COMMON SKIN FUNGAL INFECTIONS For most people, developing an unsightly skin fungus may be pretty embarrassing. But such infections are actually very common.In this post we'll go through some of the common types of skin fungus and also look at signs of getting them and how to treat them. 1.ATHLETES FOOT This is a common and contagious dermatophyticfungal infection of the skin that causes scaling, flaking, and itching of the affected areas. the disease is typically transmitted in moist communal areas where people walk barefoot, such as showers or bathhouses, and requires a warm moist environment such as the inside of a shoe to incubate. The condition typically affects the feet, but may infect or spread to other areas of the body such as the groin and tends to spread to areas of skin that are kept hot and moist. You can treat athlete's foot with an over-the-counter or prescription-strength topical anti-fungal cream, or with a pill including one of the following ingredients: itraconazole, fluconazole or terbinafine [source: Mayo Clinic]. 2.JOCK ITCH (TINEA CRURIS) This is a dermatophytefungal infection of the groin region in any sex, though more often seen in males. This type of skin fungus is characterized by a rash developing around the groin, anus and inner thighs (however, the penis and scrotum are not usually affected). The center of the rash can get reddish-brown, while the edges develop scales or bumps. The skin gets scaly and will burn and itch. It may even develop blisters that ooze. It's not uncommon for a person to develop jock itch after getting athlete's foot (which we'll talk about later). This could have to do with a fungus spreading by the process of putting on underwear -- so it's probably a good idea to put socks on first. Typical treatments include topical creams, usually with one of two types of anti-fungal ingredients: allylamines or azoles. Allylamines will work faster, but are typically more expensive than azoles .[source:Mayo Clinic]. 3.RINGWORM (TINEA CORPORIS) This is a superficial fungal infection (dermatophytosis) of the arms and legs, especially on glabrous skin; however, it may occur on any part of the body. This type is more likely to affect women than men, as opposed to jock itch or athlete's foot, which are both more common in men. A person can get tinea corporis from other people, animals such as cats and dogs, or even objects such as clothes or towels. Acute tinea corporis starts and spreads quickly to develop red pustular lesions and patches. On the other hand, chronic tinea corporis can look quite different -- spreading slowly and developing less severe rashes. This type is more likely to affect women than men, as opposed to jock itch or athlete's foot, which are both more common in men. A person can get tinea corporis from other people, animals such as cats and dogs, or even objects such as clothes or towels. Acute tinea corporis starts and spreads quickly to develop red pustular lesions and patches. On the other hand, chronic tinea corporis can look quite different -- spreading slowly and developing less severe rashes. 4.TINEA VERSICOLOR Tinea versicolor affects the upper body -- usually the chest and back, but sometimes the neck and upper arms. You'll notice that most of the fungal types covered here will use the word "tinea" because this refers to dermatophytes. Although there are many species of fungi that fall under the category of dermatophytes, a single species can affect different parts of the body and cause different skin reactions. Tinea versicolor is particularly marked by a discoloration of the skin. This is because it causes small spots on the skin that form into patches. These patches can make the skin either lighter or darker, and they can appear white, brown, tan or pink. You can't tan these patches away because the fungus prevents them from tanning with the rest of your skin [source: Mayo Clinic]. This kind of fungus latches on to oily parts of the upper body and can make the skin flake and itch. If over-the-counter anti-fungal lotions don't work, go to the doctor. Treatment may include prescription-strength anti-fungal lotion or cream, or the doctor may even prescribe taking pills with one of the following ingredients: ketoconazole, itraconazole or fluconazole. But don't expect a miracle overnight cure. It may take quite some time -- weeks or months -- for tinea versicolor to clear up completely. 5.CANDIDIASIS Candida yeasts usually reside in the mouth, digestive tract or vagina, but it can overgrow on or inside the body to develop into an infection. Sometimes people taking antibiotics for a bacterial infection may develop candidiasis, because the medication can kill off bacteria that usually keep candida from overgrowing [source: Merck]. Moist areas on the body, such as armpits, in between toes, under women's breasts, the anus and the groin are all susceptible to candidiasis. Unlike with jock itch, candida infections often spread to the penis itself -- more commonly in men who are uncircumcised. Obesity is also a contributing factor for candida skin infections, because body folds provide more hospitable areas for the fungus to grow. Incidentally, aside from exterior skin, candida can also infect the lining of the mouth or vagina (commonly referred to simply as a yeast infection). Several different species of candida yeast can cause these infections, and they may look different depending on where they are on the body. They often result in reddish, rashes with pustular bumps and lesions. Not surprisingly, on the feet, it can resemble athlete's foot. The affected skin will also likely scale and fissure. As with dermatophyte infections, you can fight candidiasis with anti-fungal creams topical clotrimazole, topical nystatin, fluconazole, and topical ketoconazole. If over-the-counter topical agents don't work, seek out a doctor, who might prescribe something stronger. KEEP YOUR SKIN HEALTHY
