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Fungal skin infection

A fungal skin infection is a superficial infection affecting the skin, hair or sometimes skin folds. Symptoms vary by location: round scaly patches on the body, cracks between the toes, an itchy groin or other patches with red, scaly edges. Treatment depends on the site and severity. Do not use only a corticosteroid cream on a suspected fungal patch without advice, because this can hide and worsen the infection.

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  • A fungal skin infection is usually a superficial infection caused by dermatophytes. These fungi thrive in warm, damp conditions and spread easily through direct contact or shared surfaces.
  • Its appearance varies by location. On the trunk, there are often ring-shaped scaly patches. Between the toes, the skin can soften and crack. In the groin, there may be a red, itchy border.
  • A patch that looks fungal can also be eczema, psoriasis or a bacterial infection. Guessing from appearance alone often leads to the wrong self-treatment.
  • Do not use corticosteroid cream as the only treatment on a suspected fungal patch. This can make the infection less visible but more persistent.
  • Medical assessment matters if the scalp is involved, the infection is widespread, your immune system is weakened or there is no improvement.

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A
Athlete's footAthlete's foot is a superficial dermatophyte infection, usually between the toes or on the sole and edges of the foot. Scaling, cracks and itching often respond to a topical antifungal and keeping the skin dry, but eczema and bacterial infections can look similar. A warm foot with rapidly spreading redness, pus, fever or a wound in someone with diabetes needs prompt assessment.
E
ErythrasmaErythrasma is a superficial bacterial skin infection, usually in warm, moist skin folds such as the groin, armpits and between the toes. The patch is often reddish-brown, clearly defined and finely scaly. It resembles a fungal infection but needs different treatment; examination with a Wood's lamp may reveal a coral-red glow.
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Scalp ringwormScalp ringworm, also called tinea capitis, is a fungal infection of the scalp and hair. Common signs include itching, scaling, broken hairs or bald patches. Cream on the skin alone is usually not enough: because the hair is also affected, treatment with a medicine taken by mouth is often needed under medical guidance. A painful swollen area of inflammation with pus, called a kerion, needs prompt assessment to help prevent permanent hair loss.