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Even if you've experienced vaginal yeast infections or athlete's foot, you may not realize that you actually have a skin fungal infection. Fungi are a group of organisms that produce spores. There are many types of fungi, found in nearly every environment, and typically they don't cause infections or visible growths on the skin. However, sometimes you may contract a fungal infection on your skin such as ringworm, athlete's foot, jock itch, or vaginal yeast infection. Don't worry though—skin fungal infections are not life-threatening and usually don't cause serious harm or damage. There are also measures you can take to reduce the risk of getting a fungal infection on your skin.
Steps
Reduce the Risk
Understand who is at risk for fungal infections. There are several factors that can increase the risk of skin fungal infections, such as sharing clothing or personal items (like combs and brushes) with someone infected with fungi. However, some individuals appear more susceptible, depending on risk factors. Those in high-risk groups include:
- People with weakened immune systems due to medications, steroids, infections, or other health conditions
- People on long-term antibiotics or immunosuppressive medications
- Adults or children who have incontinence or are unable to control urination (which creates a moist environment around the genital area)
- People who sweat excessively
- People who work or live in environments with higher exposure to those at risk, such as nurses, teachers, hospital patients, students, and coaches
Be aware of areas at high risk for fungal infections. Moist areas are more prone to fungal infections since fungi thrive in damp environments. These areas include between the toes, under the breasts, around the genital area (including the vagina), and in skin folds.
Exercise caution in public spaces. Fungal infections are contagious, and you could become infected by coming into contact with fungal spores from infected skin. Try to minimize exposure in public places where fungal infections might be present. If using locker rooms, public showers, or swimming pools, always wear flip-flops. Avoid sharing towels or combs in public changing areas.
- Never touch someone who has a fungal infection or share footwear with them.
Keep your skin clean and dry. Fungi thrive in warm, damp areas like between the toes or in the groin area. By keeping your skin clean and dry, you can reduce your risk of fungal infections. There are several things you can do to keep your skin dry.
- Change socks once a day or more if you sweat a lot. Make sure towels are fully dry before reusing them.
- Wash and dry areas of skin with folds, such as under the breasts or abdomen. Apply talcum powder or anti-fungal powder to skin folds when exercising or in hot environments.
- You should also change your shoes and make sure they dry completely before wearing them, especially if they become wet. Additionally, wash your sports underwear after every use.
Boost your immune system. If your immune system is weakened, you are more likely to contract a fungal infection. To strengthen your immune system, consider taking vitamin supplements and adding probiotics to your diet. Aim for a balanced diet rich in healthy fats and reduce carbohydrate intake. Drink plenty of water to stay hydrated. You know you’re well-hydrated when your urine is very pale yellow. Getting 8 hours of sleep each night is also beneficial for your immune system.
- Your immune system might still be weak even if you’re not ill or taking medications that suppress it. Therefore, boosting your immune system is very important.
Prevent the spread of fungal infections. If you have a fungal infection, it’s essential to stop it from spreading to other areas of your body or infecting others. Family members should get checked and treated if they suspect they have a fungal infection. Since fungal infections can spread, take these steps to prevent transmission:
- Avoid scratching the infected area. Wash your hands regularly and keep the area dry.
- Wear flip-flops when showering if you have athlete’s foot.
- Wash towels with warm soapy water and dry them in a dryer. Use a clean towel each time you shower or wash.
- Clean the bathtub, sink, and bathroom floor after use.
- Wear clean, dry clothes every day and avoid sharing clothes or socks.
- Treat any pets with fungal infections.
- Children and adults may need to use medicated shampoo 2-3 times a week for 6 weeks to prevent scalp fungal infections (itching/ringworm on the scalp).
- Soak combs in a solution of half bleach and half water for an hour daily for 3 days if you have a scalp fungal infection. Do not share combs, hats, pillows, helmets, or towels with others.
