Fungal skin infections are common conditions caused by fungi that affect the skin, causing symptoms such as itching, redness, scaling, or irritation. There are several different types, and many can be treated effectively with antifungal creams, tablets, or other medicines that help clear the infection and relieve symptoms.
Let’s find out more about the various types of skin infection, how to get relief from your symptoms and what you can do to reduce your risk of developing further fungal skin infections in the future.
Symptoms of fungal skin, nail and scalp infections
So, how can you tell if you have a fungal skin infection? Exact symptoms do vary depending on the area of the body affected, and the type of fungal skin infection that you have, but some are shared.
Symptoms of fungal skin infections
The most common symptoms associated with fungal skin infections include:
Itchy skin.
Redness or inflammation.
Scaly skin.
Cracking or peeling skin.
A ring-shaped rash (in the case of ringworm).
Moist, crusted, or irritated patches.
Skin that feels sore or burns.
White, discoloured, or patchy areas.
Symptoms of fungal nail infections
The most common symptoms associated with fungal nail infections include:
Nails that are thickened, brittle or crumbling.
Nail colour discoloration (they may appear white, yellow or brown).
Build-up of debris under the nail.
Foul smell from the nail.
Nail appears loose or separates from the nail bed, which can be painful.
Symptoms of fungal scalp infections
The most common symptoms associated with fungal scalp infections include:
Hair changes including brittleness and breaking at scalp level that leaves bald patches.
Dry, white flakes.
Thick, yellow crusting.
Greasy white and yellow patches.
Red, purple scaly rashes.
Pus-filled bumps.
Tenderness and inflammation.
Development of a kerion (a painful, spongy swelling filled with pus).
Other general illness symptoms, such as raised lymph nodes in the neck, or a low fever.
Who is most at risk of fungal skin infections?
Although anyone can develop a fungal skin infection, there are some factors which could make you more likely to be affected. These include, but aren’t limited to:
Age
Age significantly increases the risk of developing certain types of fungal skin infections, such as ringworm, athlete’s foot and nail fungus. This is due to age-related changes affecting your skin and immune system.
Weakened immunity
A compromised immune system makes it much harder for your body to fight off any illness or disease, including fungal skin infections. This can make them occur more frequently, spread more quickly and become harder to treat. Types of people who are more likely to have weakened immunity include children, older adults, and those taking immunosuppressant medications such as in the case of chemotherapy.
Diabetes
Studies have shown that diabetes significantly increases your risk of developing fungal skin infections too. This is because persistently high blood sugar levels create an ideal environment in which yeast and fungi can thrive. Diabetes can also weaken your natural immunity, which as we already know, makes it harder to fight off fungal skin infections.
Poor hygiene
Unsurprisingly, poor hygiene can also make your body an environment that invites bacteria to thrive and cause health issues, including fungal skin infections. Failing to dry yourself after a wash/shower can also be a problem, since damp skin, especially when it occurs in folds, also invites fungal growth.
Infected animals
Fungi, such as ringworm, can pass easily from pets to humans, especially when they affect household animals like cats, dogs and rabbits. They can also be passed on by farm animals and are usually spread via direct contact or scratches.
Fungal skin infections in children
Children have immature immune systems which can make them more susceptible to developing a fungal skin infection, particularly when you consider how highly contagious they are. Places like schools provide the ideal setting for fungal skin infections to spread, and it’s for this reason that most have a policy that asks you to keep children home from school when they are in the most contagious stage of disease.
Treatment for skin infections in children varies depending on the type of infection and where on the body it is but is usually topical wherever possible.
Types of fungal skin infections
There are a few different types of fungal skin infection.
Athlete's foot
Athlete’s foot refers to a fungal skin infection that affects the feet, usually starting between your toes. It’s caused by a type of fungi called dermatophytes and spreads easily though contact and walking on contaminated surfaces.
Athlete’s foot causes intense itching, scaly, peeling skin, redness and painful cracking.
Nail infections
Fungal nail infections often spread from athlete’s foot and can take a long time to clear as it relies on healthy nail to replace the diseased one. They cause nails to become brittle and appear white, yellow or brown, crusty and thick.
Ringworm
Despite its name, ringworm is a fungal infection rather than an actual worm. It appears in a unique, red, scaly, circular rash although it can look slightly different on different skin tones. It can appear on your body, in your groin or on your scalp.
Ringworm is highly contagious, and spread by direct contact, touching contaminated surfaces and wearing tight, damp clothing.
Treatment for ringworm varies depending on where it is, with scalp ringworm usually requiring oral antifungal medications.
