A fungal infection is caused by a type of fungus called a dermophyte that infects the top layer of the skin, hair or nails. Fungal infections of the skin are known as ringworm (tinea). There are many types of ringworm, including body ringworm (tinea corporis), jock itch (tinea cruris), athlete's foot (tinea pedis), scalp ringworm (tinea capitis), nail ringworm (tinea unguium), and beard ringworm (tinea barbae), which is rare. In most cases, these infections are not life threatening. However, they may lead to more serious bacterial infections in the elderly and those who have conditions that affect the immune system, such as AIDS.



Fungal infection of the hair, skin, or nails. When it's on the skin, tinea usually begins as a small red area the size of a pea. As it grows, it spreads out in a circle or ring. Tinea is often called ringworm because it may look like tiny worms are under the skin (but of course, they're not!). Because the fungi that cause tinea (ringworm) live on different parts of the body, they are named for the part of the body they infect. Scalp ringworm is found on the head, and body ringworm affects the arms, legs, or chest.

Ringworm of the body looks like a rash that forms one-half to one-inch, ring-shaped, pink or red patches with a clear center. The rash may itch slightly. Jock itch appears around the groin area (but not on the penis) and looks like a red, ring-like rash. Jock itch can be extremely itchy and form small, painful blisters. Athlete's foot appears between the toes as a scaly, itchy rash. It can range from mild irritation to cracking and peeling, making the skin quite sore and more susceptible to bacterial infection.

Vaginal candidiasis is a common yeast infection of the vagina. A yeast infection may be the first sign that a woman is HIV+. Symptoms include severe itching, burning, and a thick discharge, often white in color. It is possible that an infection such as unrecognized TB may be causing a vaginal yeast infection. Nystatin tablets are used for treatment. Clotrimazole ointment is another treatment, which is sold over-the-counter as Gyne-Lotrimin, Lotrimin, or Mycelex. Studies have shown that HIV-negative women may only have to take the drug DiFlucan one time to treat this condition. Always consult with your doctor before beginning treatment.

Scalp ringworm may cause round patches of hair loss, broken hair, and/or an itchy, scaly scalp. Scalp ringworm is extremely contagious among children. Nail ringworm is more common on the toenails than fingernails, and makes the nail appear thickened and dull. The infected part of the nail may crumble away from the rest of the nail. Sometimes a fungal infection on one part of the body can cause a rash on another part of the body, which is an allergic reaction to the fungus.

Some fungi reproduce through tiny spores in the air. You can inhale the spores or they can land on you. As a result, fungal infections often start in the lungs or on the skin. You are more likely to get a fungal infection if you have a weakened immune system or take antibiotics.

The itching, flaking, redness, and thickened skin of fungal infections can look just like other types of dermatitis or skin allergies. In fact, eczematous skin often becomes infected with fungi, so both are present simultaneously. Doctors use microscopes to help them diagnose skin fungus infections, so there's no way you can really be sure at home. The Advisory will focus on the five most easily recognized skin fungus infections, but even after looking at the pictures don't be too confident.