What it means
Fungi live all around us and on our skin. They cause infection when they overgrow or get past the body's defenses. Common ones are CandidaKAN-dih-duhA group of yeasts that normally live on the skin and in the mouth, gut and vagina and can overgrow to cause infection.Full entry yeast infections (thrush, vaginal yeast, diaper rash) and tinea of the skin, such as tinea pedisTIN-ee-uh PEE-disA fungal infection of the skin of the feet, often called athlete's foot.tinea ringworm (fungal skin infection)pedis of the foot (Latin)Full entry . Antibiotics, diabetes, steroid drugs and a weak immune system all raise the risk, and serious lung or blood fungal infections happen mostly in people with weak immune systems.
For the nurse
Keep skin folds clean and dry. Teach clients using inhaled steroids to rinse the mouth after each dose to prevent thrush.
At a glance
| Spanish | infección por hongos |
|---|---|
| Also written | fungal infections |
Related terms
bacterial infection
An infection caused by bacteria growing in the body.
Candida
A group of yeasts that normally live on the skin and in the mouth, gut and vagina and can overgrow to cause infection.
tinea cruris
A fungal infection of the skin of the groin and inner thighs, often called jock itch.
tinea pedis
A fungal infection of the skin of the feet, often called athlete's foot.