Fungi live, thrive, and multiply in warm, dark, wet places.
That's the environment that they like.
Fungi die when they are exposed to sunlight or when there is no moisture.
The most common fungal infection that we are all familiar with is known as "athlete's foot" - although the fungal infection has absolutely nothing to do with athletes, and the most nonathletic among us is just as susceptible to it as any professional or amateur athlete.
The yeast infections to which women are more susceptible, and the jock itch to which men are more susceptible, are both caused by fungus.
Applying an antibacterial cream or ointment to a fungal infection will have no effect at all because the problem is being caused by fungi, not by bacteria.
Fungus can also invade the nail beds of both fingernails and toenails.
The best treatment for athlete's foot is to keep your feet as dry as possible and wear open shoes that allow the sunlight to hit your feet.
Applying antifungal medications will also help, but they will be much more effective if the feet are kept dry.
Clearing up a yeast infection in women or jock itch in men is a little more difficult.
You can't exactly expose the affected area to sunlight, so that's out.
You can, however, practice good hygiene, and you can use medications that can be purchased over the counter, following the directions supplied on the package.
Fungal infections of the nail bed are much more difficult to treat than other types of fungal infections.
There are now oral antifungal medications.
These are really the first generation of such medications.
You need to consult a doctor about treatments for fungal infections of the nail beds.
As always, this information is not medical advice, and is not intended to be substituted for medical advice.