Skin fungus

Fungal infections are widespread and affect people of all ages. They usually do not heal on their own. With timely diagnosis and appropriate treatment, fungal skin infections can usually be treated well. In this article you will learn more about the causes, symptoms, diagnosis, treatment options and prospects of curing skin fungus. We have also put together some important tips for preventing skin and nail fungus.

What is skin fungus?

Skin fungus is a common infection of the skin caused by various types of fungi. The most common pathogens are:

• Dermatophytes: These fungi mainly affect the skin, hair and nails. Examples are athlete’s foot or nail fungus.
• Yeast fungi (e.g. Candida): They can infest the skin as well as mucous membranes such as the mouth or genital area.
• Molds: They can rarely cause nail mycosis.

Skin fungi are not dangerous, but can be unpleasant and lead to complications if left untreated.

Fungal infection: common types of skin fungus

Mycoses are diseases caused by an infection with fungi. They are particularly common in children, but can also affect adults. Fungal skin diseases, known as dermatomycoses, can occur on various parts of the body. Common types of skin fungus are:

Athlete’s foot (Tinea pedis)

Athlete’s foot is one of the most common forms of skin fungus. The infection mainly affects the spaces between the toes and the soles of the feet. Typical symptoms are

• Itching
• Redness and scaly skin
• sometimes grayish-white, swollen skin
• Sometimes small cracks or blisters

Athlete’s foot often develops in damp environments, e.g. when wearing closed shoes or in swimming pools. Athlete’s foot is contagious. Athlete’s foot and nail fungus are transmitted by the same pathogens. An untreated athlete’s foot infection can therefore easily spread to the toenails, as the fungi find ideal conditions in the warm, moist environment between the skin and nails. Athlete’s foot is easily treatable with antifungals.

Nail fungus (onychomycosis, tinea unguium)

Nail fungus affects the nails, especially on the feet. The nails turn yellowish, become brittle and can thicken. If left untreated, the fungus often spreads to other nails. A nail fungus infection can also promote a foot fungus infection, as the pathogens remain on the skin and can spread further. It is therefore important to treat both diseases consistently in order to avoid mutual infection (ping-pong effect). Careful hygiene and early treatment help to break the cycle. If the infestation is less pronounced, treatment is carried out with an antimycotic nail varnish, if the infestation is severe, additional tablets are used.

Scalp fungus (tinea capitis)

This form of skin fungus attacks the scalp and can lead to scaly patches, hair loss and sometimes inflammation. Scalp fungus can be transmitted through direct contact from person to person, through shared objects or through infected animals such as cats, dogs or rodents. This disease can sometimes lead to a painful, severe inflammation with fever and general symptoms and possibly scarred healing and hair loss. Treatment is always with tablets.

Skin fungus on the body (ringworm, tinea corporis)

Fungal skin infections can occur anywhere on the body. Ringworm is characterized by round, red, scaly patches of skin that often have a ring-shaped edge and a lighter, less affected area in the middle (hence the name ringworm). Ringworm is contagious and is transmitted through direct skin contact with infected persons, through the exchange of contaminated objects, through contact with infected animals or through contact with fungal spores in damp environments such as swimming pools or changing rooms. Ringworm is usually treated with antifungal creams, ointments or, in severe cases, tablets.

The infection in the groin (tinea inguinalis) occurs more frequently in men who sweat a lot. It usually begins in the skin region between the thigh and scrotum and often spreads towards the anus and buttocks. The scrotum, penis and, in women, the vulva can also be affected.

Hand fungus (Tinea manuum)

Hand fungus is often one-sided, sometimes the infection spreads to the other hand. Many sufferers also have athlete’s foot. There are two main forms: The hyperkeratotic-squamous form shows reddish scaling and painful skin cracks. The dyshidrosiform form causes itchy blisters on the palm of the hand and the sides of the fingers.

Yeast fungus skin in skin folds (cutaneous candidiasis)

Cutaneous candidiasis is a fungal infection of the skin caused by yeasts of the genus Candida, in particular Candida albicans. The infection often occurs in moist, warm skin areas such as skin folds (e.g. in the groin area, under the breasts or between the fingers). Typical symptoms are red, inflamed areas of skin, often associated with an itchy rash and scaly or weeping patches. Cutaneous candidiasis is particularly common in people with a weakened immune system, diabetes or obesity, as these factors favor the growth of yeast fungi. Treatment is usually with antifungal creams or ointments.

Pityriasis versicolor

Pityriasis versicolor is a skin fungal infection caused by yeasts of the genus Malassezia, which occur in all people. This infection is therefore not contagious. The infection often occurs on the chest, back, shoulders and neck. Sometimes the arms and trunk are also affected. Typical symptoms are small round or oval patches of skin that later coalesce into larger patches with irregular contours. Treatment is usually carried out with antifungal creams or shampoos.

