What are the most common types of skin infections. How can you identify different skin fungus and bacterial infections. What are the most effective treatments for various skin infections and fungal growths.

Understanding Skin Infections: Types, Causes, and Prevalence

Skin infections occur when microorganisms like bacteria, fungi, viruses, or parasites penetrate the skin and proliferate. These infections can lead to various symptoms, including pain, swelling, and changes in skin color. It’s crucial to distinguish between skin infections and rashes, as not all rashes indicate an infection.

There are four primary categories of skin infections:

• Bacterial
• Viral
• Fungal
• Parasitic

The severity and treatment of skin infections can vary significantly. While some may resolve with over-the-counter remedies or home care, others require medical intervention. Understanding the specific type of infection is key to determining the appropriate treatment approach.

Cellulitis: A Common Bacterial Skin Infection

Cellulitis is a bacterial infection that affects the deeper layers of skin and surrounding tissues. It’s a prevalent condition, with the American Academy of Dermatology reporting approximately 14.5 million cases diagnosed annually in the United States.

Recognizing Cellulitis Symptoms

Cellulitis typically presents as swelling with a color different from the surrounding skin. The affected area often feels warm and tender to the touch. While cellulitis can develop anywhere on the body, it commonly affects the face in children and the lower legs in adults.

Cellulitis Treatment Approaches

Early treatment is crucial for cellulitis to prevent potential complications such as blood infections or damage to the immune system. The standard treatment involves oral antibiotics, though some severe cases may require intravenous administration. Additionally, patients are advised to rest, elevate the affected area, and keep it covered to promote healing.

Viral Skin Infections: Warts and Herpes Gladiatorum

Viral skin infections, such as warts and herpes gladiatorum, are caused by different viruses and present unique challenges in treatment and management.

Warts: Contagious Skin Growths

Warts are noncancerous growths caused by viruses infecting the top layer of skin. They are highly contagious and can spread through direct contact or by touching objects that have come into contact with a wart.

Warts typically appear as raised areas of skin, though they can also be flat and darker in color. They often form in areas prone to skin damage, such as fingers, nails, and the backs of hands.

Treating Warts: Professional Interventions

Dermatologists employ various techniques to remove warts, including:

• Cantharidin application: Creates a blister under the wart for easy removal
• Electrosurgery: Burning off the wart
• Excision: Cutting out the wart
• Cryotherapy: Freezing the wart

Herpes Gladiatorum: A Persistent Viral Infection

Herpes gladiatorum, caused by the herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV-1), is a prevalent infection affecting an estimated 66.6% of the global population under 50 years old as of 2016. While outbreaks can be treated, the virus remains dormant in the body, leading to potential future flare-ups.

Symptoms and Treatment of Herpes Gladiatorum

During an outbreak, herpes gladiatorum can cause:

• Swollen lymph nodes
• Fever
• Tingling sensations in affected areas
• Fluid-filled blisters lasting 4-11 days
• Discolored skin patches

While some cases may not require treatment, individuals with active infections should avoid direct contact activities. For moderate to severe infections, doctors may prescribe antiviral medications.

Fungal Skin Infections: Yeast Overgrowth and Its Impact

Fungal skin infections, particularly yeast infections, occur when fungal organisms grow out of control. These infections commonly develop in skin folds, such as armpits, or areas often covered by clothing, like feet. They also frequently affect moisture-prone areas like the vagina and mouth.

Identifying Yeast Infection Symptoms

Yeast infections typically present with the following symptoms:

• Itching and burning sensations
• Redness and swelling of the affected area
• Rash-like appearance
• Scaling or flaking of the skin
• In some cases, a white, cottage cheese-like discharge

Effective Treatments for Yeast Infections

Treatment for yeast infections often involves antifungal medications, which can be applied topically or taken orally. For mild cases, over-the-counter antifungal creams or ointments may be sufficient. More severe or recurring infections might require prescription-strength medications or oral antifungals.

Parasitic Skin Infections: Recognizing and Addressing the Issue

Parasitic skin infections occur when small organisms invade and live on or within the skin. Common examples include scabies and lice infestations.

Scabies: An Itchy Parasitic Problem

Scabies is caused by tiny mites that burrow into the skin, leading to intense itching and a rash. It’s highly contagious and can spread rapidly in close-contact environments.

Symptoms of scabies include:

• Intense itching, especially at night
• A pimple-like rash
• Thin, irregular burrow tracks on the skin

Treating Scabies and Other Parasitic Infections

Treatment for scabies typically involves prescription medications called scabicides. These are usually applied to the entire body and left on for a specified period before being washed off. It’s crucial to treat all close contacts simultaneously to prevent reinfestation.

Prevention Strategies for Skin Infections

While not all skin infections are preventable, several strategies can reduce the risk of contracting or spreading them:

1. Practice good hygiene: Wash hands frequently and shower regularly, especially after sweating or exposure to potential contaminants.
2. Keep skin clean and dry: Moisture creates an ideal environment for many pathogens to thrive.
3. Avoid sharing personal items: This includes towels, razors, and clothing, particularly with individuals who have active infections.
4. Maintain a strong immune system: A balanced diet, regular exercise, and adequate sleep can help bolster your body’s defenses against infections.
5. Treat cuts and scrapes promptly: Clean and cover any breaks in the skin to prevent entry of pathogens.
6. Practice safe sex: Use protection to reduce the risk of sexually transmitted infections that can affect the skin.
7. Be cautious in public spaces: Wear appropriate footwear in public showers or locker rooms to avoid fungal infections.

