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.
Tinea versicolor is an infection that causes discoloration of your skin. Most humans have a yeast fungus, called Pityrosporum ovale, on the surface of his or her skin. When this fungus starts to grow too much, the skin becomes infected. The overgrowth of yeast interferes with the skinâs normal pigment.