Studies also suggest that oral bacteria and the inflammation associated with periodontitis â a severe form of gum disease â might play a role in some diseases. In addition, certain diseases, such as diabetes and HIV/AIDS, can lower the body's resistance to infection, making oral health problems more severe.
Common fungal skin infections are caused by yeasts (such as Candidaâsee Candidiasis) or dermatophytes, such as Epidermophyton, Microsporum, and Trichophyton (see Overview of Dermatophytoses (Ringworm, Tinea)). Many such fungi live only in the topmost layer of the epidermis (stratum corneum) and do not penetrate deeper.
Athlete's foot, yeast infections, jock itch, ringworm and some skin rashes are the result of certain types of fungi that can build up on the skin and mucus membranes to cause fungal infections. A fungal infection of the skin can create a great deal of discomfort, appearing as a red, intensely itchy, inflamed rash.ome types of fungus can also live and grow on body tissues, such as the fingernails or skin, leading to an infection. Infections caused by fungus include yeast infections and ringworm infections (such as jock itch or athlete's foot). Fungus usually grows best in moist, dark areas, such as folds of skin.