Reasons For Getting Skin Fungus And How To Prevent It
Reasons For Getting Skin Fungus And How To Prevent It
When you hear the word "mold," you might think of mold on stale bread, fungus growing on wet logs, or mold on the back of your refrigerator. These fungi (more than one) are probably the most well-known species, but did you know that there are up to 1.5 million species of fungi, around 300 of which can be harmful to humans?
Are there mushrooms among us?
Mold, mold, and mildew are all types of fungi found almost everywhere, including soil, air, water, plants, and trees. Some of them grow on human skin. Mold grows in the cold, damp areas between the basement and walls.
Think of microscopic spores similar to plant seeds. This is how mold grows. You can inhale these spores or touch your skin. Fungal spores thrive in airborne, damp, cold, dark places such as buildings, demolition sites, old barns, and underground caves.
What is a yeast infection?
Fungal infections can occur in the lungs or skin because the fungus is inhaled or gets on the skin. However, most infections are considered “superficial” because they only affect the skin. Fungal infections of the feet or vagina are examples of these superficial fungal diseases that can affect the skin, hair, and nails. Skin infections caused by yeast are usually harmless and can be treated with medication.
Most people can breathe yeast spores without becoming infected, but people with lung disease or a weakened immune system are more likely to get yeast infections in the blood, sinuses, liver, spleen, and other organs. People with HIV/AIDS, cancer, people hospitalized, people taking immunosuppressive drugs, and others are examples of people with compromised immune systems (eg, steroids, chemotherapy). Systemic yeast infections can affect the blood, lungs, or other organs and are more dangerous than surface infections.
A common fungal infection of the skin
Tinea is a common group of skin fungal infections that affect areas like the feet, groin, and scalp. Tinea infections are easily transmitted from person to person by touching an infected person or by touching surfaces where the fungus is present (eg, shower floors, swimming pools, locker rooms). Some yeast infections are caused by Candida, a type of yeast. It can affect the skin, mouth, throat, and genitals. It particularly occurs in warm and humid areas such as armpits, under the breasts, behind the knees and in the groin area.
Here are some common surface fungal infections.