Causes and risk factors of skin fungus

Fungus on the skin occurs when fungi multiply on the skin and the skin’s natural protective barrier is weakened. The most common causes are

• Moisture: Sweating or wearing tight clothing/shoes creates an ideal environment for fungi.
• Weak immune system: Diseases such as diabetes, obesity or taking certain medications increase the risk.
• Physical contact: Skin fungi are contagious and are often transmitted through direct contact or via contaminated surfaces such as towels, shoes or floors.
• Skin injuries: Small injuries or cracks in the skin make it easier for fungi to penetrate.

Symptoms Recognizing skin fungus: Signs and warning signals

The symptoms of skin fungus vary depending on the part of the body affected and the type of fungus. Common signs are

• Redness and itching of the affected skin area,
• scaly or painful skin,
• Blistering or weeping areas,
• Cracks between the toes due to athlete’s foot,
• thickened and discolored nails with nail fungus,
• Round, scaly patches with raised edges in the case of body fungus.

If you experience these symptoms, you should consult a doctor.

Diagnosis of skin fungus: when to see a doctor?

Not every scaly or itchy patch of skin is a skin fungus. It is advisable to consult a doctor if

• the symptoms do not improve after one to two weeks,
• the infection spreads or causes pain,
• affected areas of the body such as the face, scalp or genitals are particularly sensitive,
• you have a weakened immune system or are prone to fungal infections.

The doctor often diagnoses the infection on the basis of appearance and in some cases takes a swab or sample.

Treatment of skin fungus - an overview of effective treatment options

The treatment of fungal skin diseases aims to eliminate the fungi and heal the skin. Fungal skin treatment depends on the extent and severity of the infection:

Skin fungus: antifungal creams, ointments and nail polish

For minor, localized and mild skin infections, local treatment with antifungal agents such as ointments or creams is often sufficient. These act directly on the affected area and enable rapid healing. Treatment can also be carried out locally for less pronounced nail infestation. In this case with an antifungal nail polish, which sometimes has to be applied for over a year. Frequently used active ingredients are

• Clotrimazole,
• Ketoconazole,
• Terbinafine.

Skin fungus: tablets against severe infections

Systemic treatment is necessary for extensive infections that affect several parts of the body or several nails, for chronic and highly inflammatory courses or for scalp fungus. Oral antimycotics are used here to fight the fungus from the inside and support comprehensive healing.

Skin fungus: skin care and hygiene

In addition to medication, careful skin care is important. Dry the affected areas well and avoid moisture.

Skin fungus: better to avoid household remedies

Some home remedies for skin fungus such as tea tree oil, vinegar or yogurt are often mentioned as supportive measures. However, the effectiveness of these fungicides has not been scientifically proven and should therefore only be used as a supplement to medical treatment.

Tip: Many antimycotics are available over the counter. However, before you treat your skin fungus yourself, you should consult a dermatologist. They can tell you which antimycotic is best for you. The type of skin fungus and individual factors such as your age or pregnancy play a role here.

Skin fungus prognosis: chances of recovery from skin fungus and nail fungus

The chances of curing skin fungus are generally very good, especially if the infection is recognized and treated at an early stage. With the right treatment, for example antimycotics in the form of creams, shampoos or tablets, the symptoms usually subside within a few weeks. Mild, localized infections can heal completely. Treatment may take longer for chronic or extensive infections, but the chances of recovery are also high in these cases if treatment is consistent. In rare cases, relapses can occur, especially in cases of poor hygiene or a weakened immune system.

Preventing skin fungus: how to protect yourself

You can effectively prevent skin fungus with simple measures:

• Avoid moisture: Avoid prolonged exposure to sweaty or damp clothing.
• Wear the right footwear: Wear breathable shoes if possible.
• Dry well: Mushrooms like it moist and warm. After showering or bathing, always dry the spaces between your toes and skin folds thoroughly (use a separate towel for your feet).
• Change clothes and towels regularly: change socks, stockings and underwear daily and wash at a temperature of at least 60 degrees Celsius. Wash towels regularly, change daily if fungal infestation occurs.
• Make sure you wear the right protection in places with an increased risk of infection: Wear bathing shoes in public swimming pools or saunas to avoid transmission.
• Disinfect socks and shoes for athlete’s foot: During and immediately after athlete’s foot treatment, it is advisable to disinfect socks, socks and shoes with an antifungal agent.
• Treat infected pets: Pets can be carriers of certain skin fungi. In these cases, the animals must also be treated.
• Strengthen the immune system: A healthy immune system helps to ward off skin fungi.