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Fungal infection

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 Bets Davis, MFA
Editor Maria Essig
Editor Susan Van Houten, RN, BSN, MBA
Associate Editor Pat Truman, MATC
Primary Medical Reviewer Michael J. Sexton, MD - Pediatrics
Specialist Medical Reviewer Alexander H. Murray, MD, FRCPC - Dermatology
Last Updated March 24, 2009

WebMD Medical Reference from Healthwise

Last Updated: March 24, 2009
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