Skin fungus is defined by changes on the skin usually characterized by itching, flaking, redness, and thickened skin. Fungal infections of the skin usually look like a type of dermatitis or skin allergy. It is very hard to diagnose skin fungus infection without a professional help. Doctors usually use microscopes to help diagnose skin fungus infections.
Causes of fungal skin infections
Fungus needs a dark and moist environment to thieve and grow. Shoes, socks, and delicate skin folds around the buttocks provide the best environment for fungus. They are also very common at the swimming pools, locker rooms and the floors of public showers. Fungus is more common in people who wear tight shoes, who sweat a lot and who use community baths and pools. The fungal infection is usually passed from one infected person to another, or from animals and contaminated surfaces. Some fungi live in various parts of our body, and the immune system prevents them from overgrowing. If the immune system fails, or a significant hormonal change occurs in the body, the fungi may multiply and provoke an infection. Here are the most common fungal infections of the skin:
Ringworm
Ringworm is a fungal infection of the skin caused by fungi of several different species. The infection is characterized by a very itchy rash that occurs in the shape of a ring. The area is inflamed at the outer edge and has healthy skin in the middle. In some cases, there is no characteristic ring-shaped rash, only red and itchy skin.
Tinea Capitis
Tinea capitis is ringworm of the scalp, distinguished by an itchy, red and circular rash with skin in the middle that looks healthy. Tinea capitis often looks like severe dandruff or psoriasis that occurs on various places on the scalp. Sometimes the condition causes bald, inflamed and scaly patches of the skin. The small black dots may be visible inside of the patches.
Athlete's Foot
Athlete's Foot, also known as tinea pedis, is a fungal infection of the skin that causes scaling, flaking, and itching of the affected areas. This fungal infection is caused by fungi in the genus Trichophyton and is typically transmitted in moist environments where people walk barefoot.
Jock Itch
Jock itch is a type of ringworm, fungi that commonly grows on or in the top layer of the skin. Jock itch mostly affects male athletes, but anyone can get it. Jock itch is characterized by rash on the groin, skin folds, inner thighs or buttocks. The edge of the rash may be scaly or have bumps that look like blisters. The center of the rash may have a red-brown color.
Your thoughts on this
Loading...