When to Seek Medical Attention for Skin Infections

While many skin infections can be managed at home, certain situations warrant professional medical attention:

• Infections that don’t improve with over-the-counter treatments
• Rapidly spreading infections or those covering large areas of the body
• Signs of systemic illness, such as fever or chills
• Infections in sensitive areas like near the eyes or genitals
• Recurrent infections or those that frequently return
• Infections in individuals with compromised immune systems or chronic health conditions

Early intervention can prevent complications and ensure more effective treatment outcomes.

Emerging Treatments and Research in Skin Infection Management

The field of dermatology continues to evolve, with ongoing research into new treatments and management strategies for skin infections. Some promising areas of development include:

Antimicrobial Peptides

Researchers are exploring the potential of naturally occurring antimicrobial peptides to combat various skin infections. These molecules, produced by the body’s immune system, show promise in fighting bacteria, fungi, and viruses without promoting antibiotic resistance.

Nanotechnology in Topical Treatments

Advancements in nanotechnology are leading to the development of more effective topical treatments. Nanoparticles can enhance the penetration and efficacy of antifungal and antibacterial agents, potentially improving treatment outcomes for various skin infections.

Probiotic Therapies

The role of the skin microbiome in preventing and treating infections is an area of growing interest. Probiotic therapies aim to restore balance to the skin’s natural flora, potentially enhancing its ability to resist pathogens.

Immunomodulatory Approaches

Research into immunomodulatory treatments seeks to enhance the body’s natural defense mechanisms against skin infections. This approach could be particularly beneficial for individuals with compromised immune systems or chronic skin conditions.

As research progresses, these innovative approaches may offer new hope for individuals struggling with persistent or difficult-to-treat skin infections.

The Impact of Climate Change on Skin Infections

Climate change is increasingly recognized as a factor influencing the prevalence and distribution of various skin infections. Rising global temperatures and changing weather patterns can affect the geographical range of pathogens and create conditions more favorable for their spread.

Expanding Ranges of Tropical Diseases

Warmer temperatures are allowing tropical and subtropical pathogens to expand their ranges into previously temperate regions. This shift could lead to increases in infections such as leishmaniasis and certain fungal diseases in areas where they were previously rare.

Increased Incidence of Water-Related Infections

Climate change-induced alterations in rainfall patterns and flooding events can increase the risk of water-borne skin infections. This includes conditions like cellulitis from exposure to contaminated floodwaters or an uptick in fungal infections due to prolonged moisture exposure.

Heat-Related Skin Conditions

Rising temperatures may lead to more frequent occurrences of heat-related skin conditions, such as heat rash or fungal infections thriving in warm, moist environments. These changes underscore the importance of adapting skincare and hygiene practices to changing environmental conditions.

The Role of Telemedicine in Skin Infection Diagnosis and Treatment

The rise of telemedicine has significantly impacted the field of dermatology, including the management of skin infections. This technology offers several benefits and challenges in addressing skin health concerns:

Benefits of Teledermatology

• Increased access to care, especially for patients in remote areas
• Quicker initial assessments and triage of skin conditions
• Reduced wait times for appointments
• Convenient follow-up care and monitoring of treatment progress

Challenges in Virtual Skin Assessments

While telemedicine offers many advantages, it also presents unique challenges in diagnosing skin infections:

• Limitations in physical examination, such as inability to palpate affected areas
• Potential issues with image quality affecting accurate diagnosis
• Difficulty in performing certain diagnostic tests remotely

Despite these challenges, teledermatology continues to evolve, with advancements in imaging technology and AI-assisted diagnosis helping to improve the accuracy and effectiveness of virtual skin assessments.

Skin Infections in Special Populations

Certain groups may be more susceptible to skin infections or face unique challenges in their treatment and management. Understanding these special considerations is crucial for effective care:

Pediatric Skin Infections

Children may be more prone to certain skin infections due to factors like:

• Frequent close contact with peers in school or daycare settings
• Developing immune systems
• Difficulty in maintaining consistent hygiene practices

Common pediatric skin infections include impetigo, ringworm, and viral rashes. Treatment approaches often need to be adjusted for age-appropriate dosing and formulations.

Geriatric Skin Infections

Older adults may face increased risk of skin infections due to:

• Age-related changes in skin integrity and immune function
• Chronic health conditions affecting skin health or immunity
• Reduced mobility affecting personal hygiene

Management of skin infections in the elderly often requires a holistic approach, considering factors like medication interactions and overall health status.

Immunocompromised Individuals

People with weakened immune systems, such as those undergoing chemotherapy or living with HIV/AIDS, are at higher risk for opportunistic skin infections. These infections may present atypically and require more aggressive treatment approaches.

Pregnant Women

Pregnancy can alter susceptibility to certain skin infections and limit treatment options due to safety concerns for the developing fetus. Careful consideration of medication choices and close monitoring are essential in managing skin infections during pregnancy.

Tailoring prevention strategies and treatment plans to the specific needs of these populations is crucial for effective management of skin infections and overall skin health.

Skin infection pictures and treatments

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A skin infection occurs when parasites, fungi, or germs such as bacteria penetrate the skin and spread. When this happens, it can cause pain, swelling, and skin color changes.

Skin infections are different from rashes. A rash is an area of swollen or irritated skin. While rashes can be symptoms of some skin infections, a person with a rash does not necessarily have an infection.

There are four types of skin infection:

• bacterial
• viral
• fungal
• parasitic

Some skin infections require medical treatment. People can manage others with over-the-counter (OTC) solutions or home remedies. Read on to learn more about common skin infections.

