That’s right… there is fungus among us! Fungi are organisms that live in soil, water, vegetation, animals and humans. Some forms of fungus are harmless, like the mushrooms you eat, and some can be harmful, like the fungus that causes Athlete’s foot. Most fungal infections seen in dermatology are superficial infections which involve the top layer of the skin as well as hair, nails, and mucous membranes. Though they are considered “superficial”, if left untreated, they can spread to other body parts and be quite uncomfortable or itchy.
Common Fungal Infections: Most fungal infections are caused by the same type of fungus, but we group them based on the location of the body they affect.
- Athlete’s Foot (Tinea Pedis) : Athlete’s Foot is the most common disease affecting feet and toes. It typically presents with itching and flaking on the feet but can sometimes be asymptomatic. This particular fungus thrives in moist environments and is often transmitted by direct contact with surfaces such as showers, locker rooms, (where you catch it from fungus on other peoples’ feet), or socks and shoes (where you may be spreading it on your own feet).
- Jock Itch (Tinea Cruris) : Jock Itch is a fungal infection that affects the groin, inner thighs and buttocks. It typically presents with a red, scaly rash. It is common for patients with athlete’s foot to spread the fungus to the groin area while putting on underwear, so we often recommend for patients to put their socks on first!
- Ringworm (Tinea Corporis) : Ringworm is a type of fungal infection that involves the trunk and extremities, not including the groin or palms. Its name is a misnomer, as it doesn’t involve a worm at al! The name comes from the way in which the rash presents, which is typically a ring shaped lesion(s) with raised red edges. It usually comes from skin-to-skin contact (common in athletes such as wrestlers) or from pets.
- Tinea Versicolor : Tinea Versicolor is a bit different from the others, as it is caused by an overgrowth of a yeast instead of the common fungus. It most commonly occurs on the trunk, neck and arms and presents with round lesions that are white, pink or light brown and often have a fine scale. It can be mildly itchy or asymptomatic. It is often called “sun spots” because infected skin does not tan, creating a more noticeable contrast between infected areas and normal skin.
Tips on how to avoid getting a fungal infection:
- Put socks on prior to putting on underwear or be mindful not to let your feet touch your underwear as you put them on
- Wear cotton or breathable socks
- Change socks immediately if they become damp
- Wear shoes in public areas such as gyms, pools and hot tubs
- Wear shower shoes in public showers
- Don’t sit around in a wet bathing suit
- Use an antifungal shampoo (nizoral, Selsun Blue) as a body wash once a week
Ways to treat fungal infections :
- Over the counter antifungal creams (ie: Laimisil, Lotrimin)
- Over the counter medicated powders such a Zeasorb AF Powder
- Antifungal Shampoos that are often used as a body wash like Nizoral 1% Shampoo
- Prescription strength topical antifungals (creams or shampoos)
- Prescription strength oral antifungals
If you think you have one of these common fungal infections, the experts at Siperstein Dermatology Group can help! Contact us to schedule an appointment and let us help you put a stop to the pesty fungus that is among us!
