Skin fungus, also known as fungal skin infections, are very common. They are caused by various fungal organisms that can live on the dead tissues of the skin, hair, and nails. There are several different types of fungal skin infections, ranging from superficial to very serious.
Types of Skin Fungus
The most common types of fungal skin infections include:
- Athlete’s foot (tinea pedis)
- Jock itch (tinea cruris)
- Ringworm (tinea corporis)
- Nail infections (onychomycosis)
- Yeast infections
- Pityriasis (tinea) versicolor
Athlete’s foot, jock itch, and ringworm are all caused by dermatophyte fungi. These fungi can infect the top layer of skin, hair, and nails. Dermatophyte infections are highly contagious and can spread through direct contact or by touching contaminated surfaces like shower floors or locker room benches.
Onychomycosis is a fungal infection of the nail bed underneath the nail plate. The toenails are more frequently infected than fingernails. The infection causes thickening and discoloration of the nail.
Cutaneous candidiasis is a yeast infection of the skin caused by Candida albicans yeast. This organism thrives in warm, moist environments. Areas typically affected include the armpits, groin, folds of the skin, and areas under large breasts.
Pityriasis versicolor is a common fungal infection that produces round, scaly, pale patches on the skin. It is caused by a yeast called Malassezia that naturally occurs on the skin. The yeast proliferates rapidly due to factors like hot, humid weather and causes discolored patches.
What Causes Skin Fungus?
Fungi are plant-like organisms that thrive in damp, dark areas. There are millions of fungal spores existing around us in the environment. Skin fungus develops when conditions are right for the spores or fungi to multiply unchecked on the skin. There are various factors that can lead to fungal skin infections:
- Warm, moist skin – Fungi flourish in damp areas of the body like between the toes, around the groin, and under breasts.
- Sweating – Increased perspiration creates an ideal environment for fungal growth.
- Occlusion – Tight clothing, shoes, or equipment that cause skin surfaces to rub together and prevent air circulation.
- Skin injuries – Cuts, scrapes, or wounds make it easier for fungi to penetrate the skin.
- Weakened immunity – Certain illnesses, medications, and conditions can weaken the immune system and make fungal infections more likely.
- Contact with spores – Touching contaminated items like clothing, shower floors, or hairbrushes can transfer fungal spores to the skin.
Risk Factors
Certain individuals have increased susceptibility to developing fungal skin infections:
- Athletes – The warm, moist environment under equipment and clothing fosters fungal growth. Skin injuries and locker room contact facilitate transmission.
- Overweight or obese individuals – Increased perspiration in skin folds creates favorable conditions for fungi.
- Elderly – Decreased immune function and circulation with age makes the skin vulnerable.
- Diabetics – High blood sugar promotes fungal growth and infections.
- HIV/AIDS – Immunocompromised individuals are more prone to skin infections.
- Cancer patients – Cancer treatments can weaken immunity.
- Genetic predisposition – Some individuals seem more genetically prone to fungal skin issues.
Symptoms
The symptoms of skin fungus depend on the type of infection. Common symptoms include:
- Itching, stinging or burning
- Red, scaly patches or raised bumps
- Cracking, peeling skin
- Blisters or pustules
- Discolored nails that are thick or brittle
- Skin rash with round, tan or pink patches
- Pain or tenderness
The location of the infection also varies:
- Athlete’s foot occurs between the toes or on the soles of the feet
- Jock itch affects the groin, buttocks and upper thighs
- Ringworm presents as a circular rash on the body, scalp or face
- Yeast infections happen in skin folds
- Nail fungus impacts the fingernails and toenails
- Pityriasis versicolor creates patches usually on the back, neck and chest
Diagnosis
Skin fungus can be diagnosed a few different ways:
- Physical exam – The location and appearance of the skin lesions provides clues to the type of fungal infection. Scrapings or nail clippings may be taken.
- Potassium hydroxide (KOH) prep – Skin cells scraped from lesions are placed in a KOH solution and examined under a microscope for the presence of fungal elements.
- Fungal culture – Culturing skin or nail samples on special fungal media can isolate and identify the specific fungus causing infection.
- Biopsy – A small sample of skin may be taken and analyzed to confirm fungal organisms in doubtful cases.
Treatment
Treatment of skin fungus involves both topical and oral antifungal medications. The exact drug depends on the type of fungus causing infection.
Medications
Common topical antifungal creams include:
- Clotrimazole
- Miconazole
- Terbinafine
- Ketoconazole
Oral antifungal medications (pills) may include:
- Terbinafine
- Itraconazole
- Fluconazole
For yeast infections, antifungal creams, ointments and suppositories containing miconazole or clotrimazole are often used.
Home Remedies
In mild cases, home remedies may help treat skin fungus or prevent recurrence. These include:
- Applying tea tree oil or garlic paste to affected areas
- Soaking feet in vinegar water
- Using antifungal soaps and cleansers
- Applying over-the-counter antifungal powders
- Keeping skin dry to discourage fungal growth
Prevention Tips
Preventing skin fungus involves:
- Practicing good hygiene – wash regularly, especially hands and feet
- Keeping skin dry – alternate shoes, avoid tight clothing
- Avoiding sharing items like towels and nail clippers
- Treating athlete’s foot promptly to avoid spreading infection
- Disinfecting surfaces in communal showers and locker rooms
- Wearing shower shoes in public areas
- Wearing gloves for manicures and pedicures
- Managing underlying conditions like diabetes or obesity
Complications
Most superficial fungal skin infections respond well to treatment and do not cause complications. However, some forms may be associated with complications if severe or not treated promptly:
- Cellulitis – a potentially serious bacterial skin infection. Cracked skin from fungal infections can allow bacteria to penetrate and infect the deeper skin layers and tissues.
- Nail loss – long term or severe nail fungal infections may eventually cause the nail to become misshapen, thicken and crumble off the nail bed.
- Permanent nail discoloration or thickening – even with successful treatment, changes in the appearance of infected nails may persist.
- Recurrence – fungal skin infections have a tendency to recur easily and often require repeat treatment.
- Skin discoloration – pityriasis versicolor can result in long-lasting skin discoloration even after the infection clears.
Rarely, fungal infections may disseminate past the skin and become invasive in immunocompromised individuals. This can be life-threatening. Fungal keratitis, a fungal infection of the cornea of the eye, can lead to visual impairment or blindness if severe.
When to See a Doctor
Consult a doctor if:
- You are unsure if symptoms are caused by a fungal infection
- The infection is severe, spreads quickly or does not improve with OTC antifungal treatment
- Signs of secondary bacterial infection develop, like fever, redness and pus
- Nail fungus or skin discoloration persists despite treatment
- You have a weakened immune system from illness or medications
- Fungal infections frequently recur
Severe or widespread fungal infections may require prescription oral antifungal medications to treat. Seeking prompt medical care can help prevent complications and minimize permanent damage to the skin or nails.
Conclusion
Skin fungus is very common and caused by fungal organisms thriving in warm, moist areas of the body. Many types exist, like athlete’s foot, ringworm and nail infections. Risk factors include sweating, skin injuries, being overweight and a weakened immune system. Symptoms involve itchy, scaly or discolored rashes in typical locations. Skin fungus can be diagnosed by skin scrapings and treated with topical and oral antifungals. Practicing good hygiene and skin care helps prevent recurrence. While usually easily treated, severe or chronic fungal infections can lead to bacterial infections, nail loss or blindness. Seeking medical treatment is important for severe, recurrent or spreading fungal skin infections.