List of Fungal Diseases

Fungal organisms cause a variety of diseases in humans. These diseases are typically infectious and universally more common in people with compromised immune systems. Some common fungal diseases include thrush, ringworm, and infections of the lungs, such as histoplasmosis. The same species of fungus can sometimes cause multiple diseases. Most fungal conditions can be cured if treated.

Thrush

• Thrush occurs in the mouth, and it is caused by a fungus from the genus Candida. According to the National Institute of Health, this fungus normally exists in the mouth but is kept in check by the immune systems of healthy people. When the immune system is compromised, overgrowth of the fungus can occur. Thrush presents with white lesions that cover the mouth and tongue and bleed easily. Doctors can diagnose this disease through visual inspection of the affected area. They most commonly see it in young babies. Thrush will usually clear on its own, though doctors will sometimes prescribe antifungal mouthwashes for older children or adults.

Histoplasmosis

• A common fungus called Histoplasma capsulatum can cause a disease called histoplasmosis if it infects the lungs of a person. The Centers for Disease Control website states that, in certain areas of the country, 80 percent of people will test positive to skin exposure to Histoplasma capsulatum, but few of them will contract histoplasmosis. Many people whose lungs are infected will show no ill effects, though some will have acute symptoms of respiratory distress and fever, and others will display chronic symptoms similar to those from tuberculosis. On rare occasions, the infection can spread from the lungs to other organs--a condition called disseminated histoplasmosis--and this can be fatal if untreated.

  Doctors diagnosis histoplasmosis by identifying characteristic lesion patterns on chest X-ray images and will treat the condition with various antifungal medications. The condition is usually cured by treatment.

Ringworm

• Ringworm is a common fungal infection of the skin that occurs when certain species of fungi overgrow. Symptoms of ringworm include itchy, red patches of skin often located on the scalp, the feet or in the groin area. The patches often have sharply defined edges with a clear area in the center, and can blister and ooze. Ringworm is contagious, so skin-to-skin contact with other people should be avoided by those with lesions. According to the National Institute of Health, this condition usually responds well to treatment and will clear within four weeks of keeping the skin dry and applying antifungal ointments.