Overview
What Is a Fungal Infection?
Fungi, the word for more than one fungus, can be found on different parts of the body. Here are some common types of fungal infections:
Tinea (say: tih-nee-uh) is a type of fungal infection of the hair, skin, or nails. When it's on the skin, tinea usually begins as a small red area the size of a pea. As it grows, it spreads out in a circle or ring. Tinea is often called ringworm because it may look like tiny worms are under the skin (but of course, they're not!). Because the fungi that cause tinea (ringworm) live on different parts of the body, they are named for the part of the body they infect. Scalp ringworm is found on the head, and body ringworm affects the arms, legs, or chest.
Athlete's footis another type of fungal infection that usually appears between the toes but can also affect toenails and the bottom or sides of the feet.
Jock itch is a fungal infection of the groin and upper thighs. You might think only men and boys get it, but girls and women can get it, too.
How Do I Know If I Have a Fungal Infection?
There are many skin problems that look like a fungal infection so the best way to know for sure is to ask your doctor. Here are some signs you and a parent can look for:
- Athlete's foot causes symptoms that include red, dry, cracked, and itchy skin between the toes. Some people also have red, scaly bumps filled with pus on the bottoms and sides of their feet.
- Jock itchappears as a rash with elevated edges. It's itchy and often feels like it is burning. It's pretty common, especially if you play sports. Sweating and wearing athletic equipment can bring on this kind of rash.
- Ringworm of the head begins as a small pimple or scaly patch that looks like dandruff. The pimple or patch becomes larger and the hair in the infected area can become brittle and break off. This can create scaly patches of baldness, but the hair will grow back. If you have ringworm on your arms, legs, or chest, you may see small, red spots that grow into large rings.
- Candida, the yeast, causes the skin around the infected area to itch. The skin may also be red and swollen.
Tests
Laboratory Tests
Various laboratory tests may be used to help diagnose and guide treatment of fungal infections. For detailed information, see the article on Fungal Tests.
Tests for superficial infections
Many fungal skin infections are diagnosed by the doctor based on a clinical evaluation and his experience. In addition to general symptoms, many skin infections have characteristic signs, such as the appearance of infected nails and typical locations on the body – such as athlete’s foot between the toes. A clinical evaluation cannot, however, definitively tell the doctor which microorganism is causing a fungal infection. A few laboratory tests may be useful in detecting and confirming a fungal infection and may help guide treatment. They may include:
- Microscopic examinations, such as potassium hydroxide (KOH) preparation and calcofluor white stain.
- Fungal cultureand susceptibility testing
Non-Laboratory Tests
In some cases, imaging scans such as x-rays may be ordered to detect fungal masses, such as in the lungs, and to evaluate the extent of tissue damage.
Treatments
There are several effective OTC anti-fungal medications. Because different fungi affect different locations, medications are sometimes specific for those locations. The recommendations below should help you sort it out.
Athlete’s Foot - Tolnaftate is the only OTC medicine approved for both prevention and treatment of athlete’s foot. Be patient, though. It could take a month or more of daily treatment for it to completely clear. Consider preventive use if the condition recurs.
Tinea Versicolor - Although not a Category I agent, selenium sulfide shampoo is universally recognized by dermatologists as an effective OTC remedy for tinea versicolor. Since it often affects large areas of the trunk, applying this shampoo once a day for five minutes, then washing off, is a lot easier and cheaper than using a whole tube of anti-fungal cream twice daily. Tinea versicolor also tends to recur easily, but this shampoo can prevent it if used once a week after the initial 2-4 week treatment cycle.
Candidiasis, Ringworm, and Jock Itch - Miconazole or clotrimazole are quickly effective (1-2 weeks) for each one of these conditions, and come in cream, lotion, or spray. Avoid alcohol-based products since they can sting chafed and delicate skin.
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