Fungal Infection Definition
Fungal infection is a disease that usually affects the skin, but can also affect other organs. It is caused by fungal organisms including molds, mildew, and yeast. Symptoms Symptoms of fungal infections range from mild to severe. Mild symptoms include discoloration and swelling of the nail and surrounding areas; moist, reddened patches over various parts of the body; and a cheesy and smelly discharge from the vagina. Severe symptoms can disrupt normal organ functioning and require immediate medical attention. Cause Fungal infections are more common and/or severe in people who use antibiotic medication for extended periods, or who use corticosteroids, immunosuppressant medications (used to inhibit normal immune functioning), or contraceptives, as well as in people with conditions such as obesity, AIDS, and diabetes mellitus. People in the last category must seek proper medical treatment for their condition while simultaneously addressing the fungal infection itself. Treatment |