Fungal Diseases

Fungal diseases are acquired by inhaling environmental fungal spores, contagious contact with infectious skin dermatophytes, or overgrowth of fungi normally inhabiting the skin or vagina. Some fungal infections can cause debilitating systemic infections and death. Others are nearly ubiquitous in nature and cause relatively minor infirmity. Some require aggressive medical management with prolonged administration of antifungal medications. Others can generally be dealt with using over-the-counter fungicidal creams. The fungal diseases discussed in this chapter, along with their historical names and monikers, are: Coccidiomycosis (Valley fever, Desert Rheumatism); Dermatophytosis (Ringworm); and Candidiasis (Vaginitis, Diaper Rash, Thrush).