Fungal Infections on Skin

Fungal infections of the skin may affect the feet, groin, scalp, or nails. Fungi grow best in warm, moist areas of the skin, such as between the toes, in the groin, and the area beneath the breasts.

Athlete's foot is the most common fungal skin infection. Symptoms include cracked, blistered, and peeling areas between the toes, redness and scaling on the soles, and intense itching. It rarely affects children before puberty; if it does, it may resemble eczema. Athlete's foot often recurs and must be treated again each time.

Jock itch (tinea cruris) causes severe itching and moistness on the skin of the groin and upper thighs. There may be red, scaly, raised areas on the skin that weep or ooze pus or clear fluid.

Ringworm is a contagious fungal infection of the scalp or body. It is not caused by worms. Its symptoms include round spots that may be scaly and itchy. It may appear on the torso as a small, red, scaly spot that itches and grows until it is about an inch across. It is more common in children than in adults.

Fungal infections of the fingernails and toenails cause discoloration, thickening, and often softening of the nails. They are difficult to treat and often cause permanent damage to the nails.

Thrush is a yeast infection that occurs in the mouth, especially in babies. It causes a white coating inside the mouth, often on the cheeks, that may look like milk but is hard to remove.

Prevention

Keep the feet clean and dry. Dry well between the toes after swimming or bathing,

Wear leather shoes or sandals that allow your feet to "breathe," and wear cotton socks to absorb sweat. Use powder on your feet and in your shoes. Give shoes 24 hours to dry between wearings.

* Wear thongs or shower sandals in public pools and showers,

* Keep the groin clean and dry. Wash and dry well, especially after exercise, and apply talcum powder to absorb moisture. Wear cotton underclothes and avoid tight pants and pantyhose.

Teach children not to play with dogs or cats that have bald or mangy spots on their coats.
Don't share hats, combs, or brushes.
Home Treatment Follow the prevention guidelines above.

For athlete's foot and jock itch, use an over the counter antifungal powder or lotion, such as Micatin or Lotrimin AF. Use the medication for a week or two after the symptoms clear up to prevent recurrence. Do not use hydrocortisone on a fungal infection.

* Consider wearing cotton socks, and change them twice a day to keep your feet dry. If possible, wear open sandals with cotton socks. When indoors, go in stocking feet.

Ringworm on the body can be treated with one of the antifungals listed above.

When to Call a Health Professional

• If signs of infection are present: increased swelling and redness or signs of pus.

• If you have diabetes and develop athlete's foot. People with diabetes are at increased risk of infection and may need professional care.

If home treatment fails to clear up athlete's foot or jock itch after two weeks.

If there is a sudden loss of hair associated with flaking, broken hairs, and inflammation of the scalp; or if there are several household members with hair loss.

If ringworm is severe and spreading, or is present on the scalp. Prescription medicine may be needed.