About all

Fungal infection skin rash pictures. Fungal Skin Infections: Types, Symptoms, Causes, and Treatments

by alexxlab

What are the common types of fungal skin infections. How can you identify fungal skin rashes. What causes fungal infections on the skin. How are fungal skin conditions treated effectively. What preventive measures help avoid fungal skin problems.

Understanding Fungal Skin Infections: An Overview

Fungal skin infections are a common type of skin condition caused by various fungi that can affect different parts of the body. These infections thrive in warm, moist environments and can range from mild to severe. While many fungal skin infections are not serious, they can cause discomfort, itching, and cosmetic concerns if left untreated.

Fungi are microorganisms that exist in the environment around us. While many are harmless, some can cause infections when they come into contact with human skin. Factors like humidity, tight clothing, poor hygiene, and a weakened immune system can create favorable conditions for fungal growth on the skin.

Common Types of Fungal Skin Infections

There are several types of fungal infections that can affect the skin. Here are some of the most common:

Athlete’s Foot (Tinea Pedis)

Athlete’s foot is a fungal infection that typically affects the feet, especially between the toes. It causes itching, burning, and scaling of the skin. The infection can spread to the toenails and other parts of the body if not treated promptly.

Ringworm (Tinea Corporis)

Despite its name, ringworm is not caused by a worm but by a fungus. It appears as a circular, red, itchy rash with clearer skin in the center, giving it a ring-like appearance. Ringworm can occur on various parts of the body, including the scalp, body, and groin area.

Candidiasis (Yeast Infection)

Candidiasis is caused by an overgrowth of Candida yeast. It commonly affects moist areas of the body such as the mouth (oral thrush), genitals, and skin folds. Symptoms include redness, itching, and a burning sensation.

Tinea Versicolor

This condition causes small, discolored patches on the skin, usually on the chest, back, and shoulders. The patches may be lighter or darker than the surrounding skin and can be itchy or scaly.

Identifying Fungal Skin Rashes: Key Symptoms

Recognizing the symptoms of fungal skin infections is crucial for early diagnosis and treatment. While symptoms can vary depending on the type of infection and its location, some common signs include:

  • Redness or discoloration of the affected area
  • Itching, which can range from mild to severe
  • Scaling or flaking of the skin
  • Circular or ring-shaped rashes
  • Burning or stinging sensation
  • Cracking or peeling of the skin
  • Small blisters or pustules

Are fungal rashes always itchy? While itching is a common symptom of many fungal skin infections, not all rashes caused by fungi are itchy. Some may cause discoloration or changes in skin texture without significant itching.

Causes and Risk Factors for Fungal Skin Infections

Understanding the causes and risk factors of fungal skin infections can help in prevention and management. Some key factors include:

  1. Humid or moist environments
  2. Poor hygiene practices
  3. Weakened immune system
  4. Excessive sweating
  5. Tight-fitting clothing
  6. Sharing personal items like towels or clothing
  7. Prolonged use of antibiotics
  8. Certain medical conditions like diabetes

Can stress cause fungal skin infections? While stress itself doesn’t directly cause fungal infections, it can weaken the immune system, making the body more susceptible to various infections, including fungal ones.

Diagnosing Fungal Skin Conditions

Proper diagnosis of fungal skin infections is essential for effective treatment. Healthcare providers typically use the following methods to diagnose these conditions:

Visual Examination

A doctor will examine the affected area, looking for characteristic signs of fungal infections such as redness, scaling, or distinctive patterns like the rings associated with ringworm.

Skin Scraping

In some cases, a small scraping of the affected skin may be taken and examined under a microscope to identify the presence of fungi.

Wood’s Lamp Examination

This special ultraviolet light can help identify certain types of fungal infections, as some fungi fluoresce under this light.

Culture Test

A sample of the affected skin may be cultured in a laboratory to identify the specific type of fungus causing the infection.

Is a biopsy necessary to diagnose fungal skin infections? In most cases, a biopsy is not necessary to diagnose fungal skin infections. Visual examination and less invasive tests like skin scrapings or cultures are usually sufficient. However, in rare or complex cases, a skin biopsy might be performed to rule out other conditions or identify atypical infections.

Effective Treatments for Fungal Skin Infections

Treatment for fungal skin infections varies depending on the type and severity of the infection. Common treatment options include:

Topical Antifungal Medications

Over-the-counter or prescription antifungal creams, ointments, or powders are often the first line of treatment for many fungal skin infections. These medications work by killing the fungi or preventing their growth.

