Fungal infections are the infections caused by a fungus. Two common causes of fungal infections are a fungus called tinea and yeast infections caused by the fungus Candida albinos. Fungi are everywhere. Sometimes, they're too small to ascertain with the naked eye. They can live outdoors in soil and on plants; indoors on surfaces and in the air; and on people’s skin and inside the body. There are many fungal species, but only a couple of hundred of them can make people sick. Mild fungal skin infections can appear as if a rash and are quite common. For example, ringworm may be a skin infection caused by a fungus—not a worm! Fungal infections within the lungs are often more serious and sometimes cause symptoms that are almost like other illnesses, like bacterial pneumonia or tuberculosis. Fungal meningitis and bloodstream infections are less common than skin and lung infections but are often life-threatening. Because the symptoms of fungal infections are often almost like those of other illnesses, proper diagnosis and treatment are often delayed. The more you recognize about fungal infections and your chances of getting one, the higher you'll protect your health. Mild fungal skin diseases can appear as if a rash and are quite common. Fungal diseases within the lungs are often almost like other illnesses like the flu or tuberculosis. Some fungal diseases like fungal meningitis and bloodstream infections are less common than skin and lung infections but are often deadly. Hot and humid climate, sweating an excessive amount of or wearing clothes that are damp may result within the development of fungal infections. Compromised immunity thanks to underlying disease like diabetes, HIV, cancer etc. can cause fungal infections. Living in an unclean environment and not maintaining personal hygiene can cause fungal infections. Wearing dirty clothes like unclean socks and innerwear can cause fungal infections. Wearing clothes that are too tight can cause sweating, further leading to the event of fungal infections. Obesity can lead to fungal infections. Moisture is often retained in skin folds, further giving a tract to fungus. Stress can compromise our immunity further resulting in fungal infections. Hormonal changes in pregnancy can cause vaginal infections. When you are affected by a mycosis, the affected parts of your body can often be quite sore or tender. Try to keep your skin cool and exposed to air. Ensure you stay clean but avoid over-washing because it can irritate your skin. Afterwards, attempt to pat yourself dry instead of rubbing – rubbing could damage your skin and spread your infection. You can try using antibacterial soaps as these can sometimes help alleviate some symptoms like odour. It’s best to avoid wearing clothes that rub against your skin which will irritate sensitive areas and ‘breathable ’materials like cotton is best. Antifungal medicines such as a cream, gel, ointment or spray, a capsule, tablet or liquid, an injection can be used to overcome the fungal infections problems. Common names for antifungal medicines include clotrimazole, econazole, miconazole, ketoconazole, amphotericin etc.