This common bacterial skin infection occurs when bacteria infect the deep layers of skin and nearby tissues.

According to the American Academy of Dermatology, doctors diagnose 14.5 million cases of cellulitis in the United States each year.

Cellulitis can lead to serious complications, and receiving early treatment is important.

Symptoms

Before causing complications, cellulitis appears as swelling that is a different color from a person’s usual skin tone. The area is sometimes warm and tender to the touch.

Cellulitis can develop anywhere on the body. In children, it commonly affects the face, and in adults, it often appears on the lower legs.

Treatment

Early treatment is key to a successful outcome. If a person does not receive treatment, cellulitis can lead to blood infections and can damage the immune system.

The most common treatment is oral antibiotics. Some people may need to take this medication intravenously.

A person should also rest, elevate the affected area, and cover the area to aid healing.

What it looks like

Cellulitis causes the affected area to swell and change color. On lighter skin, cellulitis may appear red or pink, while on darker skin tones, it may appear purple, brown, or darker than the surrounding area.

Other skin changes may not be well defined, and it may be difficult to tell where they end. The area will likely be hard and warm to the touch.

Warts are noncancerous skin growths that occur when a virus infects the top layer of skin.

Warts are contagious. A person can contract them by touching a wart directly or by coming into contact with something the wart has touched.

Symptoms

Warts are usually visible as raised areas of skin, but they can also be darker and flat. They are more likely to form in places where skin damage occurs, such as on the fingers, nails, and backs of the hands.

Treatment

A dermatologist can usually remove common warts. Typical techniques include:

• cantharidin, a substance that causes a blister to form under the wart so the dermatologist can clip it off
• electrosurgery, or burning off the wart
• excision, or cutting the wart off
• cryotherapy, or freezing the wart off

The herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV-1) is responsible for causing a herpes gladiatorum infection on the skin.

In 2016, HSV-1 was present in an estimated 66.6% of the world’s population under 50 years old.

Though a person can treat an outbreak of herpes, the virus always remains, which means symptoms can return at any time. The virus is also highly contagious, and a person can transmit it any time it is active, even if no symptoms are present.

Symptoms

When herpes gladiatorum flares, it can cause:

• swollen lymph nodes
• fever
• a tingling sensation in the affected area
• fluid-filled blisters that last between 4–11 days
• patches of discolored skin

Treatment

Some cases of herpes require no treatment. But a person with an active infection should avoid activities that put them in direct contact with others, such as contact sports and intercourse.

For people with moderate to severe infections, a doctor may prescribe an antiviral medication.

A yeast infection develops when fungus grows out of control. Yeast infections can occur across the body but are more common in skin folds, such as the armpits, or on parts of the body that clothes often cover, such as the feet.

Yeast infections are also common in other areas that trap moisture, such as the vagina and mouth.

Symptoms

The most common symptoms of a yeast infection are the formation of a rash and localized itchiness. Some yeast infections can cause blisters or pustules.

Yeast infections appear differently in different areas of the body. For example, a diaper rash that results from a yeast infection may appear as areas of chafed, differently colored skin and not feature any blisters.

Treatment

A person may be able to treat a yeast infection with OTC creams and ointments. Some yeast infections on the skin may require prescription medication and creams.

Anyone with a yeast infection on the skin should keep the area as clean and dry as possible while the infection resolves.

A range of creams for treating yeast infections is available for purchase online.

Lice are tiny insects that live in hair and cause a parasitic infection of the scalp. They exist worldwide and can affect anyone. Contrary to popular belief, lice can live in any type of hair, regardless of how often a person washes it.

Lice spread easily, especially in crowded conditions such as schools and nursing homes. Though a nuisance, lice do not cause serious health issues.

Symptoms

As with many other types of skin infection, itchiness is the most common symptom of lice. This typically develops around the ears and near the neck.

It can take 4–6 weeks for a person to become sensitive to lice saliva and for the itchiness to start. Even after treatment, several weeks may pass before this feeling goes away.

A person may also be able to see lice in their hair. Nits, or eggs, are small and found at the base of hairs. As a result, a person may initially confuse nits with dandruff.

When the eggs hatch, the lice are called nymphs. In this stage, a person may notice small, fast-moving mites on their scalp. Adult lice are about the size of sesame seeds, and are light gray or tan.

Treatment

A person can treat lice at home, but should speak with a doctor before doing so.

Treatment typically involves combing the lice and their eggs out of the hair and applying medication that kills the lice and their eggs.

A range of lice combs is available to purchase online.

Scabies is another parasitic skin infection. When a person has scabies, mites burrow into the upper layer of skin to lay their eggs. This causes infection and irritation.

Scabies spreads through prolonged skin-to-skin contact. People living in crowded conditions, such as nursing homes, are most likely to experience outbreaks.

Symptoms

Scabies causes a pimple-like rash that may contain small blisters and areas of scaling. These rashes may appear red or pink on light skin, and brown or black on darker skin.

Additionally, a person with scabies may notice burrows in the skin, and small sores and scales. These skin complaints may cause irritation and feel itchy.

Rashes from scabies can appear nearly anywhere on the body. Some of the most common sites include the:

• elbows
• armpits
• wrists
• penis
• webbing between the fingers
• nipples
• waist or beltline
• buttocks

Treatment

Scabies treatment involves medications called scabicides. These kill adult mites, and some also kill the eggs. Tested and approved scabicides are only available on prescription.

