Fungal diseases are often caused by fungi that are common in the environment. Most fungi are not dangerous, but some types can be harmful to health. There are millions of fungal species, but only a few hundred of them can make people sick. Molds, yeasts, and mushrooms are all types of fungi.
Fungi can cause many different types of illnesses, including:
Asthma or allergies.
Rashes or infections on the skin and nails
Lung infections (pneumonia), with symptoms similar to the flu or tuberculosis
Bloodstream infections
Meningitis
Most common fungal diseases:
Fungal nail infections: Common infections of the fingernails or toenails.
Vaginal candidiasis: Caused by the yeast Candida, also called a “vaginal yeast infection.”
Ringworm: A common fungal skin infection that often looks like a circular rash.
Candida infections of the mouth, throat, and esophagus: Caused by the yeast Candida, also called “thrush.