What is skin fungus?
A fungus is a tiny organism, such as mold or mildew. Fungi are everywhere — in the air and water and on the human body. About half of fungi are harmful. If one of the harmful fungi lands on your skin, it can cause a fungal infection. You may develop a rash or feel itchy.
Cleveland Clinic is a non-profit academic medical center. Advertising on our site helps support our mission. We do not endorse non-Cleveland Clinic products or services. Policy
Who is at risk for developing a fungal rash?
Anyone can develop a fungal rash. Superficial infections of the skin and nails are cited as the most common form of infection, affecting up to 20-25% of the world’s population at any given time. For example, athlete’s foot often affects otherwise healthy people. You may have a higher risk for developing a skin rash if you:
- Have a weakened immune system (for example, if you take immunosuppressant medications, have a disease that weakens the immune system or are undergoing chemotherapy).
- Take long-term or high-dose antibiotics.
- Have excess weight.
- Have diabetes.
- Try a new skin care product.
- Experience incontinence (for example, babies getting diaper rashes).
- Sweat heavily.
- Are pregnant.
What does a fungal rash look like?
A fungal skin infection often looks bright red and can spread across a large area. A fungal skin rash may also have characteristics including:
- Color more intense at the border.
- Scale more intense at the border
- Smaller, more defined lesions (pustules) at the edges of the rash area.
Where does a fungal rash appear?
The rash can appear anywhere on the body, including the nails. It’s more common in areas with skin folds, such as the groin, buttocks or thighs.
What are different types of skin rashes?
The medical name for a fungal skin infection is tinea. Types of fungal infections include:
- Athlete’s foot (tinea pedis): The most common type of fungal infection, this condition often spreads when people walk barefoot in public bathrooms or locker rooms. The skin between your toes turns white and starts to peel. Athlete’s foot can also affect the soles (bottoms) of the feet.
- Nail fungus (onychomycosis): This infection is a common foot problem. It usually affects the toenails, which become yellow and thick and break easily.
- Jock itch (tinea cruris): A rash of the groin area, jock itch affects more men than women.
- Scalp ringworm (tinea capitis): This rash occurs mostly in children. It causes hair loss, but with the right treatment, the hair usually grows back.
- Ringworm (tinea corporis): This “catch-all” term is what healthcare providers call a rash that doesn’t fit into any other category. The rash often forms a ring shape.
FAQs
Getting rid of skin fungus may take some patience, but with the right approach, it's doable.
- Keep it clean and dry. Gently wash the affected area with mild soap and warm water. ...
- Topical antifungals. ...
- Prescription medication. ...
- Good hygiene. ...
- Breathable clothing. ...
- Shoe rotation. ...
- Avoid sharing. ...
- Keep it dry and cool.
Ketoconazole will kill the fungus and prevent it from growing back. Alternatively, common shampoos, like Head and Shoulders, contain selenium sulfide, another antifungal agent. Do a bit of shopping and find an over-the-counter shampoo that works for you.
What is the best medicine for skin fungal infection? ›
Common names for antifungal medicines include:
- clotrimazole (Canesten)
- econazole.
- miconazole.
- terbinafine (Lamisil)
- fluconazole (Diflucan)
- ketoconazole (Daktarin)
- nystatin (Nystan)
- amphotericin.
The symptoms of fungal infections, such as itching or soreness, should get better within a few days of treatment. Red and scaly skin may take longer to get better. You may need treatment for between 1 and 4 weeks. Keep using clotrimazole for 2 weeks even if your symptoms have gone.
What cream kills fungus on skin? ›
Ketoconazole is an antifungal medicine. It's used to treat skin infections caused by a fungus (yeast). It can also prevent them coming back.
What chemical kills skin fungus? ›
Allylamines and benzylamines such as terbinafine, naftifine, and butenafine are fungicidal, actually killing the fungal organisms.
What drink kills fungus? ›
Apple cider vinegar has antifungal properties. You could mix two tablespoons in warm water and drink it up or dip a cotton ball in it and dab over your skin. Doing this thrice a day should produce beneficial results.
How do you get rid of fungus ASAP? ›
You can try OTC antifungal creams, gels, and nail polishes or home remedies like Vicks VapoRub or tea tree oil. Be sure to trim and thin your nails while you do this. Give it a few months to see improvement. Depending on how bad your fungus is, you may still need to see a doctor.
What fights skin fungus? ›
Treatment for skin fungus includes:
- Antifungal creams, many of which are available over-the-counter.
- Stronger prescription medications, which may work faster.
- Oral medicines, if the fungal infection is severe.
Amphotericin B is one of medicine's mightiest drugs: a potent, broad-spectrum antifungal antibiotic that kills even some of the most dangerous fungi outright. Despite more than half a century of use, pathogens have formed little resistance to it—a virtual unicorn in the antimicrobial world.
Clotrimazole cream, spray and solution Brand name: Canesten.
Is there a pill to get rid of skin fungus? ›
Descriptions. Terbinafine belongs to the group of medicines called antifungals. It is used to treat fungus infections of the scalp, body, groin (jock itch), feet (athlete's foot), fingernails, and toenails. This medicine is available only with your doctor's prescription.
What makes a fungal rash worse? ›
Tinea versicolor is a common fungal infection that causes discolored skin. People with tinea versicolor develop white, yellow, red, pink or brown spots. It's caused by an overgrowth of a type of yeast (fungus) that's naturally found on your skin. Hot weather, humidity and sun exposure can make tinea versicolor worse.
How do I know if my skin rash is fungal? ›
Since fungi thrive in warm, moist environments, fungal skin infections can often develop in sweaty or damp areas that don't get much airflow. Some examples include the feet, groin, and folds of the skin. These infections usually appear as a scaly rash or as discolored and often itchy skin.
Why won't my fungal rash go away? ›
The tendency for fungus to recur in many adults, especially on the feet and toenails, is a genetic condition. Their skin cannot recognize the fungus as foreign and get rid of it. After having a fungus there for a while the body's immune system learns to live with the fungus and no longer tries to get rid of it.
What makes skin fungus worse? ›
It likes warmth and moisture, making certain parts of the skin more vulnerable. A fungus is a superficial skin problem, not an internal one.
What can I drink for skin fungus? ›
Use Apple Cider Vinegar
Apple cider vinegar has antifungal properties. You could mix two tablespoons in warm water and drink it up or dip a cotton ball in it and dab over your skin. Doing this thrice a day should produce beneficial results.
What really kills fungus? ›
Antifungal drugs treat fungal infections by killing or stopping the growth of dangerous fungi in the body.