Since scabies can spread quickly within households and other indoor settings, close contacts of a person with scabies may also require medication.

A person should seek medical advice anytime an unexplained, persistent rash appears on their body.

It is especially important to contact a doctor if the rash occurs alongside a fever or symptoms other than itchiness or pain. Many skin infections require prescription medication or other forms of treatment.

Since many skin infections are easy to contract, people should use caution in public areas.

For example, wearing shoes in public bathrooms and showers can help prevent athlete’s foot, which is a common fungal infection. Avoiding physical contact with people who have scabies or an active herpes infection can help prevent exposure.

People with skin infections should take precautions and avoid physical contact until symptoms are gone or their doctor clears them to do so.

Skin infections are a common occurrence worldwide. These infections can spread easily through physical contact and can affect almost anyone.

Most infections present as rashes or small growths and typically cause irritation and itchiness. Affected areas of skin may appear pink or red on people with light skin, or as brown and black on people with darker skin.

If an unexplained rash appears, seek medical attention as soon as possible.

Fungal Skin Infection: Symptoms, Treatment, and More

There are a bunch of different fungal skin infections that you could get, but these are the most common.

1. Yeast infections

Several kinds of yeast infections tend to occur in moist areas of your body, such as:

• skin folds
• the groin
• the armpits
• between the toes
• the corners of the mouth (here, it’s known as angular cheilitis)
• the diaper area
• the vaginal area
• the mouth

Less commonly, breastfeeding or chestfeeding birthing parents can get it on their nipples.

Yeast infection symptoms

Yeast infections vary depending on where they show up on your body. On your skin, symptoms usually include:

• a pink or tan scaly rash, typically with a raised scaly border
• itchiness
• stinging or burning
• surrounding pimples or pustules (possibly)

Yeast infection cause

Yeast infections occur due to a type of fungus called candida that likes to live in warm, moist places. If you’re taking antibiotics, live with diabetes, or have a weakened immune system, you may have a higher risk of acquiring a yeast infection.

Yeast infection treatment

Treatment depends on where the yeast infection is, but most skin yeast infections recover after treatment with medicated creams. If you have a severe infection or a weakened immune system, a doctor might prescribe something stronger.

2. Athlete’s foot

Athlete’s foot (aka Tinea pedis) is a type of fungal infection that affects your feet. It usually shows up between your toes, but it can also occur on the soles of your feet and in the area around your toenails.

It’s also super common. Almost everyone will deal with athlete’s foot at some point in their life. Somewhere between 3 and 15 percent of the population has it right now.

Athlete’s foot symptoms

If you have mild athlete’s foot, you might not even notice. But if the skin between your toes gets moist, feels like it’s burning, and starts to flake, or your feet are itching like crazy, something’s afoot. You might also notice some swelling.

A more severe (but rare) kind of athlete’s foot also causes significant inflammation, blisters, pus-filled bumps, and open sores. Your skin might feel stretched or tight.

There’s also a chronic presentation of athlete’s foot that looks like a pink, scaly rash, that extends to the edge of the foot — it can look a little bit like a moccasin.

Athlete’s foot cause

A group of fungi called dermatophytes cause athlete’s foot. They enter your skin through small cracks or wounds. They infect the top layer of your skin and feed on a protein called keratin.

The fungi can transmit through skin-to-skin contact or contact with skin flakes that are carrying the fungus. But to develop into an infection, the fungi need moisture and warmth — hence their attraction to sweaty feet.

Athlete’s foot treatment

Treatment for athlete’s foot usually involves OTC creams, gels, powders, or sprays that you can find at pharmacies or grocery stores. In some very rare cases, a doctor could prescribe something stronger.

3. Jock itch

Also known as Tinea cruris, jock itch is as unpleasant as it sounds. It’s usually not serious, though.

It’s a type of fungal infection that causes a rash on warm, moist areas of your skin, including areas like your groin, inner thighs, or buttocks. It’s particularly common in younger folks.

Jock itch symptoms

As you probably guessed from the name, this infection makes you itch (and burn) in some, um, awkward places. The skin in the affected area might also be red, flaky, or scaly.

Jock itch cause

Dermatophytes usually live harmlessly on your skin. But when you stay in your sweaty gym clothes after a workout, they can multiply more quickly, thanks to the extra moisture. That can cause jock itch.

This type of fungus transmits to other people super easily. You can contract it through direct contact with someone else who has it or by touching their dirty clothes. Other causes include:

• chronic foot fungus
• obesity
• diabetes
• sweating a lot
• using a topical steroid

Jock itch treatment

You can usually treat jock itch at home by:

• washing the area with soap and warm water
• drying off after bathing and sweating (a hair dryer might also help)
• changing clothes every day
• using an OTC antifungal cream, powder, or spray

If none of those methods work, contact a doctor so they can prescribe something stronger.

4. Ringworm

Despite its name, ringworm has nothing to do with worms. It’s a fungal skin infection that forms a ring-shaped rash with a winding, worm-like edge around it. When the rash occurs on your scalp, it’s called Tinea capitis.

Ringworm symptoms

Ringworm typically causes itchy, red, scaly, and cracked skin in a circular shape. When it develops on your scalp, it can also cause some hair loss.

Ringworm cause

According to the CDC, there are 40 different dermatophyte species of fungi that can cause ringworm. The most common types that affect your scalp are Trichophyton and Microsporum.

These fungi can spread from person to person, but you can also get ringworm by touching a contaminated surface or petting dogs, cats, or other animals that are carrying the fungi.

