Fungal infections usually do not cause serious diseases in people with healthy immune systems, whether they are HIV positive or not. One of the more common fungal infections that people can get is called athlete's foot. Athlete's foot is an irritating, itchy rash on the feet that many people get from walking barefoot in damp public areas, such as public showers, near swimming pools or in gyms. A common fungal infection in men is called jock itch. Jock itch is a moist, itchy rash in the groin area.
Many women develop vaginal candidiasis, commonly known as a yeast infection.
People with weakened immune systems, such as people with AIDS, can develop life-threatening fungal diseases. The bodies of people with weakened immune systems cannot fight as well against infections. This issue of Positive News offers information on 4 fungal diseases that may affect HIV positive people. If you are HIV positive, it is important to find out as soon as possible if you have a fungal disease. Getting early treatment for a fungal disease can be life-saving .