Fungal Infections
<p>A <b>mycosis</b> (plural: '<b>mycoses</b>) is a <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fungal" title="Fungal" class="mw-redirect">fungal</a> <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Infection" title="Infection">infection</a> of animals, including humans.<sup id="cite_ref-urlDorlands_Medical_Dictionary:mycosis_0-0" class="reference"><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fungal_infection_in_animals#cite_note-urlDorlands_Medical_Dictionary:mycosis-0">[1]</a></sup></p>
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Mycoses are common, and a variety of environmental and physiological conditions can contribute to the development of fungal diseases. </p>
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Inhalation of fungal <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Spore" title="Spore">spores</a> or localized colonization of the <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Skin" title="Skin">skin</a> may initiate persistent infections; therefore, mycoses often start in the <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lungs" title="Lungs" class="mw-redirect">lungs</a> or on the skin.<sup id="cite_ref-1" class="reference"><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fungal_infection_in_animals#cite_note-1">[2]</a></sup></p>
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People are at risk of fungal infections when they are taking strong <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Antibiotics" title="Antibiotics" class="mw-redirect">antibiotics</a> for a long period of time because antibiotics kill not only damaging <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bacteria" title="Bacteria">bacteria</a>, but healthy bacteria as well. This alters the balance of microorganisms in the <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mouth" title="Mouth">mouth</a>, <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Vagina" title="Vagina">vagina</a>, <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Intestines" title="Intestines" class="mw-redirect">intestines</a> and other places in the body, and results in an overgrowth of fungus.</p>
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Individuals with weakened <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Immune_system" title="Immune system">immune systems</a> are also at risk of developing fungal infections. This is the case of people with <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/HIV" title="HIV">HIV</a>/<a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/AIDS" title="AIDS" class="mw-redirect">AIDS</a>, people under <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Steroid" title="Steroid">steroid</a> treatments, and people taking <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chemotherapy" title="Chemotherapy">chemotherapy</a>. </p>
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People with <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Diabetes" title="Diabetes" class="mw-redirect">diabetes</a> also tend to develop fungal infections. Very young and very old people, also, are groups at risk.<sup id="cite_ref-2" class="reference"><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fungal_infection_in_animals#cite_note-2">[3]</a></sup>
<sup id="cite_ref-2" class="reference"> </sup>
Keeping the skin clean and dry, as well as maintaining good <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hygiene" title="Hygiene">hygiene</a>, will help larger topical mycoses. Because fungal infections are contagious, it is important to wash after touching other people or animals. Sports clothing should also be washed after use. Wearing <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Flip-flops" title="Flip-flops">flip-flops</a> if using a community <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Swimming_pool" title="Swimming pool">swimming pool</a> or <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Shower" title="Shower">shower</a> will also help prevent topical infections.</p>