Ringworm treatment

Tinea capitis usually needs treatment with prescription antifungal medications, because antifungal creams and powders don’t work well on the scalp. You’ll probably need to take the prescription medication for 1 to 3 months, depending on how severe the presentation is.

5. Toenail fungus

Toenail fungus (aka onychomycosis) is a common fungal infection that develops around your toenails. It can also affect your fingernails and the skin around your nails.

Onychomycosis is very common, accounting for 90 percent of all toenail infections around the world.

Toenail fungus symptoms

If you have onychomycosis, your nails might turn a different color than they usually are. They may also break easily or become thicker than normal.

Toenail fungus cause

This type of fungal infection may occur due to dermatophytes, yeasts, or certain kinds of molds.

Toenail fungus treatment

This is one of the more challenging fungal infections to treat. The main thrust of treatment usually focuses on oral antifungal medications.

There are creams and pills you can use, but they can take a long time to work. You might need to use a topical treatment for up to a year, and oral meds could take up to 3 months to show results.

Lasers and light treatment can also play a role in treatment.

It’s also possible for toenail fungus to come back after treatment. In some severe cases, a doctor might need to remove some (or all) of your nail.

Still not sure what type of infection you might be dealing with? These examples of common fungal infections could help.

A lot of fungal skin infections eventually get better if you use some OTC antifungal treatments. But some fungal infections are more difficult to manage than others. (Looking at you, toenail fungus.)

If you’ve been trying OTC treatments and the infection hasn’t gotten better after a week or 2, contact a doctor. You should also let them know if the infection comes back as soon as you stop applying the OTC treatment.

If your at-home treatment seems to be making the infection worse, stop using it immediately and get professional help.

It’s also not worth the risk of a progressing infection if you have an underlying condition that weakens your immune system or if you have diabetes.

There are a few ways to lower your risk of getting a fungal infection. Just remember that some risk factors might be out of your control (like a weakened immune system).

Try these tips to keep fungal infections away:

• Prioritize personal hygiene.
• Don’t share clothes, towels, or other personal items.
• Wear clean clothes every day (especially clean underwear and socks).
• Wear breathable fabrics (like cotton).
• Dry off your whole body (including any skin creases) after taking a bath or shower or going swimming.
• Stay away from pets or animals that are showing signs of a fungal infection.

The short answer: yes.

Not every rash is a sign of a fungal infection. And not all dry, itchy skin is caused by a fungal infection either. Here are a few other things that could be bugging you:

• Atopic dermatitis. You might have eczema, a chronic condition that causes dry, red, scaly, itchy, or cracked skin. This usually shows up on your inner elbows, on the backs of your knees, or in the folds of your neck. Unlike fungal infections, weather changes, certain soaps, or stress can trigger eczema flares.
• Psoriasis. Psoriasis is a chronic skin condition that occurs due to an immune system dysfunction. It causes red, scaly patches on your body, including on your elbows and knees. Silvery, flaky plaques can be a giveaway that you should speak with a physician about your symptoms.
• Shingles. The same virus causes chickenpox and shingles. So if you’ve had chickenpox, that virus is already in your body and shingles can show up whenever it wants. Shingles is painful and causes small, clustered red bumps on your body that look a little like pimples or hives.

Fungi are everywhere, most of the time just minding their own business. But sometimes they can cause skin infections that look like rashes or dry and flaky skin. They’ll usually feel itchy too.

The good news is that most are treatable with OTC medications. Contact a healthcare pro if your symptoms don’t improve, if you aren’t sure if it’s a fungal infection, or if you have a preexisting condition that weakens your immune system.

symptoms, pathogens, treatment of the disease, tests for infection

Important questions for the doctor

About fungal infections of the skin, its types, symptoms and treatment

Ani Gazoyan

learned everything about the treatment of skin and nail fungus

Author profile

Maria Zhuravleva

dermatologist

Author profile

Talked to Maria Zhu Ravleva, chief dermatologist of the Fomin Clinic network, author of the book Under the Cover of the Skin .

You will find out where fungal skin and nail infections come from, where you can get them, what hygiene rules to follow, whether it is possible to treat a fungus without a doctor and what happens if it is not treated at all.

What will you learn

• What are the most common fungal infections?
• What factors increase the risk of skin or nail fungus?
• Where and how can you get skin and nail fungus?
• Can fungus be transferred from feet to hands or from skin to nails?
• Is it true that some professions are more prone to skin and nail fungus?
• What are the symptoms of nail and skin fungus? Can they be asymptomatic?
• How are skin and nail fungal diseases diagnosed? Can a doctor make a diagnosis only based on the results of the examination?
• How are fungal infections of the skin and nails treated?
• What else is needed besides drug treatment to completely get rid of the fungus?
• Is it possible to treat a fungal infection on my own?
• Are there effective folk remedies for treating fungus?
• What happens if a fungal infection is not treated?
• Is it true that the treatment of fungal infections of the nails and skin sometimes lasts for months?
• Is it correct to say that nail fungus is the lot of unscrupulous people?

Go see a doctor

Our articles are written with love for evidence-based medicine. We refer to authoritative sources and go to doctors with a good reputation for comments. But remember: the responsibility for your health lies with you and your doctor. We don’t write prescriptions, we give recommendations. Relying on our point of view or not is up to you.

What are the most common fungal infections?

In general, we can classify all fungal diseases according to several parameters. The most global division indicates how deeply the body is affected by the fungus. Allocate:

1. Superficial mycoses that affect the upper stratum corneum of the skin.
2. Fungal infections that affect deeper layers, such as the dermis or subcutaneous fat.
3. Deep systemic mycoses affecting mucous membranes and organs. They are much less common and, as a rule, against the background of immunodeficiency.

