Fungal Skin Disorders

Fungal infections of the skin affect the surface of the skin, nails and mucous membranes. Fungus thrives in warm, moist areas of the body and places where skin surfaces meet. Most fungal infections stay on the topmost layer of skin but, in rare cases, can penetrate to the structures underneath. Some people are more susceptible to skin fungi than others, depending on lifestyle, body shape and physical condition.

Ringworm

Ringworm gets its name from the shape of the rash. The ringworm rash is round and red with wavy edges and is thought to resemble a worm. As the rash grows, the center becomes clear, and the rash takes on a "ring" shape. Ringworm affects the body and scalp and usually occurs in young children. Ringworm of the body is called tinea corporis, and ringworm of the scalp is called tinea capitis. The rash is contagious and is most prevalent in schools and day care settings. Both forms of ringworm are easily transmitted through skin-on-skin contact as well as from infected clothing, hair implements and pillows. Pets may also carry the fungus, and anyone who develops a tinea rash should have the family pet checked for infection. Tinea corporis usually responds to topical medications---but more severe cases may require oral medication. Tinea capitis travels deep into the hair follicles and only responds to oral medication. Severe cases of tinea capitis may result in permanent scarring and hair loss.

Jock Itch and Athlete's Foot

Jock itch and athlete's foot are also known as tinea cruris and tinea pedis. The fungus is from the same family as ringworm but is most prevalent in adult men and adolescent boys. Jock itch primarily affects the thighs, and athlete's foot usually occurs in the webbing between the fourth and fifth toes. Both forms of the fungus thrive in warm, moist areas of the body, especially those prone to prolonged wetness from sweat or restricted air flow. Like ringworm, the fungus is contagious and is easily passed through skin-to-skin contact or contact with infected surfaces, such as shower floors. Both jock itch and athlete's foot respond well to topical medications but also have a tendency to reoccur. Doctors may treat severe or persistent infections with oral medications.

Tinea Versicolor

Tinea versicolor attacks the topmost layer of the skin. The infection is common in young adults and presents as scaly discolored patches of skin. Tinea versicolor rarely causes itching but may produce patches of skin that are lighter than the surrounding area. As the fungus spreads, smaller patches may join to form larger patches. Tinea versicolor responds to topical medications, but severe cases may require oral medications.

Nail Fungus

Nail fungus is often the result of untreated athlete's foot or ringworm on the hands. People who get manicures and pedicures are also at risk if the equipment is not properly sterilized. The most common symptom is thickening and discoloration of the nails. The nail may even lift from the nail bed. Nail infections usually respond to oral or topical medications.

Candida

Candida is a yeast infection of the skin and is the same organism that causes yeast infections in the vagina. Yeast naturally occurs in the body and is usually kept in check by the immune system and beneficial bacterial in the body. Medications like antibiotics can kill all the beneficial bacteria in the body, paving the way for a candida infection. Diabetics are also prone to candida infections because yeast feeds on sugar. Candida thrives in warm moist areas of the body and is usually found on mucous membranes in the folds of the skin. Candida responds well to topical medications, although severe cases may require oral medication.