Oral Antifungal Medications

For more severe or persistent infections, oral antifungal medications may be prescribed. These systemic treatments work throughout the body to combat the infection.

Antifungal Shampoos

For fungal infections of the scalp, medicated shampoos containing antifungal agents may be recommended.

Combination Therapies

In some cases, a combination of topical and oral treatments may be used for more effective results.

How long does it take for fungal skin infections to clear up with treatment? The duration of treatment can vary depending on the type and severity of the infection. Some mild infections may clear up within a week or two with proper treatment, while more severe or persistent infections may require several weeks or even months of consistent treatment.

Prevention Strategies for Fungal Skin Problems

Preventing fungal skin infections is often easier than treating them. Here are some effective prevention strategies:

  • Keep skin clean and dry, especially in areas prone to sweating
  • Wear breathable, loose-fitting clothing
  • Change out of wet or sweaty clothes promptly
  • Use antifungal powders in shoes and on feet if prone to athlete’s foot
  • Avoid walking barefoot in public areas like locker rooms or swimming pools
  • Don’t share personal items like towels, combs, or shoes
  • Practice good hygiene, especially in shared living spaces
  • Maintain a healthy diet and lifestyle to support immune function

Can probiotics help prevent fungal skin infections? While research is ongoing, some studies suggest that probiotics may help prevent certain types of fungal infections by promoting a healthy balance of microorganisms on the skin and in the body. However, more research is needed to fully understand the role of probiotics in preventing fungal skin infections.

When to Seek Medical Attention for Fungal Skin Conditions

While many fungal skin infections can be treated with over-the-counter medications, there are instances when professional medical care is necessary. Consider seeking medical attention if:

  • The infection doesn’t improve with home treatment after two weeks
  • The rash spreads or worsens despite treatment
  • You develop a fever or other systemic symptoms
  • The infection is in a sensitive area, such as the face or genitals
  • You have a weakened immune system or underlying health conditions
  • The infection is causing significant discomfort or interfering with daily activities

Can fungal skin infections lead to more serious health problems if left untreated? While most fungal skin infections are not life-threatening, leaving them untreated can lead to complications. The infection may spread to other parts of the body or become more severe, potentially causing secondary bacterial infections or more extensive skin damage. In individuals with weakened immune systems, untreated fungal infections can sometimes lead to systemic infections, though this is rare.

Understanding fungal skin infections, their causes, symptoms, and treatments is crucial for maintaining healthy skin. By practicing good hygiene, staying vigilant for early signs of infection, and seeking timely treatment when necessary, most fungal skin conditions can be effectively managed and prevented. Remember that while many over-the-counter treatments are available, persistent or severe infections should always be evaluated by a healthcare professional to ensure proper diagnosis and treatment.

Pictures, Types, Causes and Treatments

We include products we think are useful for our readers. If you buy through links on this page, we may earn a small commission Here’s our process.

Healthline only shows you brands and products that we stand behind.

Our team thoroughly researches and evaluates the recommendations we make on our site. To establish that the product manufacturers addressed safety and efficacy standards, we:

  • Evaluate ingredients and composition: Do they have the potential to cause harm?
  • Fact-check all health claims: Do they align with the current body of scientific evidence?
  • Assess the brand: Does it operate with integrity and adhere to industry best practices?

We do the research so you can find trusted products for your health and wellness.

Read more about our vetting process.

Was this helpful?

Various pathogens can cause skin infections, such as bacteria, viruses, fungi, and parasites. The symptoms, treatment, and outlook will depend on the cause.

Infections can vary from mild to serious. Most skin infections are highly treatable. However, an infection can become more serious if it goes deeper into the skin or spreads across much of the body.

People with a weakened immune system have a higher risk of skin infections and complications from skin infections. This could be due to:

  • a health condition, such as HIV, diabetes, poor circulation, or malnutrition
  • a side effect of medication, such as chemotherapy or biologic drug use
  • being older or very young
  • have skin folds due to obesity

Over-the-counter medications and home remedies can often treat mild infections, but other infections may need medical attention.

Read on to learn more about skin infections and what to do if you have one.

Here are some pictures of some symptoms of various skin infections:

The following are four different types of skin infections:

1.