Types of fungal diseases – Center for Disease Control and Prevention, USA

There is another division of fungal infections – by host:

🧍 Anthropophilic fungal infections – can only be transmitted from person to person through direct contact with the infected person, his clothes, shoes , common household items.

🐈 Zoophilic infections – can be transmitted from animal to person. This is, for example, ringworm. Most often, such infections are transmitted from cats and dogs, but rodents, cattle, birds, exotic animals can be carriers.

7 diseases that can be caught from birds

🌿 Geophilic fungi, the source of which is the soil. These fungi are rare, as a rule, agronomists, farmers and representatives of other professions who work with the soil fall ill with them. In this case, the infection, which usually lives in the soil, causes a fungal infection in plants and can enter the human skin through microtrauma.

The simplest, but very conditional from the point of view of medicine, classification is according to the localization of the fungus: it can affect the skin, nails, scalp, mucous membranes and other parts of the body.

But you need to understand that any fungal infection can affect all parts of the body, and the focus – the entrance gate of the infection – will be in the place of direct contact with it. Therefore, for doctors, the localization of the fungus is of less importance.

What factors increase the risk of skin or nail fungus?

Predisposing factors for infection with a fungal infection are microdamages of the skin. In addition, the entrance gate for infection often occurs in places of excessive sweating.

Onychomycosis: epidemiology, clinic and diagnostics – Uptodate

For example, a person wears uncomfortable shoes, corns, cracks appear on the feet, feet sweat, fungus spores fall on them, they begin to secrete specific enzymes. These waste products are a breeding ground for the development of a fungal infection. That is why it is on the feet and nail plates of the legs that the fungus most often develops.

In addition, certain diseases will be predisposing factors for the development of a fungal infection: varicose veins of the legs, atherosclerosis, diabetes mellitus, obesity, foot diseases, such as flat foot.

Where and how can you get skin and nail fungus?

It is very easy to get a fungal infection through contact with another person’s shoes, so you should not wear someone else’s shoes, even if offered slippers at a party.

Often the fungus is infected in baths and pools: a warm and humid environment is well suited for the spread of infection. You shouldn’t walk barefoot in a hotel room either. The spores of the fungus thrive in carpet, which is usually used for floors in hotels.

Nail fungus: causes of infection – American Academy of Dermatology

But in nail salons, it is not as easy to get a fungus as it seems. Most of the tools are now disposable and sterile, and the foot is repeatedly treated during the pedicure process, so the risk of contracting a fungus is minimal. It is much lower than the risk of contracting infections such as hepatitis B. But there is an exception: if a person does not just get a pedicure, but also covers the nail with gel polish, and then wears uncomfortable closed shoes, the risk of a fungal infection increases.

How safe are public change shoes?

It is still difficult to get fungal infections on a sandy beach – there is a much higher risk of contracting parasitic infections.

Can fungus be transferred from feet to hands or from skin to nails?

Yes, it is possible, the risk of such a development is especially high if the nail was initially affected. In this case, we see a characteristic change in the nail plates, peeling and cracks on the surface of the foot.

But there are a number of infections that “love” the skin more and affect the nails to a lesser extent. The fact is that not every fungus can penetrate a thick layer of keratin, of which the nail mainly consists.

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Is it true that some professions are more prone to skin and nail fungus?

There is even a separate group of diseases called “occupational mycoses”:

• Representatives of professions associated with direct contact with animals, such as veterinarians, agronomists or livestock breeders, are more at risk of fungal infection.
• The risk of infection with trichophytosis – ringworm – which mainly affects the scalp, is very high among hairdressers.
• Confectionery workers, milkmaids, orchard workers are more likely to get candidiasis. They work in a humid environment with sugar and yeast, which predisposes to the reproduction and spread of the Candida fungus. In these cases, candidiasis is localized on the periungual ridges, folds on the hands.
• The military is also at risk: on duty they wear rough shoes, in which the foot sweats. Add to this constant physical exertion, especially among conscript soldiers, and insufficient hygiene due to the regime of army life. As a result, the risk of developing foot fungus is very high.
• The same goes for professional athletes. For example, football players run in boots, the foot is constantly injured and sweats. This can lead to fungal infection of the nail plates.

Zoophilic and geophilic fungi as a cause of skin diseases in farmers – Annals of Agricultural and Environmental Medicine

What are the symptoms of nail and skin fungus? Can they be asymptomatic?

A fungal infection may have a blurred picture. For example, if the fungus was first mistaken for an allergic or contact reaction and hormonal creams were used for treatment. Then the clinical picture is erased, the symptoms become less pronounced, but the spores of the fungus do not disappear.

Nail fungus – Mayo Clinic

As for the classic fungal infection, most often it has very bright manifestations. I will give a few examples.

With microsporia , clearly defined ring-shaped elements appear with an inflammatory halo of micropapules, with characteristic peeling in the central part of the element. Hair on the skin in such elements is sparse. If there are lesions in the scalp, the hair will be broken off. They will fall out, the rest look like small stumps, and they are painlessly removed.

Trichophytosis, microsporia, rubrophytosis are dermatophyte infections, popularly called lichen. They differ mainly in the ways of infection: trichophytosis is transmitted from people, and microsporia – from animals

With rubrophytosis and trichophytosis , large bright red foci with irregular outlines, clear boundaries, and an inflammatory halo of micropapules appear.

