Fungal infections arise in humans when an invading fungus takes over a region of the body that is too large for the immune system to handle. Fungi may exist in the air, soil, water, and plants, among other places. Some fungus can also be found naturally in the human body. For example, candida albicans is usually not a problem for healthy people but can cause issues for those with suppressed immune systems. Issues can include skin problems, such as diaper rash or ringworm, or more serious diseases such as pneumonia or blood stream infections. In rare cases, fungi can grow inside the body without our knowledge. This can happen if you are born with a condition called congenital sydrome. With this syndrome, your immune system is not developed properly, which allows fungus to grow inside the body without being destroyed by antibodies. Symptoms include mental retardation, small head size, webbed fingers and toes, and abnormal facial features. The disease can be diagnosed by looking at tissue under a microscope after death. Fungal infections caused by these types of conditions are very difficult to treat and lead to many complications including death. Most fungal infections start out as a tiny cut or bruise that is not treated properly. Over time this injury develops into something larger that bacteria cannot kill. At this point, the fungus takes over and grows into colonies that destroy bone, muscle, and flesh until they are removed from the body.