Candida (yeast) skin infection
Candida is a skin infection that occurs in the folds of skin where it’s often warm and moist, and appears as an itchy, red rash. Sometimes it’s accompanied by raised bumps or pimples, and you may also notice a white-yellow coating that forms within the folds.
You’re more likely to be affected by candida if you’re overweight, have diabetes or a weakened immune system. Keeping the area clean and dry can help prevent candida, and over-the-counter antifungal creams are usually successful in getting it under control.
Pityriasis versicolor
Pityriasis versicolor is a common, non-contagious fungal skin infection caused by an overgrowth of Malassezia yeast. It causes flat, slightly scaly patches that change colour (lighter or darker than your natural skin) and usually appear on your chest, back, or neck. It can also be very itchy.
Most cases can be treated with over-the-counter topical treatments like shampoos and creams. However, in more severe cases, oral anti-fungal medications may be prescribed.
H2: Seeking help for fungal skin infections
We know that it can feel embarrassing seeking help for some types of health problem, including fungal skin infections. However, doctors see countless people with fungal skin infections every year, so you really aren’t alone.
Table: the main types of fungal infections
Below is a comparison table of the main fungal infection types covering affected areas, common symptoms, how it spreads, and first-line treatment.
Comparing fungal infections | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
Fungal infection type | Affected area | Common symptoms | How it spreads | First line treatment |
Ringworm / tinea | Skin, scalp, feet, groin and nails | Itchy, red, scaly rash – sometimes in a ring shape | Skin contact, shared towels/clothes/bedding, pets and contaminated surfaces | Antifungal cream, tablets. Tablets if scalp or nails |
Thrush/candidiasis | Mouth, skin folds, groin and vagina | White patches in the mouth, soreness, itching, discharge and red skin | Often caused by natural yeast overgrowth, more common with diabetes or following antibiotic use | Antifungal cream, gel or tablets |
Athlete’s foot | Feet, especially between the toes | Itching, peeling, cracking and soreness | Moist floors, shoes, socks and skin to skin contact | Antifungal cream or spray |
Fungal nail infection | Fingernails or toenails | Thick, brittle, discoloured nails | Often spreads from athlete’s foot or shared damp areas | Antifungal tablets or nail treatment |
Lung fungal infections | Lungs | Cough, fever, tiredness and breathing problems | Breathing in fungal spores from the environment | Prescription antifungal medicine |
Serious internal fungal infections | Blood, brain, lungs and other organs | Fever, confusion, cough, shortness of breath, feeling very unwell | More likely to affect people with weakened immune systems | Urgent antifungal treatment in hospital |
Seeking help for fungal skin infections
We know that it can feel embarrassing seeking help for some types of health problem, including fungal skin infections. However, doctors see countless people with fungal skin infections every year, so you really aren’t alone.
Self-help for fungal skin infections
There are some things that you can do to help avoid and treat fungal skin infections yourself, that don’t require a doctor to intervene. These include:
Keep skin clean and free from bacteria.
Dry your skin thoroughly after bathing, especially in skin folds and in between your toes.
Maintain great hand hygiene.
Wear loose fitting clothes made from cotton and other natural fibres.
Change socks and underwear daily.
Wash your bedding, towels and clothes in hot water.
Avoid sharing things like towels and hairbrushes with other people.
Over the counter anti-fungal medications can successfully treat many fungal skin infections and require just a quick chat with a pharmacist to access them.
Fungal skin infections treatment
There are a variety of treatments for fungal skin infections. Which is best for you will depend on the type of fungal skin infection you’ve been diagnosed with. Sometimes it’s necessary to try several treatments before you find one that works well for you.
Topical antifungals
Topical treatments are often the first choice for mild fungal skin infections such as ringworm, athlete’s foot, and jock itch. These medicines are applied directly to the affected area to help kill the fungus, reduce itching and redness, and clear the rash over time. It’s important to use them exactly as directed, even if your skin starts to look better after a few days, because stopping too soon can allow the infection to come back. Keeping your skin clean and dry, changing socks and underwear regularly, and avoiding shared towels or clothing can also help the treatment work better.
Antifungal tablets
Antifungal tablets are sometimes prescribed for more stubborn or widespread fungal skin infections, or when the infection affects the scalp or nails. They work from the inside to stop the fungus from growing and help the body clear the infection more effectively. Because these medicines can have side effects and may interact with other drugs, they should only be taken exactly as prescribed by a healthcare professional. It’s also important to complete the full course, even if the rash starts to improve before the tablets are finished.
When does a fungal infection become serious?
Fungal infections can normally be treated successfully using topical or oral medications, or sometimes a combination of the two. However, if it starts spreading and getting worse despite treatment, or it doesn’t improve, it’s essential to go back to your doctor for more support.
