What Are Fungal Skin Infections?

A fungal skin infection occurs when a fungus (such as yeast or mold) grows and creates a reaction on your skin surface.

Here’s what you should know about the most common types of fungal skin infections, including what to do if you experience any signs or symptoms.

Ringworm (Tinea Corporis)

Athlete’s Foot (Tinea Pedis)

This type of infection usually begins between your toes, causing an itchy and scaly rash that can spread to the bottom and sides of your foot. It’s more common in people who develop sweaty feet while wearing tight-fitting shoes.

If it spreads, “athlete's foot can infect the toenails, and it can also spread to the groin, causing jock itch,” says Faranak Kamangar, MD, a dermatologist at Palo Alto Foundation Medical Group in Palo Alto, California.

Jock Itch (Tinea Cruris)

Yeast Infections (Cutaneous Candidiasis) of the Skin

A yeast (candida) infection of the skin can affect any area of the body, but most often affects warm, moist areas like the groin and armpits. It typically causes a reddish, growing skin rash.

“Yeast, particularly candida, love to inhabit areas of skin folds such as under the breasts or belly folds,” says Jordan Praytor, an instructor in the department of dermatology at Oregon Health & Science University in Portland.

Nail Fungus (Onychomycosis)

Symptoms of fungal skin infections can vary depending on the type of fungus, your immune system’s response, and other factors.

Possible symptoms include:

• Red, swollen, or bumpy skin

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• Itchy or scaly skin

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• Scaly, cracked, or peeling skin

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• Ring-shaped rash or red spots

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As mentioned above, fungal skin infections are caused by yeast, molds, and other types of fungi.

Fungal infections are often spread in public spaces that may be damp and humid, like showers or locker rooms.

A weakened immune system and poor nutrition may put you at greater risk for fungal infections.

• Skin Scraping Your doctor may use a small tool to painlessly scrape off some skin cells for viewing under a microscope.
• Nail or Hair Biopsy For a scalp or nail infection, your doctor may take a hair or nail clipping to view under a microscope.
• Skin Biopsy and Culture Your doctor may take a small sample of skin so that the fungus can be grown and identified in a lab.

“If over-the-counter treatments are not working after a few weeks of use, it is a good idea to obtain an evaluation for diagnosis and treatment,” says Dr. Kamangar.

• Your rash spreads to other areas of your body.
• Redness in the area of your infection gets worse.
• Fluid is leaking from your rash.
• You have a fever of 100.4 degrees F (38 degrees C) or higher.

Sometimes, a skin fungal infection will go away on its own. But in most cases, you’ll need to use an antifungal medicine in some form.

Medication Options

For simple cases of common infections like athlete’s foot or ringworm, you can use an over-the-counter topical treatment (cream or ointment). Active ingredients of these treatments include:

• Clotrimazole
• Ketoconazole
• Miconazole
• Terbinafine

• Ciclopirox
• Clotrimazole
• Econazole

• Fluconazole
• Griseofulvin
• Itraconazole
• Terbinafine

There are certain cases when a doctor might prescribe an oral antifungal as a first-line treatment, such as when your toenails or fingernails are widely affected.

“Due to the thickness of the nails when infected, topical medication does a poor job of penetrating through the nail, and oral antifungals are often necessary,” says Praytor.

Self-Care and Hygiene

Self-care is an important aspect of treating any fungal skin infection. That typically means keeping the area clean and dry, and sometimes taking other measures to improve ventilation and hygiene in the area.

• Change your socks at least once a day.
• Wear shoes with good ventilation.
• Alternate pairs of shoes day to day.
• Wear sandals or shoes at all times in public locker rooms, showers, or pool areas.

• Shower after sweating or getting dirty.
• Don’t go barefoot in public areas.
• Don’t share exercise equipment or towels.
• Wear clean, dry, loose-fitting underwear.
• Change your socks often.
• Wear shoes with good ventilation.
• Let your feet air out when possible.
• Apply a medicated powder if you’re prone to athlete’s foot.
• Don’t share shoes, unwashed bedding, or bath towels with family members.
• Check any pets for ringworm, and see a veterinarian for treatment. (People can get ringworm from animals.)

Fungal skin infections rarely cause serious complications, but they can lead to distress and discomfort.

• Fungal skin infections can cause an itchy, red, cracked, or peeling rash or patch nearly anywhere on your body.
• Common types of fungal skin infections include ringworm, athlete’s foot, and yeast (candida) infections.
• Over-the-counter topical treatments work well for many fungal skin infections, but more serious or persistent cases may require prescription medication.
• You can help prevent fungal skin infections through hygiene and self-care measures like showering after activity and keeping problem areas clean and well ventilated.