Fungus

Mycosis is the condition by which a fungus gets through the resistant barriers of the body to establish an infection. The varying classifications of fungi relate to the tissue level that has been colonised. The first, 'superficial mycosis', is related only to the most outer layers of the skin and hair. Fungal infection which extends deeper into the epidermis, 'cutaneous mycoses', includes the more invasive nail and hair diseases. The host immune response may be triggered which cause pathological changes in the skin. The diseases are often called ringworm (although no worm is present) or tinea.

Treatment relies on clearing up the fungal infection using antifungal medications such as clotrimozale used for vaginal yeast infections (such as thrush), 'jock itch' or athlete's foot. Anti-microbial solutions and talcs can also assist treating the growth of fungi.