Bacterial skin infections

Bacterial skin infections occur when bacteria enter the skin, either from an outside source or because they are present on the skin. They can enter the skin through a hair follicle or after a wound.

Anthrax is one type of bacterium that can enter from the environment. Staphylococcus and Streptococcus are bacteria that are commonly present on the skin and only cause a problem in certain circumstances. Lyme disease is a tick-borne infection that causes skin symptoms.

Bacterial infections can be systemic or local. Systemic infections can cause symptoms throughout the whole body, such as a fever, while local infections only affect a specific area. Some bacterial infections can begin in one area and spread throughout the body.

Some bacterial skin infections, such as impetigo, can spread between people through direct skin contact or with bodily fluids, contaminated food or water, or by touching surfaces where bacteria are present. Others, such as cellulitis, are not contagious.

Different types of bacterial skin infections include:

  • cellulitis
  • impetigo
  • boils
  • Hansen’s disease (leprosy)

Systemic infections that can cause skin rashes include:

  • syphilis
  • tuberculosis
  • leptospirosis

Some bacterial infections are mild and easy to treat with topical antibiotics, but other infections require an oral antibiotic or other medical treatment.

2. Viral skin infections

Viruses can cause different types of infections that have skin symptoms, such as:

  • shingles (herpes zoster)
  • chickenpox
  • Molluscum contagiosum
  • warts
  • measles
  • hand, foot, and mouth disease

These viruses are often contagious, and most are systemic.

3. Fungal skin infections

These types of skin infections are caused by a fungus and are most likely to develop in moist areas of the body where surfaces meet, such as the feet, armpit, or where there are skin folds.

In some cases, an allergy to the fungus causes symptoms in other areas that are not directly affected. For instance, a person with a fungal infection on the foot might develop a rash on their fingers. It doesn’t happen because the person touched their foot.

Different types of fungal infections:

  • athlete’s foot
  • yeast infection
  • ringworm
  • nail fungus
  • oral thrush
  • diaper rash

4. Parasitic skin infection

These types of skin infections are caused by a parasite. These infections can spread beyond the skin to the bloodstream and organs. A parasitic infection isn’t life-threatening but can be uncomfortable.

Different types of parasitic skin infections include:

  • lice
  • bedbugs
  • scabies
  • cutaneous larva migrans

The symptoms of a skin infection will depend on:

  • the type of infection
  • the cause
  • individual factors, such as whether the person has a weakened immune system

Common symptoms of skin infections include:

  • redness on pales skin, or purple or darker areas of skin if you have a darker skin tone
  • lesions that may be flat or raised, bumpy, wart-like, and so on
  • itching
  • pain and tenderness

In some cases, a person may also have other symptoms, such as a fever.

Signs of a severe infection include:

  • pus
  • blisters
  • skin sloughing, breakdown
  • dark areas that can indicate necrosis or tissue death
  • pain and discoloration
  • widespread swelling

Is this rash an infection or another skin disorder?

Some types of pathogens — notably bacteria and fungi — are typically present on the skin, but if they become too numerous, the immune system can no longer manage them.

In this case, an infection can result.

The cause of a skin infection depends on the pathogen involved.

Bacterial skin infection

These infections occur when bacteria enter the body through a break in the skin, such as a cut or a scratch.

Not all cuts or scratches lead to a skin infection, but there is a higher risk if you:

  • have a weakened immune system
  • do not keep the wound clean
  • are exposed to certain bacteria, for example, when working outside

Viral skin infection

The most common viruses come from one of three groups of viruses:

  • poxviruses, such as:
    • molluscum contagiosum
    • smallpox
    • Mpox
  • human papillomavirus (HPV), responsible for genital warts
  • herpes viruses, which can lead to
    • herpex simplex viruses (HSV)
    • varicella-zoster virus, which causes chickenpox and shingles
    • Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) which can lead to mononucleosis
    • cytomegalovirus (CMV)

Experts still don’t know how prevalent viruses are on the skin, unlike bacteria and fungi.

Fungal infection

Body chemistry and lifestyle factors can increase the risk of a fungal infection. Fungi often grow in warm, moist environments.

Some risk factors for a fungal infection are:

  • having sweaty feet or wearing closed footwear
  • wearing sweaty or wet clothes
  • having skin folds due to excess body fat
  • bathing in contaminated water
  • sharing personal items with other people who carry a fungus or have an infection

A break or cut in the skin may allow pathogens to get into the deeper layers of the skin.

