Complete Guide to Fungal Infections

Fungi are plentiful in virtually every ecosystem around the world. Most of the time, humans can come in contact with a fungus and experience no infection, symptoms or side effects. However, there are about 300 species of fungi that can cause skin and nail infections in humans. These infections typically occur in the areas of the body where skin rests against skin: between the toes, in or around the genitals, under the breasts, and in the groin area. 

A fungal infection can cause a host of uncomfortable symptoms, including burning, itching, and odor. Fortunately, however, fungal infections are rarely serious in healthy people. 

Some of the most common fungal skin infections including:

• Athlete's foot
• Ringworm
• Oral thrush
• Jock itch
• Tinea versicolor

Common risk factors for fungal skin infections include:

• Frequently wearing damp socks or rarely changing your socks
• Share bathmats, rugs or towels with other people
• Walk barefoot in public showers, locker rooms, saunas or other area wet, warm environments
• Sweat heavily
• Frequently wear tight clothing
• Are overweight
• Have diabetes or an immune system disorder

Most fungal skin infections can be easily treated with a visit to your dermatologist.

Evidence suggests that some people are more prone to recurring fungal infections than others. Even with successful treatment and clearing of an infection, it may come back--especially if you don't take careful preventive measures. 

The most important method of prevention for fungal skin infections is to practice good hygiene. Don't  wear dirty or sweaty clothes for longer than you have to, and shower regularly. 

• Always change your clothes after sweating in them, especially if they are tight-fitting. 
• Change into clean clothes daily, especially your underwear and socks. 
• Don't share towels, shoes or other personal items that can carry fungus. 
• Always wear flip-flops or protective shoes in public showers, locker rooms and saunas.
• Always wipe down shared equipment that comes in contact with the skin, such as gym equipment and yoga mats.
• Avoid tight clothing that doesn't breathe, such as polyester. 

Symptoms of a fungal infection can differ based on the type of fungus that's causing the issue. 

The main symptoms of Athlete's Foot include:

• An itchy rash that develops primarily between the toes
• Blisters
• Scaling and dryness on the skin of the feet (often mistaken for eczema)

Athlete's Foot can also spread to the hands in people who regularly scratch or pick at the rash on the feet.

Jock itch is a fungal infection that occurs primarily in men and boys. 

Symptoms of Jock Itch (tinea cruris) include:

• Itchy red rash on the inner thighs and groin area
• Burning in affected skin
• Stinging in affected skin
• Flaking and peeling of affected skin
• Worsening symptoms after exercising or sweating
• Changes in skin color

Ringworm, despite its name, is not caused by a worm but by a certain kind of fungus. The fungus penetrates the skin and lives off of dead skin, hair and nail tissue. 

Symptoms of Ringworm include:

• A highly-contagious, itchy rash on one area of the skin
• Ring-shaped rash with clear skin in the middle
• Scaly, cracked, irritated skin
• Hair loss if the rash is on the scalp

Ringworm on the scalp most commonly affects children.

Treatment for fungal skin infection typically includes the use of antifungal topical medications. 

These topical medications can be creams, gels, shampoos, lotions or other solutions designed to be applied directly to the skin.

For particularly severe infections, your healthcare professional may prescribe corticosteroids.