A skin fungus is an infection of the skin by a fungus, a microorganism that usually consumes dead material. The outer skin is made up of dead skin cells that form a barrier to the outside environment. This barrier is usually able to maintain its own health but if damaged (especially by breaks or a cut in the skin), it can be prine to infections from microoganisms like bacteria or fungi.
How does a fungal infection occur?
Causes of a Skin Fungus
If even a small cut or irritated, inflamed skin (skin rash or dermatitis) is exposed to a fungus, the skin will become infected. This process is called mycosis. Fungal spores are present in the air and thrives in warm environments like tropical climates. These spores may also exist in public places that are moist like showers and toilets. If the fungal spore comes in contact with skin that is injured, the spore may hatch (germinate) and start to grow and live on your skin.
What areas of the body are affected by a skin fungus?
Skin Fungal Infections – Affected Areas
Medically, a fungal infection of the skin is referred to as tinea. Tinea pedis is a fungal infection of the foot also known as athlete’s foot and is the most common fungal infection affecting the human skin. A fungal infection can affect any part of the body and is commonly referred to as a ringworm due to typical round rash (lesion) that is causes on the skin. Fungal infections predominantly occur in areas where the fungus can find its three life sustaining factors to thrive – warmth, darkness and moisture. Therefore fungal infections of the foot (tinea pedis), groin (tinea cruris or jock itch), breast fungus and armpits are more common than other more exposed areas like the hands and face.
What does a fungal infection look like?
Symptoms of a Skin Fungus
A fungal infection usually appears as a dry area of skin that is rough, cracking and even bleeding at times. A fungal infection may appear as a somewhat circular patch of varying sizes, hence the common name ringworm. However, fungal infections may not always cause round lesions but will cause redness or darkening of the skin with white peeling specks and flakes. Usually the affected area is itchy and may at times be moist with a musty odor.
A prolonged fungal infection will cause a dark discoloration of the skin and often spreads to surrounding skin over time. Scratching the affected area can cause cross infections of other uninfected areas of the body.
How is a fungal infection treated?
Treatment of Skin Fungus
In most cases of fungal infections of the skin, a topical (cream, gel, lotion or solution) antifungal application will be effective in killing the fungus and allowing the skin to heal. Any antifungal application should always be used for a minimum of 6 weeks to ensure that new fungal spores buried in the skin will not germinate to cause another infection at the same spot.
In severe cases of a skin fungus that is not responding to antifungal applications, an antifungal tablet may be used for 10 to 30 days for better results. Secondary infections of a skin fungus by bacteria can cause severe damage to the tissue around and under the skin fungus. This requires immediate antibiotic medication and any dead skin may need o be physically removed (debridement) by your medical doctor.
Managing your fungal infection and preventing a skin fungus is just as important as treating it. The affected area should always be dried thoroughly and open wounds should be treated with a disinfectant. If the skin fungus is in a ’sweaty’ area, try to air out the affected area as much as possible or use an antifungal drying powder before covering up with clothes, underwear or socks. Be cautious when bathing in a public shower like the gym or locker room and always use a pair or rubber slippers in the shower to avoid making contact with the shower or toilet floor.
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I am suffering from fungal infection on skin since two years .Actually the fact is that the fungus started in a small area but increases gradually.Now I am using anti fungal tablets and candid B lotion.Will my skin problem be solved?
Hi Debasis
Yes, your fungal infection will resolve with time. Usually an anti-fungal tablet should be used for up to one month or an anti-fungal cream/ointment should be used daily for up to 6 weeks in order to ensure that the fungus is eradicated and then the skin can heal. If you do not find any relief with your current prescription, it is important to return to your doctor and inform him accordingly. Avoid peeling or scratching the affected area as far as possible as it allows the infection to persist and spread by affecting the surrounding tissue integrity.
i have had a skin fungal infection mainly on my chest, under my boobs and if left to spreads to my back area. i have had this on and off for a many years. Every year i mention it to the doctor and he prescribes expensive tablets and the infection goes away for a few months and then it starts all over again.
isn’t there some way that i can get rid of it for good?
Hi Lee
A breast fungus can be persistent. While the treatment may be effective, the focus should be on prevention to avoid a recurrence. This includes measures like not wearing a tight bra, using an antifungal drying powder under the breast (especially on hot and humid days) and wearing light clothing to allow for good ventilation. Another point to take note of is that you should use any topical antifungal application (cream or gel) for at least 4 to 6 weeks after the infection resolves although you should not continue this if it is causing any skin irritation.