Fungal Infections

 

 Also called: Mycoses

If you have ever had athlete’s foot or a yeastinfection, you can blame a fungus. A fungus is actually a primitive vegetable. Mushrooms, mold and mildew are examples. Fungi live in air, in soil, on plants and in water. Some live in the human body. Only about half of all types of fungi are harmful.

Some fungi reproduce through tiny spores in the air. You can inhale the spores or they can land on you. As a result, fungal infections often start in the lungs or on the skin. You are more likely to get a fungal infection if you have a weakened immune system or take antibiotics.

Fungi can be difficult to kill. For skin and nail infections, you can apply medicine directly to the infected area. Oral antifungal medicines are also available for serious infections.

Also known as:  Athlete's Foot, Jock Itch, Body, Scalp & Beard Ringworm

What is it?

A fungal infection is caused by a type of fungus called a dermophyte that infects the top layer of the skin, hair or nails. Fungal infections of the skin are known as ringworm (tinea). There are many types of ringworm, including body ringworm (tinea corporis), jock itch (tinea cruris), athlete’s foot (tinea pedis), scalp ringworm (tinea capitis), nail ringworm (tinea unguium), and beard ringworm (tinea barbae), which is rare. In most cases, these infections are not life threatening. However, they may lead to more serious bacterial infections in the elderly and those who have conditions that affect the immune system, such as AIDS.

Who gets it?

Anyone can get a fungal infection of the skin. However, jock itch is much more common in males, and scalp ringworm is seen more often in children.

What causes it?

Fungal infections such as ringworm are caused by types of fungi that like warm, moist areas of the skin, such as between the toes or fingers, in the groin, and on other parts of the body where there are folds of skin. Ringworm is not caused by a worm. The fungus can be carried by kittens and puppies, combs, brushes, pillows, hats, and towels, and is found in areas that are warm and moist, such as locker rooms and showers.

What are the symptoms?

Ringworm of the body looks like a rash that forms one-half to one-inch, ring-shaped, pink or red patches with a clear center. The rash may itch slightly. Jock itch appears around the groin area (but not on the penis) and looks like a red, ring-like rash. Jock itch can be extremely itchy and form small, painful blisters. Athlete’s foot appears between the toes as a scaly, itchy rash. It can range from mild irritation to cracking and peeling, making the skin quite sore and more susceptible to bacterial infection. Scalp ringworm may cause round patches of hair loss, broken hair, and/or an itchy, scaly scalp. Scalp ringworm is extremely contagious among children. Nail ringworm is more common on the toenails than fingernails, and makes the nail appear thickened and dull. The infected part of the nail may crumble away from the rest of the nail. Sometimes a fungal infection on one part of the body can cause a rash on another part of the body, which is an allergic reaction to the fungus.

How is it diagnosed?

To diagnose a fungal infection, your doctor will examine the affected area and can usually make a diagnosis by appearance. However, he or she may take a sample of the infected skin by swabbing it or scraping off a small piece to study under a microscope. A simple, quick test can determine whether the infection is caused by a dermophyte.

What is the treatment?

Fungal infections are treated with an antifungal cream applied to the affected area as directed by your doctor. It is important to keep the affected area clean and dry, and to avoid scratching. Your doctor may recommend a mild hydrocortisone cream to help relieve itching. Males with jock itch should wear loose fitting shorts and avoid using soap on the rash, which may further irritate it. Scalp ringworm may be treated with an oral antifungal medication, as well as a special shampoo. Scalp ringworm is no longer contagious once treatment has begun. In most cases, fungal infections clear up after one to four weeks of treatment, depending upon the location and severity. However, some fungal infections, such as athlete’s foot, tend to occur repeatedly. Antibiotics may be prescribed when a fungal infection progresses to a bacterial infection. An allergic reaction to a fungus is usually relieved when the fungal infection is treated.

Self-care tips

You can help prevent ringworm by keeping the skin clean and dry, changing socks and underwear each day, and wearing some type of sandal when in public showers or locker rooms. Notify your doctor anytime a rash associated with a fungal infection becomes crusty or oozes.