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Fungal Skin Infection
On this page:
Infection of the skin caused by a fungus. A variety of
micro-organisms like bacteria,
mold-like (dermatophytes or tinea), and yeast-like fungi (Candida) are
normally present on the skin. Some of these are useful to the body and are
known as good bugs. Others may, under proper conditions, multiply
rapidly and cause infections.
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Fungal skin infections can be grouped as:
- Ringworm Infections - caused by a a mold-like fungus (dermatophytes)
called tinea. These fungi live on the dead tissues of the hair, nails and
outer skin layers. According to its location on the body, tinea infection
can be sub-divided into :
- Tinea pedis - ringworm infection on the feet (athlete's foot)
- Tinea capitis - ringworm infection of the scalp
- Tinea cruris - ringworm infection of the groin, also called jock itch
- Tinea corporis - ringworm infection of the skin
- Candida Infections - Cutaneous candidiasis
is an infection of the skin caused by the fungus Candida albicans. It may
involve almost any
skin surface on the body, but usually occurs in warm, moist areas
such as armpits and groins. Oral thrush is a form of candida infection
found on
the mucous membranes of the mouth and vaginal yeast infections are extremely
common candida infections.
| Ringworm Infection |
| |
Athlete's foot
(heels, toes)
(Tinea Pedis) |
Scalp
(Tinea capitis) |
Groin
(Tinea cruris) |
Skin
(Tinea corporis) |
S
y
m
p
t
o
m
s |
Itching, burning, sensation of the skin
Rash
Redness
Blisters that may ooze or crust
Raw dry skin with cracks and scales
Skin discoloration and thickening
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Itching
Round, scaly, gray or reddened bald patches
Hairs can be broken off but not missing
Small black dots on the scalp
Localized area of swelling, raw skin or pus filled
lesions
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Itching
Redness
Rash without itching
Patches of skin rash with
slightly raised, sharp borders
Dry or scaly blisters which may ooze or crust
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Itching
Rash
Distinct, scaly ring shaped
reddened patch of skin with dark or light
borders
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C
a
u
s
e
s |
Poor hygiene
Closed toe shoes
Prolonged wetness of the skin from sweating in
warm weather and during exercise
Minor skin cuts
Nail injuries
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Poor hygiene
Prolonged wetness of the skin
Minor scalp injuries
Direct contact with infected individuals
Contaminated items such as combs, hats, clothing
Contact with pets
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Passed by direct contact with affected individuals
Contact with contaminated items such as clothing
Persistent Jock itch may also be a cause of unexplained
anal itching
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Direct contact with affected individuals
Contact with contaminated personal items such
as combs, clothing, shower, or pool surfaces.
Contact with pets
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What
You
Can
Do |
Good personal hygiene.
Antifungal or drying powders
Wearing sandals at public pool
Drying the feet thoroughly after bathing or swimming
Wear absorbable preferably cotton socks
Change the socks on a daily basis to keep your feet dry.
Shoes should be made preferably of natural material such as leather.
Alternate between different pairs of shoes so each pair can dry
completely between wearings.
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Good general hygiene
Shampoo the scalp regularly especially after haircuts.
Avoid contact with infected individuals.
Avoid sharing personal items like combs, towels, headgear.
Wash your comb and hair brush thoroughly with soap and hot water
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Good general hygiene
Keep the area clean and dry.
Use antifungal powder after bathing.
Avoid itching or rubbing
Wear loose and soft under clothing.
Wash athletic supports frequently.
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Good general hygiene.
Avoid contact with infected pets
Clothing and items of personal use such as combs, hair brushes,
towels and hats, that might have been used by an infected person,
should be thoroughly cleaned and dried before reuse or use by another
person to prevent the spread of the infection.
Wash the hands thoroughly after contact with any fungal infection
Use antifungal skin powder to treat the infection.
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| Candida Infection |
| |
Armpits, groin, around the corners
of the mouth - angular cheilitis.
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S
y
m
p
t
o
m
s |
- Intense itching
- Skin rash, macule or papule
- Redness
- Infection of hair follicles (folliculitis), which may have a pimple-like
appearance
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C
a
u
s
e
s |
- Particularly common in individuals with diabetes and obese people.
- Antibiotics
- Oral contraceptives
- Immunocompromised people with HIV, autoimmune diseases, people
receiving cancer treatment, corticosteroid use
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What
You
Can
Do |
- Good general health and hygiene help prevent candida infections.
- Keep the skin clean and dry.
- Drying or antifungal powders may help prevent fungal infections
in people who are susceptible to them e.g. people with diabetes.
- Weight loss and good sugar control in diabetics may help prevent
these infections.
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- Blastomycosis - Blastomycosis is a fungal infection caused
by Blastomyces dermatitidis. The skin becomes infected as the fungus spreads
throughout the body. Skin lesions may be wart like or appear as ulcers and
may affect the nose and mouth. It is acquired by inhaling fungal particles
found in wood, moist soil, particularly amongst decaying vegetation. People
with compromised immune systems such as HIV infection or organ transplant
recipients are highly at risk for developing this infection.
- Histoplasmosis - Histoplasmosis is a fungal infection
caused by Histoplasma capsulatum. This fungus grows as a
mold in soil contaminated
with bird and bat droppings. The characteristic skin leisions of histoplasmosis
appear as lumps or nodules. Elderly people or those who have underlying
immune
disorders such as AIDS are at higher risk for histoplasmosis infection.
- Coccidioidomycosis - Coccidiodomycosis is a disease caused
by the spores of the fungus, Coccidioides immitis which is often found in
desert regions. Skin lesions of coccidioidomycosis are a manifestation in
the skin of this fungal infection. The characteristic skin lesions can occur
in the early stages of infection and appear either as ulcer, tender red papules,
nodules (erythema nodosum) or as a hypersensitivity allergic skin rash (erythema
multiforme). These rashes usually clear without treatment and are
believed to be caused by an immune response to the infection.
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