Fungal Skin Infections

Fungal skin infections are caused by a growth of fungus in the skin. They usually cause rashes with a variety of different appearances. Some are red, scaly and itchy, while others may just produce a fine scale similar to dry skin. Fungal infections of the scalp or beard can lead to hair loss. Fungal infections can mimic other skin conditions such as psoriasis and eczema. Poor hygiene and prolonged wet skin increase the risk of infection.

Common fungal skin infections may be caused by a group of fungi called dermatophytes, or yeasts such as Candida. These include:

  • Athlete’s foot (Tinea pedis) – a common infection causing scaling and sogginess of the skin of the feet and the web spaces between the toes.
  • Nail infection (Onychomycosis, Tinea unguium) – visible as malformed, thickened, discolored and crumbly nails.
  • Ring worm of the groin (Tinea cruris), body (Tinea corporis), scalp (Tinea capitis) – often resulting in an itchy red rash that may be scaly at the edges and clear skin in the centre.
  • Intertrigo – a yeast infection of the skin folds.
  • Pityriasis versicolor – a yeast infection causing dark or light scaly patches over the trunk of the body.
Diagnosis and treatment

Diagnosis

Most fungal infections can easily be diagnosed by a dermatologist from the appearance and location of the rash. In selected cases, skin scrapings, nail clippings or hair samples may have to be sent to a laboratory to confirm the diagnosis.

Treatment

Most fungal skin infections are surface infections. These usually respond to topical treatments applied directly to the infected areas of the skin, which may be in the form of a cream, lotion or shampoo.

Antifungals in tablet form such as terbinafine and itraconazole may be prescribed by your dermatologist for certain infections, especially when severe, extensive or refractory to topical treatments.

An attention to hygiene and keeping the affected regions dry and clean will go a long way in preventing recurrences.

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