing suit, wearing tight jeans or wearing synthetic underwear Douching and wiping from rear to front

Vaginal Candidiasis Vaginal candidiasis is caused by the fungus called Candida. Everyone has small quantities of the fungus in the mouth, vagina, digestive tract and skin. In healthy persons, "friendly" bacteria and the immune system prevent the fungus from causing infection. However, if you have a damaged or weakened immune system, it's easier for Candida to grow and cause disease.

Signs and symptoms The symptoms of vaginal thrush include vulval itching, vulval soreness and irritation, pain or discomfort during sexual intercourse (superficial dyspareunia), pain or discomfort during urination (dysuria) and vaginal discharge, which is usually odourless

Preventing thrush Wear cotton or silk underwear, which allows excess moisture to evaporate, unlike nylon and other synthetics. Wash and dry your underwear thoroughly and change it often to prevent dampness which can increase the chance of vaginal thrush. Avoid using feminine deodorant sprays and other products as these may increase the chance of a vaginal yeast infection. Be aware that using sanitary towels may increase your chances of getting vaginal thrush.

Oral candidiasis(Etiology) Candida albicans infection is due to: inadequate sterilization of teats and bottles. from mothers’ breast of the attendant’s hand. Newborns are infected during passage in birth canal. The long use of antibiotic therapy. Infant's auto-infection when he has candida diaper dermatitis and he touch the diaper area then put his hands into mouth.

Preventing oral thrush rinsing your mouth after meals visiting your dentist regularly for check-ups eating a healthy balanced diet with no more than the recommended amount of sugar keeping your dentures clean brushing your teeth twice a day with a toothpaste that contains fluoride flossing regularly using a mouthwash as part of your routine

Athlete's Foot Athlete's foot, also called tinea pedis, is a fungal infection of the foot. It causes peeling, redness, itching, burning, and sometimes blisters and sores. Athlete's foot is a very common infection.

Types of Athlete's Foot Interdigital: Also called toe web infection, this is the most common kind of athlete's foot. It usually occurs between the two smallest toes. This form of athlete's foot can cause itching, burning, and scaling and the infection can spread to the sole of the foot. Moccasin: A moccasin-type infection of athlete's foot can begin with a minor irritation, dryness, itching, or scaly skin Vesicular: This is the least common kind of athlete's foot. The condition usually begins with a sudden outbreak of fluid-filled blisters under the skin.

Epidemiology * Athlete's foot is probably the most common dermatophyte infection in the World with up to 70% of the population having had this infection. Males are affected more than females. The risk of getting athlete's foot increases with age. Most cases occur after puberty. Infection is most common between the ages of 20 and 50 years.

Etiology Athlete's foot is caused by a microscopic fungus that lives on dead tissue of the hair, toenails, and outer skin layers. There are at least four kinds of fungus that can cause athlete's foot. The most common of these fungi is trichophyton rubrum.

Pathophysiology T rubrum, Trichophyton mentagrophytes, and Epidermophyton floccosum most commonly cause tinea pedis, with T rubrum being the most common cause worldwide. Using enzymes called keratinases, dermatophyte fungi invade the superficial keratin of the skin, and the infection remains limited to this layer. Dermatophyte cell walls also contain mannans, which can inhibit the body's immune response. T rubrum in particular contains mannans that may reduce keratinocyte proliferation, resulting in a decreased rate of sloughing and a chronic state of infection.

Temperature and serum factors, such as beta globulins and ferritin, appear to have a growth-inhibitory effect on dermatophytes; however, this pathophysiology is not completely understood. Sebum also is inhibitory, thus partly explaining the propensity for dermatophyte infection of the feet, which have no sebaceous glands. Host factors such as breaks in the skin and maceration of the skin may aid in dermatophyte invasion. The cutaneous presentation of tinea pedis is also dependent on the host's immune system and the infecting dermatophyte.

How Is Athlete's Foot Treated? Athlete's foot is treated with topical antifungal medication (a drug placed directly on the skin) in most cases. Severe cases may require oral drugs (those taken by mouth). The feet must be kept clean and dry since the fungus thrives in moist environments.

Nonprescription antifungals usually are used first Nonprescription antifungals usually are used first. These include terbinafine (Lamisil AT), miconazole (Micatin), clotrimazole (Lotrimin AF), and tolnaftate (Tinactin). Nonprescription antifungals are applied to the skin (topical medicines).

Prescription antifungals may be tried if nonprescription medicines are not successful or if you have a severe infection. Some of these medicines are topical antifungals, which are put directly on the skin. Examples include naftifine (Naftin), butenafine (Mentax), and clotrimazole. Prescription antifungals can also be taken as a pill, which are called oral antifungals. Examples of oral antifungals include terbinafine (Lamisil), itraconazole (Sporanox), and fluconazole (Diflucan).

How to use antifungal medication Apply antifungal medication directly to the rash and surrounding area (4–6cm) of normal, healthy skin. Make sure that the area is dry before applying the treatment. Skin may sometimes be infected with the fungus without showing any symptoms. Therefore, it is important to treat the surrounding area of skin to help prevent re-infection. Always wash your hands before and after applying the treatment.

Athlete's Foot - Other Treatment Tea tree oil or garlic (ajoene) may help prevent or treat athlete's foot (tinea pedis) fungi. Burow's solution is helpful for treating blisterlike (vesicular) infection .

What can I do to prevent these problems? To help prevent fungal foot conditions, keep your feet cool, clean, and dry by • Cleaning your feet well after each workout • Towel drying your feet completely after shower- ing (use a blow dryer, if necessary) • Wearing socks under shoes • Wearing cotton socks • Wearing shoes made of cloth or leather (not vinyl), allowing the feet to breathe.

Vaccine Recently researchers used recombinant DNA to create a live vaccine, and have conjugated fungal antigens with diphtheria toxoid to create a vaccine against Candida