Identify the Symptoms
Recognize Ringworm. Although it is referred to by different names depending on the area of the body, this condition is caused by the same type of fungus (not a parasite). Whether you have athlete's foot, jock itch, or ringworm, it means you are infected with the same fungus, just located in different areas. The symptoms may vary slightly depending on the affected area of the infection.
Identify the Symptoms of Athlete's Foot. Athlete's foot, also known as tinea pedis, causes redness or itching between the toes and sometimes on the soles of the feet. You may experience a burning sensation, tingling, blisters, and peeling skin. You may also notice red, scaly bumps between your toes.
Recognize the Symptoms of Jock Itch. Jock itch, or tinea cruris, is commonly found in adolescent males and adult men. The symptoms include red, raised patches with distinct borders in the groin area. These patches are redder on the outside and lighter on the inside, giving them their characteristic round shape. The skin may become unusually lighter or darker, which may be permanent.
- This type of fungal infection is common in teenage boys who play sports and often use public locker rooms. People with jock itch can also develop athlete's foot due to the same fungus reinfecting the groin area.
Check Your Body for Ringworm. Ringworm is a fungal skin infection that can appear on the body, such as on the scalp, under the beard, on the feet, or in the groin area. It initially appears as a red area with small pimple-like bumps. This area itches, rises quickly, and gradually forms a characteristic round shape with a redder outer border.
- You should also check for rashes. These rashes can appear on other parts of the body and often accompany body ringworm. You may notice itchy, bumpy rashes on your fingers, which are linked to an allergic reaction to the fungus. However, this is not caused by direct contact with the infected area.
Look for signs of ringworm in the beard. Ringworm on the beard is a fungal infection commonly found in men. The fungus can invade the hair follicles, leading to permanent beard loss due to scarring in the infected follicles. Symptoms include redness, itching, and possible crusting. Depending on the area, you may notice the characteristic round shapes with a redder outer edge and lighter inner section. People infected with this fungus may lose their ability to grow facial hair.
- You should also check for rashes. These rashes can appear on other parts of the body and often accompany beard ringworm. You might notice itching and bumps on your fingers, a sign of an allergic reaction to the fungus, though this isn't caused by direct contact with the infected area.
Look for symptoms of ringworm on the scalp. Scalp ringworm is a type of fungal infection that affects the scalp, which can occur in small areas or spread over the entire scalp. Infected areas may itch, become red, often swell, and develop pustules. Additionally, you may notice flakes in one spot or over much of the scalp. 'Black dots' may appear, indicating broken hair follicles due to scalp fungus. People infected with scalp ringworm may experience hair loss, and the infection could form scar tissue, resulting in permanent bald spots if left untreated. The patient may also experience mild fever (under 38.3°C) and swollen lymph nodes as the body fights the infection.
- You should also check for rashes. These rashes can appear on other parts of the body and often accompany scalp ringworm. You might notice itching and bumps on your fingers, a sign of an allergic reaction to the fungus, though this isn't caused by direct contact with the infected area.
Identify if you have a vaginal yeast infection. Yeast infections are fungal infections that can affect the vagina in women. The vagina, labia, and vulva can all be infected with yeast. Do not attempt home remedies if you've had more than four yeast infections in the past year, are pregnant, have uncontrolled diabetes, a weakened immune system, or any tears or cracks in the vaginal area. Most yeast infection symptoms range from mild to moderate and include:
- Itching and irritation inside the vagina or at the vaginal opening
- Redness or swelling at the vaginal opening
- Pain and discomfort inside the vagina
- A burning sensation during urination or intercourse
- Thick, white, clumpy discharge with no odor
Treating Skin Fungal Infections
Treating Athlete's Foot. Over-the-counter antifungal powders or creams are effective in controlling or eliminating the fungus. Look for products containing miconazole, clotrimazole, terbinafine, or tolnaftate. Use as directed on the packaging for at least two weeks and continue for one more week after the infection clears to prevent reinfection. Wash your feet twice a day with soap and water. Be sure to dry your feet and between your toes, then wear clean socks after each wash.
