Fungal Skin Infections: How to Spot Them and Treat Them Properly
Fungal skin infections are very common and, in most cases, treatable. They often appear in warm, moist areas of the body, such as between the toes, in the groin, under the breasts, in skin folds or on the scalp. Although they are usually not dangerous, they can be uncomfortable, itchy, persistent and contagious. The key is to recognise the signs early, use the correct treatment and avoid quick fixes that may make the infection worse.
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What causes fungal skin infections?
Fungi like warm, damp environments
Many fungal skin infections are caused by dermatophytes, a group of fungi that live on keratin, which is found in the skin, hair and nails. These infections are often called tinea or ringworm, although they are not caused by worms. Other infections may be caused by yeasts such as Candida, especially in moist skin folds. Fungi can spread through direct skin contact, shared towels, contaminated floors, shoes, clothing, sports equipment, pets or scratching an infected area and touching another part of the body.
Anyone can get them
Fungal infections are not a sign of being dirty. They can happen to children, adults, athletes, people who sweat a lot, people who wear tight shoes, and anyone exposed to warm or damp environments. People with diabetes, weakened immune systems or circulation problems may be more prone to complications and should take foot or skin infections seriously. Early treatment usually helps prevent the infection from spreading or becoming more difficult to clear.
How to spot common fungal infections
Ringworm on the body
Ringworm on the body often appears as a round or oval patch with a scaly, raised edge. The centre may look clearer than the border, which is why it is often described as ring-shaped. On lighter skin it may look red or pink, while on darker skin it may look brown, grey, purple or darker than the surrounding skin. It can be itchy, dry or flaky, and it may slowly enlarge if left untreated.
Athlete’s foot
Athlete’s foot commonly affects the skin between the toes, but it can also involve the soles or sides of the feet. The skin may itch, burn, peel, crack, flake or become sore. Some people notice a white, soggy appearance between the toes, while others develop dry scaling on the soles. Because cracked skin can allow bacteria to enter, athlete’s foot should not be ignored, especially in people with diabetes.
Jock itch and fungal infections in skin folds
Fungal infections in the groin or skin folds may cause an itchy, uncomfortable rash with a clearer edge. The area may feel warm, irritated or chafed, especially after sweating. Candida-related rashes in skin folds may look shiny, red or raw and may have smaller “satellite” spots nearby. These infections often improve when the area is kept clean, dry and treated with the correct antifungal medicine.
Scalp and nail fungal infections
Scalp ringworm is more common in children and may cause scaly patches, itching, broken hairs, black dots, hair loss or tender swollen areas. It usually needs prescription treatment by mouth because creams do not reach the fungus inside the hair shaft. Nail fungal infections can make nails thick, crumbly, discoloured or lifted from the nail bed. Nail infections are slower to treat and should be assessed if they are painful, spreading or affecting daily comfort.
Why fungal infections are sometimes mistaken for other rashes
Not every itchy rash is fungal
Fungal infections can look similar to eczema, psoriasis, allergic reactions, bacterial infections or heat rash. This is one reason why rashes that do not improve should be checked. Treating the wrong condition can delay healing and may make symptoms worse. A doctor may diagnose the rash by examining it, and in some cases may take a skin scraping, hair sample or nail sample to confirm the cause.
Skin tone matters
Rashes do not look the same on every skin tone. Redness may be obvious on lighter skin but less visible on brown or black skin, where a fungal infection may appear darker, greyish, purplish or as a change in texture. Itching, scaling, a raised edge, spreading patches and location on the body can all give important clues. If you are unsure, it is better to ask a healthcare professional than to keep trying different creams without a diagnosis.
How fungal skin infections are treated
Most mild skin infections need antifungal treatment
Many fungal skin infections on the body, feet or groin can be treated with antifungal creams, sprays, powders or gels. Common antifungal ingredients include terbinafine, clotrimazole, miconazole and similar medicines. Treatment may need to continue for one to four weeks, depending on the product and the area affected. It is important to follow the instructions and complete the full course, even if the rash starts looking better sooner.
Some infections need prescription medicine
Scalp ringworm, widespread infections, persistent infections and many nail infections often need prescription antifungal treatment. This may include tablets or liquid medicine, and treatment can take longer than a simple skin infection. A doctor will consider the person’s age, medical history, other medication and the type of infection before prescribing treatment. This is especially important because oral antifungal medicines are not suitable for everyone without medical guidance.
Common treatment mistakes to avoid
Do not use steroid creams on their own
One of the most common mistakes is using a steroid cream on a fungal rash without proper advice. Steroids can reduce redness and itching temporarily, making the rash seem better at first. However, they may allow the fungus to spread more deeply or change the appearance of the rash, making it harder to recognise. If a rash worsens, spreads or keeps returning after steroid use, it should be checked by a doctor.
Do not stop treatment too early
Fungal infections often improve before they are fully cleared. Stopping treatment too soon can allow the infection to return. It is also important not to share towels, shoes, socks, combs or hats while treating a fungal infection. If one family member has a contagious fungal infection, others may need to be checked, especially if there is itching, scalp symptoms or repeated reinfection.
How to prevent spreading or recurrence
Keep skin clean and dry
Fungi thrive in moisture, so drying the skin well after bathing or swimming is important. Pay attention to areas between the toes, under the breasts, in the groin and in skin folds. Wearing breathable clothing, changing sweaty clothes promptly and rotating shoes can help reduce moisture. Foot powder or antifungal powder may be helpful for people who sweat a lot or frequently get athlete’s foot.
Protect yourself in shared spaces
Wearing sandals or slip-slops in communal showers, gyms and pool areas can reduce exposure to fungus. Towels, socks and underwear should be washed regularly and not shared. Pets can sometimes carry ringworm, so a pet with bald patches or scaly skin should be checked by a vet. Treating the environment and habits around the infection is often just as important as using the medicine correctly.
When to see a doctor
Getting the right diagnosis matters
A fungal infection may seem simple, but the wrong treatment can make it last much longer. If you are unsure what a rash is, if it keeps coming back, or if it is affecting your child, scalp, nails or feet, it is best to have it assessed. A doctor can confirm whether it is fungal, advise on the most suitable treatment and check for complications. This is especially important for people with diabetes, poor circulation, immune concerns or recurrent skin problems.
At Midrand Medical Centre, our doctors can assess skin rashes, guide treatment and help you manage recurring infections safely. You do not have to keep guessing or trying different creams on your own.
☎️ 011 315 2512
📧 info@midrandmedicalcentre.co.za
📌 The Emporium, Corner Church & Market Streets, Midrand
Sources
- CDC – Treatment of Ringworm
- CDC – Treating Fungal Diseases with Antifungals
- World Health Organization – Ringworm (Tinea)
- NHS – Ringworm
- NHS Inform – Ringworm and Other Fungal Infections
- NICE Clinical Knowledge Summaries – Fungal Skin Infection: Body and Groin
- NICE Clinical Knowledge Summaries – Fungal Skin Infection: Foot
- American Academy of Dermatology – Ringworm: Diagnosis and Treatment
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