Fungal diseases

Fungal diseases of the skin are among the infectious illnesses. This means that the pathogens are transmitted to people through infection. Animals, the soil, and people themselves are all potential transmitters. It is also possible for a person who is already suffering from a fungal disease (e.g. athlete's foot) to also transmit the fungi to other parts of his/her body so that the disease spreads further (e.g. in the groin area).

The pathogens of fungal diseases of the skin are divided into three different groups: Filamentous fungi (dermatophytes or also 'skin fungi'), yeasts, and mould. Fungal diseases caused by filamentous fungi are most common. They can result, among other things, in infections of the area between the toes, the feet and palms of the hand, the nails, the hair on the scalp or the beard region as well as the rest of the skin. Unlike yeasts, however, filamentous fungi cannot affect the mucous membranes.

The most common yeast infections include the so-called candidoses that are caused by yeasts of the candida species (primarily represented by Candida albicans). They affect both the skin and the neighbouring mucous membranes (e.g. oral mucosa) and less often affect the gastrointestinal tract or nails.

Mould only plays a subordinate role as the pathogens of fungal infections of the skin.

It is very difficult for fungal diseases to develop on intact skin or in a healthy body. However, if there is damage, e.g. irritated, or damp, swollen skin, or micro injuries to nails, fungi can penetrate the skin's protective barrier. This also applies if there is an immune deficiency of the organism, e.g. through internal diseases, such as metabolic disorders, cancer diseases, immune deficiencies (e.g. AIDS), or circulatory disorders.