Fungal Infections of the Skin
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Having a fungal infection of the skin or nails, also called tinea, is quite common. Fungal infections are contagious. Sometimes people get a fungal infection from direct contact with an infected person. A fungal infection also can be picked up by touching an infected pet or item contaminated with the fungus. Fungi thrive in warm, moist areas. A comb, clothing, shower surface, or pool area can harbor tinea.
Poor hygiene and prolonged wet skin increase the risk of developing a fungal infection.
For most people, a fungal infection is generally mild. If a person has a medical condition that suppresses the immune system such as HIV, AIDS, or cancer, a fungal infection can be serious.
ATHLETE’S FOOT (TINEA PEDIS)
A very common fungal infection, athlete’s foot only affects humans. Spread by direct contact, most people contract it by walking barefoot in a public place such as a locker room or pool area. Athlete’s foot begins between the toes. It is here that the skin peels, cracks, and scales. Itch is common. On the soles and along the sides of the feet, redness, scaling, and even dryness can develop. A few people have a single small patch of intensely itchy blisters.
As these changes also can be caused by other skin conditions such as contact dermatitis or psoriasis, a correct diagnosis is vital. Using an over–the–counter anti-fungal preparation on a rash that is not athlete’s foot may make the condition worse. A dermatologist can correctly diagnose the condition and prescribe effective medication. For mild cases of athlete’s foot, anti–fungal creams are effective and can relieve symptoms such as burning and itching. When the infection is more severe, a dermatologist may prescribe anti-fungal pills.
Athlete's Foot
Athlete’s foot can return. The following can help prevent another bout:
- Do not walk barefoot in public places such as gyms, shower areas, and hotel rooms.
- Wear shower sandals when walking in public areas such as locker rooms and pools. Shower sandals can protect your feet when showering in a hotel or locker room.
- Avoid tight footwear, especially in the summer. Sandals and “flip–flops” are the best warm–weather footwear. Enclosed shoes made of leather or plastic cannot “breathe.”
- Do not wear anyone else’s shoes.
- Wash feet daily with soap and dry thoroughly.
- When wearing enclosed shoes, wear cotton or synthetic sweat socks to absorb perspiration. Change the socks daily or more frequently if they become damp.
- Sprinkle an anti-fungal powder on feet and in shoes.
Nail Fungus (Onychomycosis, Tinea unguium)
Toenail infection is usually associated with tinea pedis and is very difficult to get rid of. Usually the big toenail is the first to show signs, especially if it has been injured. The nail yellows, thickens and breaks easily. Fingernail infections are similar, but not as common. Since onychomycosis may be difficult to treat, oral treatment may be necessary.
Nail Fungus
Jock Itch (Tinea Cruris)
Jock itch (tinea cruris) is a rash that develops in the groin area and affects both men and women. Individuals who tend to sweat a lot may be more susceptible to jock itch. The rash is itchy, has a red border, and can spread. Over–the–counter creams may be helpful, but prescription creams may work faster and require fewer applications.
Ringworm (Tinea Corporis)
Ringworm (tinea corporis) is a contagious fungal infection that is spread three ways: person to person, contact with an infected animal or from soil that contains the fungus. Ringworm appears on the skin as an itchy, red, scaly patch that is ring–shaped. This kind of tinea is treated with appropriate oral anti–fungal medication.
Ringworm
Scalp Ringworm (Tinea Capitis)
Scalp ringworm (tinea capitis) primarily occurs in children and results in scaling and patchy hair loss. With the right treatment – which nearly always requires oral medications – the hair will grow back normally and hair loss will not be permanent.
Scalp Ringworm
A dermatologist is a physician who specializes in treating the medical, surgical and cosmetic conditions of the skin, hair and nails. To learn more about fungal infections of the skin, log onto www.aad.org, or call toll-free (888) 462-DERM (3376) to find a dermatologist in your area
AAD Web site: www.aad.org
AAD Public Information Center: (888) 462-DERM (3376)
AAD Member Resource Center: (866)503-SKIN (7546)
Images used with permission of the American Academy of Dermatology
National Library of Dermatologic Teaching Slides
©2008 American Academy of Dermatology
Revised 2000, 2003, 2005
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