Fungal infections are more concerning in people who have a weakened immune system, or another medical condition that makes it hard for their body to fight off illness. For these people, a simple infection can quickly become a systemic (whole body) issue, causing symptoms such as fever or exhaustion. If you start to experience any of these symptoms, speak to a medical professional as soon as possible.
Table: the main types of fungal infections
Below is a comparison table of the main fungal infection types covering affected areas, common symptoms, how it spreads, and first-line treatment.
Comparing fungal infections | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
Fungal infection type | Affected area | Common symptoms | How it spreads | First line treatment |
Ringworm / tinea | Skin, scalp, feet, groin and nails | Itchy, red, scaly rash – sometimes in a ring shape | Skin contact, shared towels/clothes/bedding, pets and contaminated surfaces | Antifungal cream, tablets. Tablets if scalp or nails |
Thrush/candidiasis | Mouth, skin folds, groin and vagina | White patches in the mouth, soreness, itching, discharge and red skin | Often caused by natural yeast overgrowth, more common with diabetes or following antibiotic use | Antifungal cream, gel or tablets |
Athlete’s foot | Feet, especially between the toes | Itching, peeling, cracking and soreness | Moist floors, shoes, socks and skin to skin contact | Antifungal cream or spray |
Fungal nail infection | Fingernails or toenails | Thick, brittle, discoloured nails | Often spreads from athlete’s foot or shared damp areas | Antifungal tablets or nail treatment |
Lung fungal infections | Lungs | Cough, fever, tiredness and breathing problems | Breathing in fungal spores from the environment | Prescription antifungal medicine |
Serious internal fungal infections | Blood, brain, lungs and other organs | Fever, confusion, cough, shortness of breath, feeling very unwell | More likely to affect people with weakened immune systems | Urgent antifungal treatment in hospital |
Frequently asked questions
Is a fungal infection contagious?
It depends. Some fungal skin infections, such as ringworm and athlete’s foot, are very contagious. Others, like candida, can’t usually be spread from person to person.
How do you treat a fungal skin infection?
It depends what type of fungal skin infection you have. Topical treatments like creams and lotions are usually the first line of treatment for most fungal skin infections, with oral medications reserved for scalp ringworm or if more conservative treatments fail.
How do you get a fungal infection?
Most fungal infections are spread through direct or indirect contact. However, you can also develop them from exposure to spores, or because your body environment (hot, sweaty skin folds) encourages fungi growth.
What happens if fungal skin infections aren’t treated?
If fungal skin infections aren’t treated, they can spread to other areas of the body, last for longer and be much harder to treat. If they are itchy, scratching can invite bacterial infection too.
Will improving foot hygiene cure my athlete’s foot?
Not necessarily, no. Combining good foot hygiene with antifungal treatments and preventative steps is the best way to treat athlete’s foot.
What are the different types of fungal skin infection?
There are many different types of fungal skin infections including candida, athlete’s foot, ringworm and fungal nail infections.
Can fungal skin infections clear up on their own without treatment?
No, fungal skin infections rarely clear up on their own without treatment.
How long does it take for a fungal skin infection to fully clear?
It depends on the type of fungal skin infection you have and how severe it is, but a typical skin infection can take between one and six weeks to clear fully. It’s essential to always finish the course of treatment you’ve been prescribed, even if the rash improves. This is to help ensure that the infection doesn’t return.
Can I exercise or swim if I have a fungal skin infection?
Yes, you can, but you should avoid public pools and cover your rash to help prevent it from spreading.
Can fungal infections spread internally and become dangerous?
Yes, without treatment fungal infections can spread internally and transition from skin infections to invasive diseases. This is more likely if your immune system is compromised.
Are some people genetically more prone to recurring fungal infections?
Yes, there are some people who are more likely to develop regular fungal infections due to specific inherited issues with their immune system, such as CARD9 deficiency.
Can diet or gut health affect your likelihood of getting a fungal skin infection?
Yes, it can, but only indirectly. A healthy diet and a balanced gut microbiome can support your immune system and skin barrier, which may help your body resist infections and recover more easily, but diet alone does not cause or cure most fungal skin infections.
Sources
https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/ringworm/
https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC12470583/
https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/fungal-nail-infection/
https://cks.nice.org.uk/topics/fungal-skin-infection-scalp/
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/15163103/
https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC10078452/
https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/317824#diabetes-increases-the-risk
https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC8809170/
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/2008813/
https://cks.nice.org.uk/topics/fungal-skin-infection-body-groin/management/management/
