Everything You Need to Know About Fungal Skin Infections

Candidiasis, scalp ringworm, jock itch, and athlete’s foot are all types of fungal skin infections. In some cases, oral antifungal medications may be required.
What is a fungal skin infection?
Fungi live everywhere. They can be found in soil, in the air, or even inside the body. They can also be found on plants, surfaces, or the skin. These microscopic organisms typically don’t cause any problems for your skin unless they multiply faster than normal or penetrate the skin through a cut or lesion.
Since fungi thrive in warm, moist environments, fungal skin infections can often develop in sweaty or damp areas that don’t get much airflow. Some examples include the feet, groin, and folds of the skin.
These infections usually appear as a scaly rash or as discolored and often itchy skin.

You often acquire a fungal skin infection through direct contact. This can include coming into contact with fungi in or on:
• another person
• an animal
• items such as clothing
• gyms
• gym mats, like those used in wrestling
• hot tubs
• saunas and steam rooms

Some fungal skin infections are very common. Although the infection can be uncomfortable and possibly contagious, it’s typically not serious unless you’re immunocompromised.
Did you know?
Although there are millions of species of fungi, just a few hundred of themTrusted Source can actually cause infections in humans, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

What’s more, only a few of those species are dermatophytes, which can affect the skin, nails, and hair. Nondermatophyte fungi can affect the nails but are more likely to occur in other places, such as the lungs or brain.
Types of fungal skin infections
Many common fungal infections can affect the skin.
Yeast infection (Candida skin infection)
Yeast is a type of fungus.

A yeast called Candida is naturally present on the skin and inside the human body. When it overgrows, an infection can occur, including on the skin. The most common species of Candida is Candida albicans.
The infection occurs in warm, moist, and poorly ventilated areas. Areas that are typically infected include the folds of the buttocks (as in certain types of diaper rash) and under the breasts.

The symptoms of a yeast infection of the skin can include:
• a red or discolored rash
• itching
• stinging
• acne-like bumps around the rash

Other yeast infections
The mucous membranes are another common site of fungal infections. Some examples of yeast infections in the mucous membranes are vaginal yeast infections and oral thrush.
Ringworm of the body (tinea corporis)
Ringworm is a common fungal skin infection. It’s highly contagious but not serious.

Despite its name, ringworm is caused by a fungus and not a worm. It typically occurs on the torso and limbs, in a subtype known as ringworm of the body (tinea corporis). Ringworm on other areas of the body can go by different names, such as jock itch and athlete’s foot.
Jock itch (tinea cruris)
Jock itch happens in the area near your groin and thighs. It’s most common in men and adolescent boys.
Tinea versicolor (pityriasis versicolor)

In tinea versicolor, small oval discolored patches develop on the skin. It’s sometimes called pityriasis versicolor.
This infection is caused by an overgrowth of a fungus called Malassezia. Malassezia is naturally present on the skin of most adults.
Athlete’s foot (tinea pedis)
Athlete’s foot affects the skin on your feet, often between your toes. It can also appear on the soles of your feet.
Onychomycosis
Onychomycosis is a fungal infection of the nails. It can affect the fingernails or the toenails, although infections of the toenails are 7 to 10 timesTrusted Source more common.