- Fungal infections of the skin are divided into different groups based on the similarities in the infection symptoms that the group shares. Dermatophytosis are caused by three different types of mold--epidermophyton, trichophyton and microsporum. These molds grow on keratin causing the diseases that have the name "Tinea" as part of the condition, like tinea corporis, tinea capitis and tinea favosa. Dermatomycosis cause tinea-like infections, but are caused by different molds. The common infection pityriasis versicolor infection belongs to this group. Onychomycosis are nail infections caused by the mold scpulariopsis brevicaulis and also by the yeast candida albicans. Mycetoma and Chromoblastomycosis infections are subcuteneous and cuteneous infections characterized by inflammation of tissue. Lobomycosis is caused by a mold called Lacazia loboi and is a rare condition.
- Skin fungus normally grows in warm moist areas on the body where there is frequent sweating. Sometimes there is itchiness, with a scaly patchy skin, or reddened skin that can be raised or level. Most fungi live in the dead tissues of the skin. Symptoms depend on the type of infection you have.
- Fungus can be transmitted from animals to humans especially ringworms which can be contracted from cats. An infected cat doesn't display any symptoms unlike an infected dog. Handle cat litter boxes with care to avoid contracting the fungus. There are many over-the-counter topical anti-fungal medications available to treat skin fungus. Topical applications work for ringworm but may require diligence and application over a length of time. Some doctors may prescribe an oral medication to treat more persistent infections. For infection in the scalp, anti-fungal shampoos can be used.
- Fungal infections are fairly common and are usually generalized as ringworm. However ringworm isn't actually a worm but are some of the tinea infections caused by the dermatophytes.
- Yeast infections cause thrush (white patches inside your mouth), red rash in skin folds, a red rash on your body/torso or tinea versicolor (leopard like skin patches on torso). Dermatophytes infections include athletes foot (skin cracks and turns scaly), ringworm (red circular sore), jock itch (itchy raised rash), nail fungi (thickened and discolored nail), tinea capitis (lesions on the scalp) and tinea manuum (thick skin on palm of hand).
- Skin fungus live on people's skin, on animals or in the soil, and as such an infection can be caught anywhere. It is best to keep skin clean and dry between the toes to avoid athlete's foot. Avoid sharing personal things with others especially towels and clothes.