Parasitic skin infection

Tiny insects or organisms burrowing underneath your skin and laying eggs can cause a parasitic skin infection.

Examples include:

  • Scabies: An infestation of mites, which causes itching, a rash of small pimples, lines on the skin surface, and scaling or crusty skin.
  • Pediculosis: This is an infection caused by lice. It can cause itching, and lice and nits — their eggs — may be visible.
  • Creeping eruption: Caused by hookworms, this can cause a winding, snake-like rash.

Often, doctors can identify the type of skin infection based on their appearance and location.

The doctor may:

  • ask about symptoms
  • examine any bumps, rashes, or lesions
  • take a sample of skin cells for testing in a laboratory

See a doctor if you have:

  • pus-filled blisters
  • severe or widespread swelling or inflammation
  • a skin infection that doesn’t improve or gets progressively worse
  • a high fever or other symptoms
  • frequent or recurring rashes or infections

Skin infections can spread beyond the skin and into tissues under the skin or the bloodstream, especially in people with a compromised immune system.

When this happens it can lead to sepsis, a potentially life-threatening condition.

If you need help finding a dermatologist, then check out our FindCare tool here.

Treatment depends on the cause of the infection and the severity.

Some infections will go away on their own or respond to over-the-counter creams.

If an infection is severe, the person is at risk of complications, or the infection is contagious, a doctor may prescribe medication such as:

  • antibiotics
  • antivirals
  • antifungals
  • antiparasitics

The form of the medication will partially depend on the severity of the infection or the risk of complications. A person with a severe infection may need to spend time in the hospital.

Home care and alternative treatments

Home care for a skin infection works to reduce symptoms.

Here are some tips:

  • Apply cold compresses to your skin several times a day to reduce itching and inflammation.
  • Take over-the-counter antihistamines to decrease itching.
  • Use topical creams and ointment to reduce itching and discomfort.

The outlook will depend on the cause, type, and severity of the infection.

Many skin infections respond well to medication. However, some conditions, such as methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA), are resistant to common antibiotics and harder to treat.

Ways of reducing the risk of a skin infection or rash include:

  • washing regularly
  • drying the body to remove all moisture
  • avoiding sharing personal items with other people
  • checking the skin regularly for changes and seeking advice as soon as signs of an infection appear
  • having the recommended vaccinations to prevent diseases such as chickenpox

What are the main types of skin infections?

Skin infections can be:

  • bacterial, commonly caused by Streptococcal or Staphylococcal bacteria
  • viral, such as chickenpox or warts
  • fungal, for instance, a yeast infection
  • parasitic, for example, scabies

What does a bacterial skin infection look like?

This will depend on the infection, but it will usually involve inflammation and swelling.

What is the most common bacterial infection of the skin?

Impetigo is a common example of a bacterial infection. Others include cellulitis and Lyme disease.

The most common bacteria associated with skin infections are the Staphylococcus and Streptococcus species.

Skin infections can result from bacterial, viral, fungal, and parasitic causes. The way they affect the body will depend on the specific pathogen. Some cause skin symptoms as part of a wider infection, while others cause local symptoms only.

Skin infections are often highly treatable, but severe symptoms and complications can arise if a person has a weakened immune system.

Some infections are are contagious, such as scabies, and people need to take care not to pass them on before or during treatment.

See your doctor if you have any concerns about signs of a skin infection.

Read this article in Spanish.

Candida infection of the skin: MedlinePlus Medical Encyclopedia

Candida infection of the skin is a yeast infection of the skin. The medical name of the condition is cutaneous candidiasis.

The body normally hosts a variety of germs, including bacteria and fungi. Some of these are useful to the body, some produce no harm or benefit, and some can cause harmful infections.

Some fungal infections are caused by fungi that often live on the hair, nails, and outer skin layers. They include yeast-like fungi such as candida. Sometimes, these yeast penetrate beneath the surface of the skin and cause infection.

In cutaneous candidiasis, the skin is infected with candida fungi. This type of infection is fairly common. It can involve almost any skin on the body, but most often it occurs in warm, moist, creased areas such as the armpits and groin. The fungus that most often causes cutaneous candidiasis is Candida albicans.

