Infections - Fungal
Fungal skin infections are infections on the skin caused by a fungus. Certain types of fungus, or excessive growth of normally harmless types, cause the symptoms of a fungal skin infection. Most fungal skin infections can be treated effectively.
Fungi usually make their homes in moist areas of the body where skin surfaces meet: between the toes, in the genital area, and under the breasts. Many fungi that infect the skin (dermatophytes) live only in the topmost layer of the epidermis (stratum corneum) and do not penetrate deeper. Obese people are more likely to get these infections because they have excessive skinfolds. People with diabetes also tend to be more susceptible to fungal infections.
You're more at risk of getting a fungal skin infection if you:
- Have recently taken a course of antibiotics
- Are taking steroids
- Have diabetes
- Are overweight
- Have had fungal skin infections in the past
- Have a weakened immune system caused, for example, by cancer or HIV/AIDS
What Causes Fungal Infections?
Moist skin encourages fungal skin infections. This means you're more likely to pick one up if you don't dry your skin properly after sweating or bathing, or if you wear tight clothes that don't allow sweat to evaporate. Damage to the surface of your skin, such as a cut or graze, can also encourage fungi to grow.
Treatments
Because most fungal skin infections are surface infections, you will usually need to use antifungal treatments applied directly to your skin in the infected area (topical treatments).
There are a variety of treatments available in the form of creams, lotions and medicated powders. If the rash covers a large area of your skin, or affects your nails or scalp, you may need to take some tablets.
Some treatments are available over-the-counter from a pharmacist, without a prescription. For example, sprays are available for treating athlete's foot. Stronger forms of topical treatments and antifungal medicines in tablet form are only available if you have a prescription from your doctor. You may be prescribed antifungal shampoo if you have a scalp infection.
These treatments are usually effective. They can occasionally cause side-effects, which may include skin irritation or an upset stomach. It isn't unusual for the rash to return, even when it seems to have been effectively treated. You may need to take treatments for a few weeks, or up to 18 months for toenail infections.