Fungus is actually a primitive vegetable that can cause infections of the lungs and skin, asserts Medline Plus. This is because fungi reproduce by expelling tiny spores in the air in which humans breathe. Those with a weakened immune system are more likely to experience fungal infections, although it can still affect anyone. Fungi live in the air, in the soil, on plants and in water. Protecting yourself by properly washing your hands and dressing open wounds helps to circumvent fungal proliferation. Contact a medical professional immediately if a fungus rash persists or worsens.
Ringworm
Ringworm is a fungal infection caused by tinea in which itchy, red, raised, scalpy patches develop on the skin that often blister and ooze with cellular fluid, states Medline Plus. They exhibit a characteristic ring where sharply-defined edges surround healthy-looking skin. There may be definitive dark or light shading on the outside of the ring. For those with ringworm of the scalp, it is common to experience bald spots where the fungus infiltrates the hair follicle resulting in hair loss. This condition is extremely contagious and scratching, picking or other behavior can quickly cause an outbreak throughout the body or to other people and animals.
Athlete's Foot and Jock Itch
Similar to ringworm, both athlete's foot and jock itch emerge after contracting the fungus tinea. Athlete's foot appears between the toes in which cracked, scaly skin accompanies extreme itching and burning, affirms Medline Plus. Tinea thrives in damp surfaces such as locker room floors. Wearing protective footwear significantly reduces the possibility of athlete's foot. Alternately, jock itch occurs mostly in adult men and adolescent boys, whereas the prior occurs in both sexes. Tinea multiples in the groin, thigh skin folds and anus area, causing extreme itching, burning and red, raised, scaly patches. Treatment is usually with antifungal creams and requires keeping the area dry and free of irritants.
Yeast Infection
Yeast infections develop due to the fungus Candida, which is the scientific name for yeast, reports Medline Plus. This fungus lives virtually everywhere, including the human body. However, the body's immune system usually limits the amount of yeast. For those who are sick or on an antibiotic regimen, yeast can quickly multiply and cause infection. Skin yeast infections cause small-to-large red patches where the skin is often raw and moist, asserts the Skin Sight website. The yeast infection usually occurs under the breasts, on the belly or in the groin area. Pus-containing lesions can also develop around the red rash and be itchy or painful. Using antifungal topical treatments are the common treatments, however, in severe cases doctors may administer oral medication.