Candida is the most common cause of diaper rash in infants. The fungi take advantage of the warm, moist conditions inside the diaper. Candida infection is also particularly common in people with diabetes and in those who are obese. Antibiotics, steroid therapy, and chemotherapy increase the risk of cutaneous candidiasis. Candida can also cause infections of the nails, edges of the nails, and corners of the mouth.

Oral thrush, a form of candida infection of the moist lining of the mouth, usually occurs when people take antibiotics though only a small number of people who take antibiotics get thrush. It may also be a sign of an HIV infection or other weakened immune system disorders when it occurs in adults. Individuals with candida infections are not usually contagious, though in some settings people with weakened immune systems may catch the infection. When it occurs in the mouth or vagina, it is sometimes called mucocutaneous candidiasis.

Candida is also the most frequent cause of vaginal yeast infections. These infections are common and often occur with antibiotic use.

Candida infection of the skin can cause intense itching.

Symptoms also include:

  • Red, growing skin rash
  • Rash on the skin folds, genitals, middle of the body, buttocks, under the breasts, and other areas of skin
  • Infection of the hair follicles that may look like pimples

Your health care provider can usually diagnose this condition by looking at your skin. Your provider may gently scrape off a sample of skin for testing.

Older children and adults with a yeast skin infection should be tested for diabetes. High sugar levels, seen in people with diabetes, act as food for the yeast fungus and help it grow.

Good general health and hygiene are very important for treating candida infections of the skin. Keeping the skin dry and exposed to air is helpful. Drying (absorbent) powders may help prevent fungal infections.

Losing weight may help eliminate the problem if you are overweight.

Proper blood sugar control may also be helpful to those with diabetes.

Antifungal skin creams, ointments, or powders may be used to treat a yeast infection of the skin, mouth, or vagina. You may need to take antifungal medicine by mouth for severe candida infections in the mouth, throat, or vagina.

Cutaneous candidiasis often goes away with treatment, especially if the underlying cause is corrected. Repeat infections are common.

These complications may occur:

  • Infection of the nails may cause the nails to become oddly shaped and may cause an infection around the nail.

  • Candida skin infections may return.
  • Widespread candidiasis may occur in people with weakened immune systems.

Contact your provider if you develop symptoms of cutaneous candidiasis.

Skin infection – fungal; Fungal infection – skin; Skin infection – yeast; Yeast infection – skin; Intertriginous candidiasis; Cutaneous candidiasis

  • Candida – fluorescent stain

  • Candidiasis, cutaneous – around the mouth

  • Fungus

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention website. Fungal diseases: candidiasis. www.cdc.gov/fungal/diseases/candidiasis/index.html. Updated June 28, 2022. Accessed January 3, 2023.

James WD, Elston DM, Treat JR, Rosenbach MA, Neuhaus IM. Diseases resulting from fungi and yeasts. In: James WD, Elston DM, Treat JR, Rosenbach MA, Neuhaus IM, eds. Andrews’ Diseases of the Skin: Clinical Dermatology. 13th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2020:chap 15.

Lionakis MS, Edwards JE. Candida species. In: Bennett JE, Dolin R, Blaser MJ, eds. Mandell, Douglas, and Bennett’s Principles and Practice of Infectious Diseases. 9th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2020:chap 256.

Updated by: Jatin M. Vyas, MD, PhD, Associate Professor in Medicine, Harvard Medical School; Associate in Medicine, Division of Infectious Disease, Department of Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA. Also reviewed by David C. Dugdale, MD, Medical Director, Brenda Conaway, Editorial Director, and the A.D.A.M. Editorial team.

Page not found – Zalain

Nothing appears to have been found at this location.

THERE ARE CONTRAINDICATIONS. YOU NEED TO CONSULT A

TECHNICIAN

© All rights reserved.
The rights to this site belong to EGIS-RUS LLC 2021.

Registration number: ПN015678/01
Registration number: ЛС-000021

Personal data processing policy

If you become aware of an adverse reaction when using a product from portfolio
EGIS-RUS LLC, please provide this information through any of the forms of communication convenient for you:

  1. E-mail: pharmacovigilance@egis. ru
  2. Phone: 8 495 363-39-66
  3. website

EGIS-RUS LLC OGRN 5077746558160 121552, Moscow, st. Yartsevskaya, 19, block B, floor 13
Phone: +7 (495) 363-39-66 Telefax: +7 (495) 789-66-31

EGIS Group is one of the leading drug manufacturers in the Central and Eastern Europe.