Many infections on the foot are characterized by intense itching.

Nail damage in the initial stages, yellowing of the nail plates is noticeable. If the infection is not further treated, the nails thicken, and subungual hyperkeratosis occurs. Then the nail begins to crumble.

How are skin and nail fungal diseases diagnosed? Can a doctor make a diagnosis only based on the results of the examination?

It is impossible to diagnose fungal infections only by the clinical picture. Although in some cases, doctors allow themselves small liberties.

For example, pityriasis versicolor, which is caused by the fungus Malassezia furfur, presents with characteristic café-au-lait spots.

A dermatologist performs an iodine test and, taking into account the picture of the disease, can make a diagnosis without additional examinations. But this fungus is part of the normal flora that got out of control and led to the disease, it is a relatively harmless infection, so doctors usually do not stand on ceremony with it.

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If a more serious fungal infection is suspected, then, of course, confirmation is required after a clinical diagnosis is made.

A commonly used diagnostic method for fungal infections is microscopy. Scales are collected from the skin, placed on glass, an alkali solution is dripped on top, which loosens them a little. Then the laboratory assistant looks at the scales under the microscope.

This is a quick analysis, but microscopy does not always give accurate results, primarily due to the human factor: the laboratory assistant may simply not see the fungus or its spores, although they are there.

In more complex cases, culture studies are used: fungus colonies are grown in special nutrient media. The colony grows in 3-5 days. But to be sure of a negative result of the study, you need to wait at least a month.

Fungal colonies have a characteristic appearance. For example, Microsporum canis, which causes microsporia, looks like a dense fluffy cap of snow with yellowish pigmentation. And the colonies of Trichophyton rubrum, which cause rubrophytosis, are bright red in color – they cannot be confused with anything.

Microsporum canis colony. Source: mykologie-experten.de Trichophyton rubrum colony. Source: adelaide.edu.au

How are fungal infections of the skin and nails treated?

Topical therapy. Its big plus is that external preparations are not absorbed into the systemic circulation, which means they are non-toxic. This therapy is safe and allowed even for pregnant and lactating women.

But local therapy does not always allow reaching the pathogen. Especially if the fungus affects the nail bed or the infection is widespread and occupies large surfaces. Also, you cannot get rid of the fungus only with external preparations if it gets into the hair.

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Systemic antimycotics. Typically, doctors use a combination of systemic drugs and topical treatments. Antimycotics should be prescribed only by a doctor: the dosage and duration of the course is determined individually in each case. And these drugs are hepatotoxic, so when they are used, you need constant monitoring of indicators of the state of the liver, you will have to regularly take blood tests.

In pharmacies you can find many external remedies for fungus. Source: apteka.ru

What else is needed besides drug treatment to completely get rid of the fungus?

Mycoses are highly contagious. The spores of the fungus, remaining on the skin, can lead to autoinfection, that is, self-infection.

12 Ways to Prevent Nail Fungus – American Academy of Dermatology

For example, if a person is treated, but the spores remain on his toes, he will infect himself again and again. It can also infect others, especially family members. To avoid this, you need to follow simple rules:

• Do not share shoes and clothes with anyone. Use only individual towels.
• Daily change socks and other clothing that comes into contact with infected areas. Such a recommendation may sound redundant, but, for example, teenagers often neglect simple hygiene rules.
• Wear socks made of natural materials or special moisture-repellent ones.
• Wash things preferably in hot water – from 60 ° C. It will also be useful to iron the clothes from the wrong side with steam.
• Treat shoes with special antiseptic sprays that destroy fungal spores. Dry your shoes well.
• Shower daily, wash feet with soap or shower gel. After a shower, wipe the feet dry, including the space between the toes.

If the damage to the nail plate is severe, it may be necessary to cut the nail. In this case, you need to gently remove the subungual hyperkeratosis, remove the damaged part of the nail to its undamaged part. I would not recommend doing this on my own. You can contact a podologist – he will make the procedure as accurate and painless as possible.

“Ordinary pedicure is about beauty, and podological pedicure is about health”: podiatrist Irina Katenina

Moisture-repellent socks can be bought in sports and tourism equipment stores. Source: membranka.ru

Is it possible to treat a fungal infection on my own?

I do not believe that fungal infections can be treated without a doctor. The reason for my conservatism is simple: without professional diagnosis, the patient cannot be 100% sure that it is a fungus. There are many diseases that can look like this infection.

Hepatotoxicity of antimycotics used in invasive fungal infections: in vitro results – Journal of International Research in Biomedicine

If a person uses external agents without prescription, this is not so bad. Yes, it will erase the clinical picture, and the doctor will have to work hard to make a diagnosis. But there will most likely not be much harm to health.

But if a patient uses systemic antimycotics without prescription, this is already dangerous. Antifungals are serious drugs that have side effects that can negatively affect the liver.

Treatment with them should be carried out under control: the doctor prescribes tests, constantly monitoring certain blood parameters to make sure there are no undesirable effects.

Are there effective folk remedies for treating fungus?

I have seen many different folk treatments for fungus, such as iodine tincture, Burow’s liquid, burnt paper … I do not recommend any of them.

Most often, after such a “treatment”, patients get irritation, and the clinical picture is erased. But the fungus is not going anywhere: it may not be found in the upper layer of the skin, but it will not disappear. As a result, the person will still get to the doctor – only later.

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What happens if you don’t treat a fungal infection?

In some cases, nothing terrible will happen, just the spots will spread throughout the body. And it may be that they will not spread, but the existing ones will definitely not disappear.