- Wear shoes with good ventilation made from natural materials. You should rotate shoes daily to allow them to dry completely.
- If your athlete's foot does not respond to home treatment, your doctor may prescribe oral medication after taking a sample for testing.
Fungal infection treatment for the inner thigh. Use over-the-counter antifungal products to help manage the fungal infection. These products should contain ingredients such as miconazole, tolnaftate, terbinafine, or clotrimazole. Keep in mind that the infection should begin to improve within a few weeks. If it persists beyond two weeks, worsens, or recurs more than four times a year, you should consult a doctor. If home treatments do not work, the doctor may prescribe oral medications after testing a sample.
- Avoid wearing tight clothes or allowing anything to rub against the affected skin.
- Wash all underwear and sports clothing after each use.
Treatment for ringworm on the skin. Use over-the-counter creams that contain ingredients like oxiconazole, miconazole, clotrimazole, ketoconazole, or terbinafine. Apply according to the instructions on the packaging for 10 days. Generally, you should wash and dry the affected area before applying the cream from the outer edge toward the center. Wash and dry your hands thoroughly after applying the cream. Do not cover the infected area with a bandage, as it will trap moisture.
- If you have scalp or beard ringworm, consult a doctor for treatment. If you have body ringworm that does not respond to home treatments, a doctor may prescribe oral medication after taking a sample for testing.
- Children of school age can return to class once treatment has begun.
Vaginal yeast infection treatment. A mild, uncomplicated vaginal yeast infection can be treated with over-the-counter preparations. You can use creams, foams, suppositories, or antifungal ointments containing azoles, such as butoconazole, miconazole, clotrimazole, and terconazole. You might experience slight burning or irritation when applying the medication. Always follow the instructions on the packaging.
- These oil-based creams can weaken condoms or diaphragms. If you're using these methods for birth control, remember that they may reduce their effectiveness when you're using the medication.
Treatment for complications caused by vaginal yeast infections. You may need long-term treatment, including prescribed creams that are stronger than over-the-counter options. You will use these creams for 10 to 14 days. If you have complications from a vaginal yeast infection, your doctor may prescribe a single dose of fluconazole (Diflucan) for you. Alternatively, you may be given 2-3 doses of fluconazole instead of the cream. This medication is not recommended for pregnant women.
- If you have recurrent infections, you may need to take a maintenance dose of fluconazole once a week for 6 months or use clotrimazole vaginal tablets.
Visit a doctor if you have diabetes or a weakened immune system. A doctor will help you treat the infection since diabetes and immune suppression can increase the risk of severe complications from fungal infections.
- See a doctor early to reduce the chances of developing other health problems or secondary infections due to scratching.
Consult a doctor if you have fungal infections on the scalp or beard. The doctor will prescribe oral medications such as griseofulvin, terbinafine, or itraconazole. Take the medication as directed by your doctor, typically for at least 4 to 8 weeks. You can improve your chances of a full recovery by:
- Keeping the affected area clean and dry
- Washing your scalp and beard with a medicated shampoo containing selenium sulfide or ketoconazole. This helps stop the infection from spreading, but it won't cure the infected areas.
Advice
- Start treating the fungal infection early to reduce the risk of it spreading to other parts of the body and infecting others. Early treatment also increases the likelihood of a full recovery.
- If the infection persists for 2 or 3 weeks, consult a doctor for stronger treatment options and to ensure the rash isn't caused by another condition like psoriasis or bacterial infection. The doctor may prescribe antibiotics if there is a secondary bacterial infection due to scratching.
- Other infections, including sexually transmitted diseases, can cause symptoms similar to a vaginal yeast infection. Be sure to visit a doctor if the condition doesn't improve with the treatments mentioned to ensure there are no more serious underlying issues.
- If you have a vaginal yeast infection, your partner typically does not need to be treated.
Warnings
- Consult a doctor if you have a weakened immune system due to medications or illness. You should also seek medical attention for skin fungal infections if you have diabetes.
