Fungal Infection
Also known as: Athlete's Foot, Jock Itch,
Body, Scalp & Beard Ringworm
What is it?
A fungal infection is caused by a type of fungus called
a dermophyte that infects the top layer of the skin, hair
or nails. Fungal infections of the skin are known as
ringworm (tinea). There are many types of ringworm,
including body ringworm (tinea corporis), jock itch (tinea
cruris), athlete’s foot (tinea pedis), scalp ringworm (tinea
capitis), nail ringworm (tinea unguium), and beard
ringworm (tinea barbae), which is rare. In most cases,
these infections are not life threatening. However, they
may lead to more serious bacterial infections in the
elderly and those who have conditions that affect the
immune system, such as AIDS.
Who gets it?
Anyone can get a fungal infection of the skin. However,
jock itch is much more common in males, and scalp ringworm
is seen more often in children.
What causes it?
Fungal infections such as ringworm are caused by types
of fungi that like warm, moist areas of the skin, such as
between the toes or fingers, in the groin, and on other
parts of the body where there are folds of skin. Ringworm
is not caused by a worm. The fungus can be carried by
kittens and puppies, combs, brushes, pillows, hats, and
towels, and is found in areas that are warm and moist,
such as locker rooms and showers.
What are the symptoms?
Ringworm of the body looks like a rash that forms
one-half to one-inch, ring-shaped, pink or red patches
with a clear center. The rash may itch slightly. Jock itch
appears around the groin area (but not on the penis) and
looks like a red, ring-like rash. Jock itch can be
extremely itchy and form small, painful blisters.
Athlete’s foot appears between the toes as a scaly, itchy
rash. It can range from mild irritation to cracking and
peeling, making the skin quite sore and more susceptible
to bacterial infection. Scalp ringworm may cause round
patches of hair loss, broken hair, and/or an itchy, scaly
scalp. Scalp ringworm is extremely contagious among
children. Nail ringworm is more common on the toenails
than fingernails, and makes the nail appear thickened and
dull. The infected part of the nail may crumble away from
the rest of the nail. Sometimes a fungal infection on one
part of the body can cause a rash on another part of the
body, which is an allergic reaction to the fungus.
How is it diagnosed?
To diagnose a fungal infection, your doctor will
examine the affected area and can usually make a diagnosis
by appearance. However, he or she may take a sample of the
infected skin by swabbing it or scraping off a small piece
to study under a microscope. A simple, quick test can
determine whether the infection is caused by a dermophyte.
What is the treatment?
Fungal infections are treated with an antifungal cream
applied to the affected area as directed by your doctor.
It is important to keep the affected area clean and dry,
and to avoid scratching. Your doctor may recommend a mild
hydrocortisone cream to help relieve itching. Males with
jock itch should wear loose fitting shorts and avoid using
soap on the rash, which may further irritate it. Scalp
ringworm may be treated with an oral antifungal
medication, as well as a special shampoo. Scalp ringworm
is no longer contagious once treatment has begun. In most
cases, fungal infections clear up after one to four weeks
of treatment, depending upon the location and severity.
However, some fungal infections, such as athlete’s foot,
tend to occur repeatedly. Antibiotics may be prescribed
when a fungal infection progresses to a bacterial
infection. An allergic reaction to a fungus is usually
relieved when the fungal infection is treated.
Self-care tips
You can help prevent ringworm by keeping the skin clean
and dry, changing socks and underwear each day, and
wearing some type of sandal when in public showers or
locker rooms. Notify your doctor anytime a rash associated
with a fungal infection becomes crusty or oozes.
This information has been designed as a comprehensive and quick reference
guide written by our health care reviewers. The health information written
by our authors is intended to be a supplement to the care provided by your
physician. It is not intended nor implied to be a substitute for
professional medical advice.
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