In the case of damage to the nail plate, the fungal infection will spread to other nails until it affects them all. And where previously it was possible to cope only with external methods of treatment, systemic therapy will have to be applied.

When it comes to highly contagious infections, such as microsporia and trichophytosis, a person will infect others. In addition, the infection will spread from the skin to the scalp. These are large foci on which hair will fall out. Further treatment will be difficult and lengthy.

“A dangerous infection can be caught everywhere”: questions to pediatric infectious disease specialist Yulia Klimova

Outcomes can be different, but they will always be, if not life-threatening, then definitely unpleasant. Therefore, treatment should be started as early as possible.

Is it true that the treatment of fungal infections of the nails and skin sometimes lasts for months?

Many people think that the fungus disappears quickly after taking antimycotics. But that’s not how it works. Systemic drugs stop the reproduction of the fungus, and its disappearance from the body does not occur quickly, it takes time.

Antifungals – Register of Medicines of Russia

For example, the treatment of nail fungus should continue until the new nail plate grows back. This may take four to six months.

Skin treatment will continue until the doctor receives three negative tests, which are done every seven days.

When treating the scalp, control tests are taken three times, once every ten days. It happens that two analyzes are negative, and the third is positive, disputes have been found. Relapses of the disease are possible, the task is to prevent them.

“Usually hair thins due to genetics and age”: 11 important questions for trichologist Yulia Romanova

Is it correct to say that nail fungus is the destiny of unscrupulous people?

Anyone can get a fungal infection. Very often, young girls who love pedicures with gel polish are faced with nail fungus. They are quite clean, and by the way, this is not about the fact that they were infected in a beauty salon.

Several factors simply coincide: nail trauma, the nail plate under the gel polish layer does not breathe, the girl wears uncomfortable shoes. Under these conditions, the fungal infection feels good. And this does not mean at all that the girl does not look after herself.

The stigmatization of fungal diseases is wrong. There is nothing wrong with getting a fungus. Yes, these are unpleasant diseases, but they are well treated. The main thing is to contact a specialist in time.

Remember

1. A fungal infection can be contracted from people and common household items, animals and even plants. People in certain professions are more at risk.
2. Only a doctor should deal with the diagnosis and treatment of a fungal infection: self-medication will not help in most cases, but will blur the clinical picture and complicate the work of a specialist.
3. Fungal infections are treated with topical agents and special anti-fungal tablets – antimycotics.
4. Systemic antifungals are toxic to the liver. They cannot be taken without a doctor’s prescription.
5. The risk of getting a fungal infection is high in baths, saunas and hotel rooms, but almost non-existent at the beach and in nail salons.
6. Fungal infections are usually easily visible. If the skin looks perfectly healthy, then there is no fungus.

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Fungus of the scalp (mycosis) is an infectious disease caused by fungal microorganisms of the dermatomycetes or dermatophytes groups parasitizing on the scalp and hair. Penetrating into the layers of the epidermis, the fungus provokes inflammation and destroys healthy cells, including hair follicles. Prolonged treatment of scalp fungus can lead to irreversible hair loss.

Symptoms of scalp fungus

Different types of fungal microorganisms cause different diseases and their symptoms. For example, Microsporum leads to microsporia; Trichophyton are the causative agents of ringworm; and Malassezia furfur lead to seborrhea. But all these diseases belong to the same type – a fungus of the scalp, which means that a number of symptoms can be distinguished that are characteristic of any fungal diseases of the scalp and hair:0003

• skin itching;
• inflammation of the skin;
• desquamation, profuse dandruff;
• deterioration of hair condition – dryness, brittleness, dullness;
• partial hair loss;
• formation on the skin of round plaques of a pinkish tint.

In addition to the symptoms described above, in the case of microsporia, crusted, purulent inflammations may form; ringworm (trichophytosis) is characterized by the formation of fluid-filled blisters along the contour of reddish spots on the skin. Advanced forms of some diseases caused by a scalp fungus can cause hyperthermia, inflammation of the lymph nodes, rash, and general malaise.

It is worth noting that at the initial stage of development, the fungus of the scalp and the diseases caused by it are practically asymptomatic, so it is extremely important to consult a dermatologist immediately if one of the above symptoms occurs. The earlier treatment is started, the easier and more effective it is. The final diagnosis can only be made by a doctor.

Treatment of scalp fungus in the medical center LLC “Verba Medical”

Most diseases caused by fungal microorganisms can be easily cured at home, especially with timely treatment. However, for the treatment to be effective, the doctor must identify the type of pathogen. For this, experienced doctors of the dermatology department of our medical center will conduct an examination, collect a patient’s history and prescribe the necessary tests. Methods of treatment and the necessary drugs are selected individually.

Therapy is aimed primarily at eliminating the fungus itself. For treatment, both local and systemic drugs are used, as well as antifungal agents directed at the lesion. In addition, therapy may include:

• normalization of the endocrine system;
• prescription of anti-inflammatory drugs and keratolytics;
• prescribing a specific diet, focusing on foods high in vitamins A, B, C, zinc, selenium, nicotinic acid, avoiding sugar and foods containing yeast;
• restoration of the microflora of the scalp;
• normalization of sleep and normalization of the nervous system.

The duration of treatment largely depends on the type of pathogen and the degree of neglect of the disease and can vary from a month to a year. Therefore, it is important to start treatment as early as possible.
Throughout the entire period of treatment, the patient of our clinic remains under the supervision of a dermatologist. Until full recovery.