If your doctor suspects that you have an infection, they will perform a fungal culture on the suspected area. Common types of fungal infections include:

• tinea infections, including tinea corporis (ringworm), tinea pedis (athlete’s foot), or tinea cruris (jock itch)
• vaginal “yeast” infections (yeast refers to a fungus causing the infection)
• onychomycosis (infection of the nails by a fungus)
• thrush (infection of the oral mucosa by a certain type of fungus)

Sometimes the symptoms of a fungal infection mimic the symptoms of a bacterial or viral infection. Because the medications used to treat bacterial and viral infections aren’t effective on fungal infections, doctors might want to perform a fungal culture to be sure that an infection is caused by a fungus.

Some typical signs and symptoms of a fungal infection in the skin are itchy, red skin and scales. Symptoms of a fungal infection in the nails include thick nails that are brittle and yellow in color. Signs of a fungal infection in the mouth include white patches on the tongue, inner cheeks, and gums. During a vaginal yeast infection, vaginal discharge and itching may occur.

Most fungal infections occur on the skin, mouth, or genitals. Some infections can be more serious and occur inside the body, such as in the lungs or the blood. However, these more invasive infections are unlikely to occur in a healthy individual with a normally functioning immune system. A fungal culture can aid in identifying the type of fungus present so that the best treatment choice can be made.