A Comprehensive Guide to Fungal Skin Infections: Causes, Symptoms, Prevention, and Treatment
An itchy, scaly rash between your toes. A red patch on your arm that keeps spreading. Thick, yellow toenails that seem impossible to clear. These problems can all be caused by fungal infections , but they are not necessarily the same infection—and they do not always require the same treatment. Fungal skin infections are extremely common and can affect the skin, feet, groin, scalp, nails and other areas of the body. Many mild infections can be treated successfully with antifungal medication, but others require prescription treatment or testing to make sure the rash is actually fungal. Quick Takeaway: Most common fungal skin infections are caused by dermatophytes or yeasts. Keeping skin dry, avoiding shared personal items and using the correct antifungal treatment can help. Do not use steroid creams on a rash that could be ringworm unless a healthcare professional specifically recommends them. What Is a Fungal Skin Infection? A fungal skin infection develops when fungi gr...