The human body contains many different fungi. In small numbers they are harmless and in some cases help to keep the body healthy.
Under the influence of certain factors, fungi can begin to grow rampant. These include:
•A weakened immune system
•A warm and humid environment
When this is the case, a fungal infection can develop. There are three types of fungal infections:
• Cutaneous infections: affect the skin, hair and nails.
•Mucocutaneous infections: affect the mucous membranes in the gastrointestinal tract and genitals.
•Systemic infections: serious infections that start in the lungs and spread through the body through the bloodstream.
Antifungal medications can be used to treat fungal infections. There are several types of antifungal drugs, all of which work by attacking key parts of the fungal cell. One type of antifungal drug attacks the fungal cell wall by attaching to an important molecule on the wall. It makes holes in the cell wall, causing the cell to leak and die.
Antifungal medications can be applied topically or swallowed. It is important to complete a fungal course to prevent a return of the infection.
