A fungal infection is an infection caused by a fungus. Fungal infections may affect the skin (for example, athlete’s foot or jock itch), nails (for example, fungal nail infections), or hair (for example, ringworm of the scalp and beard).

Fungal infections are usually treated by putting medicine directly on the skin, nail, or hair (topical medicines). For severe cases, oral medicines (pills) are used.

Fungi that cause problems for people include yeasts and molds.