FUNGAL SKIN INFECTIONS - LEARN ABOUT TYPES, SYMPTOMS AND TREATMENTS OF FUNGAL SKIN INFECTIONS

What is Fungal skin infections

Fungal skin infections are infections of the skin caused by fungus. Some types of mushrooms, or excessive growth of normally harmless types that cause the symptoms of fungal skin infections. Most fungal skin infections can be treated effectively.

Types of fungal infections

There are different types of fungal infections and some of them are discussed below; including how you get them:

• Athlete's foot, also known as tinea pedis, is a very common fungal infection. It is found mostly in athletes and swimmers and is highly infectious. The infection is generally contracted from contaminated water. It most commonly affects the feet, especially areas between the toes, resulting in extreme itchiness, cracking of the skin and a vile-smelling discharge.
• Candida is arguably the most common organism that gives rise to fungal infection. It affects the digestive tract, the genital area and the mouth. In the normal course of events the prevalence of natural bacteria is able to control infections arising from Candida. However, when the natural balance is upset, the patient is likely to contract infection.
• At some point in a woman's life she experiences an attack of vulvovaginal infection caused by Candida. The symptoms are itchiness, and irritation and burning during urination and intercourse. A woman is particularly susceptible before and after menstruation when her body experiences a phase of hormonal imbalance.
• 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 (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.

Symptoms of fungal skin infections

The symptoms and appearance of a fungal skin infection depend on the type of fungus causing it and the part of your body affected.

» Learn more: Fungal skin infections

Reviewed by Dr Alan Ogilvie, gastroenterologist and Dr Roger Henderson, GP

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