When a fungal infection affects the skin, it is called skin fungus. There are different types, and they may be hard to recognize because they resemble other types of infections and conditions. For example, a fungal infection can cause flaky, itchy, reddened skin. Since these symptoms can be present with skin allergies and other forms of irritation, a doctor’s help is often needed to determine whether or not a person has skin fungus.

Below is a list of five types of common fungus together with pictures for references.

Athlete's Foot

Athlete’s Foot (tinea pedis). Probably 75% of us will have athlete’s foot at some time during our lives. The most common form occurs between your third, fourth, and fifth toes, sometimes spreading to the sole. Between the toes, your skin becomes white, moist, and easily rubbed off; the tops of the toes may be red, dry, and flaky. Intense itching and burning are the rule. Athlete’s foot usually occurs with hot, moist conditions, or if you wear shoes constantly.

There are four patterns of foot fungal infection:

• Interdigital (between the outer toes)

A softening of the skin (maceration), scaling and some inflammation can be seen especially in the web space between the outer toes. This can also spread to surrounding skin surfaces.

• Ulcerative

Also occurring between the toes, erosions and ulcers can develop as a result of secondary bacterial infection.

• Moccasin type

This occurs when the infection becomes a very fine scaly eruption on the soles of the feet with some redness, which may extend to the side of the heel and at the front of the foot

• Vesicular

An immunological response to the fungus, an eczema like reaction occurs in which small blisters appear, usually on the instep of the foot. It may also be seen on the hands.

Jock Itch

Jock Itch (tinea cruris). The same conditions of heat, moisture (sweat) and poor air circulation leading to athlete’s foot also cause fungus infections of the groin, or jock itch. As its name implies, intense itching and burning are the usual symptoms. You will also find redness, flaking and peeling on the inner thighs, pubic area, and scrotum.

Ringworm

Ringworm (tinea corpora). This is caused by a microscopic fungus, not a worm. The infected area spreads out slowly from its central starting point and creates a slightly raised, intensely red ring surrounding a less red, flaky, itchy area. Over weeks, the ring slowly enlarges. It can occur anywhere on the body and in multiple sites at once, so it’s often confused with other kinds of dermatitis.

You are at risk for ringworm if you:

• have a suppressed immune system
• play contact sports or recreational activities
• are the child of parents who have a fungal skin infection.
• are genetically-predisposed to this type of infection.

Note that an uncommon but important variant is a condition known as Majocchi granuloma, which is a collection of small bumps or granulomas that can sometimes become warty-looking. This occurs when women shave their legs and the fungus becomes implanted in and around the hair follicle.

Candidiasis

Candidiasis. Candida is the scientific name for yeast. This brownish-red, itchy discoloration affects the underarms, corners of the mouth, rectal area, and beneath the breasts.

• Usually your skin effectively blocks yeast, but any breakdown or cuts in the skin may allow this organism to penetrate.
• In adults, oral yeast infections become more common with increased age. Most of these candidal infections are superficial and clear up easily with treatment.
• Rarely, the yeast infection may spread throughout the body. In systemic candidal disease, up to 75% of people may die. Even common mouth and vaginal yeast infections can cause critical illness and can be more resistant to normal treatment.
• Yeast infections that return may be a sign of more serious diseases such as diabetes, leukemia, or AIDS.

Tinea Versicolor

Tinea Versicolor. This fungus actually changes the color of the skin it infects; the patches may be lighter or darker than your normal surrounding skin. This spotted pattern and the fine scaly flakes at the margins make this fungal infection the easiest to identify. Since itching and irritation are mild, it’s also the least bothersome.

• This is seen as oval, or round patches on the upper arms and neck, and in children it may be seen on the face.
• It affects both men and women, and is common in young adults and in seniors.
• It is common in the tropics
• It is often seen in those who have Cushing’s disease. However, it is not more common in HIV infection
• Looks fine and branny (brown /powdery) and scale upon scratching the skin. The patches tend to join together in the center.
• The rash can be brown, red or white hence the name “versicolor”.
• On occasion, especially in young women, small red bumps or pus spots develop on the upper body, neck and sometimes the face.

Treatment
There are several effective OTC anti-fungal medications. Because different fungi affect different locations, medications are sometimes specific for those locations. The recommendations below should help you sort it out.

Athlete’s Foot - Treatment for athlete’s foot is usually simple, uncomplicated, and usually carried out at home. Topical antifungal preparations should be effective in treating dry and scaly areas. These include topical clotrimazole (Lotrimin) and miconazole (available over the counter) and terbinafine (Lamisil) cream.

Tinea Versicolor – Although not a Category I agent, selenium sulfide shampoo is universally recognized by dermatologists as an effective OTC remedy for tinea versicolor. Since it often affects large areas of the trunk, applying this shampoo once a day for five minutes, then washing off, is a lot easier and cheaper than using a whole tube of anti-fungal cream twice daily. Tinea versicolor also tends to recur easily, but this shampoo can prevent it if used once a week after the initial 2-4 week treatment cycle.

Candidiasis, Ringworm, and Jock Itch – Miconazole or clotrimazole are quickly effective (1-2 weeks) for each one of these conditions, and come in cream, lotion, or spray. Avoid alcohol-based products since they can sting chafed and delicate skin.

If you ask me, I would suggest that prevention is better than occurrence then treatment. By practicing and making it into a habit, it benefits not only your health but also your pocket!

1. Use anti-perspirants and talcum powder to keep high-risk areas dry.
2. If you’re susceptible to athlete’s foot, use an anti-fungal powder and anti-fungal socks.
3. In high humidity, keep clothing loose and light; avoid knits and less breathable synthetic materials.
4. Don’t share towels or clothes.
5. Wear thongs (as in slippers) or other footwear in public locker rooms, pools, and showers.
6. Always wear a thick T-shirt or sweatshirt and long shorts or sweat pants while sharing exercise equipment.
7. Wipe off vinyl surfaces with a dry towel before using exercise equipment.