Fungal Skin Infection (Tinea)

A fungal infection occurs when too much fungus grows on or in the body. Fungus normally lives on the skin in small amounts and does not cause harm. But when too much grows on the skin, it causes an infection. This is also known as tinea. Fungal skin infections are common and not usually serious.

The infection often starts as a small, flat, pink mark the size of a pea. The skin may turn dry and flaky. The area may itch. As the fungus grows, it spreads out in a red ring. Because of how it looks, fungal skin infection is often called ringworm. But it's not caused by a worm. Fungal skin infections can occur on many parts of the body. They can grow on the head, chest, arms, buttocks, or legs. On the feet, fungal infection is called athlete’s foot. It causes itchy, sometimes painful sores between the toes and on the bottom or sides of the feet. In the groin, the rash is called jock itch.

People with weak immune systems can get a fungal infection more easily. This can include people with diabetes, HIV, or cancer. In these cases, the fungal infection can spread and cause severe illness. Fungal infections are also more common in people who are overweight.

In most cases, treatment is done with antifungal cream or ointment. If the infection is on your scalp, you will need to take oral medicine. To confirm the diagnosis of a fungal infection, the healthcare provider may take a small scraping of the skin to be tested in a lab.

Common fungal infections are treated with creams on the skin or oral medicine.