Causes of Fungal Infection

Fungal infections happen when fungi grow more than the body can control, usually on warm, moist skin.

The main fungi

• Dermatophytes cause ringworm of the skin, scalp and nails. They feed on keratin in skin, hair and nails.
• Candida (yeast) lives normally in the mouth, gut and skin folds, and can overgrow to cause thrush and yeast infections.
• Malassezia is a yeast on the skin that can cause pityriasis versicolor and some forms of dandruff and folliculitis.
• Moulds such as Aspergillus can cause rare, serious infections in people with weak immunity.

What helps fungi grow

• Heat, humidity and sweating
• Tight, synthetic or damp clothing and shoes
• Skin folds, such as under the breasts, groin and between toes
• Walking barefoot in damp public areas
• Poor drying after bathing

How it spreads

• Direct skin contact with an infected person or animal
• Shared towels, combs, clothes, socks and shoes
• Contaminated floors in gyms, pools and bathrooms