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Fungal infection

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By Jeannette Curtis; Caroline Rea, RN, BS, MS

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A fungal infection is an infection caused by a fungus. Fungal infections may affect the skin (for example, athlete's foot or jock itch), nails (for example, fungal nail infections), or hair (for example, ringworm of the scalp and beard).

Fungal infections are usually treated by putting medication directly on the skin, nail, or hair (topical medications). For severe cases, oral medications (pills) are used.

Fungi that cause problems for people include yeasts and molds and other types of fungi.

Author:Jeannette Curtis
Caroline Rea, RN, BS, MS
Medical Review:
Last Updated: 05/25/2007