Fungal skin infections
Fungal skin infections are very common and include ringworm of the body or scalp, athlete's foot, groin itch and pale or dark patches on the chest and back (tinea versicolor). Fungi grow best in warm, moist skin folds. They are spread by contact with infected people, animals, combs, towels or shoes. Most are easy to treat with antifungal creams.
Symptoms
- Round, red, itchy patches with a clearer centre and a raised scaly edge (ringworm)
- Itching, cracking and peeling between the toes
- Itchy red rash in the groin or under the breasts
- Scaly patches and hair loss on the scalp in children
- Light or dark patches on the chest, back or neck
- Thick, yellow or crumbly nails
Causes
- Warm, moist and sweaty skin
- Sharing towels, combs, caps, clothes or shoes
- Contact with infected people or animals such as cats, dogs and cattle
- Walking barefoot in shared bathrooms
- Diabetes, obesity or a weak immune system
- Using steroid creams on the rash, which makes it spread
Prevention
- Keep skin clean and dry, especially between toes and in skin folds
- Do not share towels, combs, caps or shoes
- Wear loose cotton clothes and change socks daily
- Wear sandals in shared bathrooms
- Treat infected family members and pets at the same time
Treatment
- Antifungal cream applied to the rash and a little beyond it, continued 1 to 2 weeks after it clears
- Antifungal shampoo for tinea versicolor or the scalp
- Antifungal tablets from a doctor for scalp, nail or widespread infections
- Keep the area dry during treatment
- Do not use steroid creams or mixed steroid creams on fungal rashes without a doctor
Common questions
Why did my rash get worse after using a mixed cream from the pharmacy?
Many mixed creams contain a steroid. Steroids reduce itching at first but help the fungus grow and spread. Use a plain antifungal cream, or see a doctor.
Can ringworm come from animals?
Yes. Cats, dogs, cattle and sheep can pass ringworm to people, especially children. Wash hands after handling animals and have sick animals treated.