How Does Skin Fungus Develop?

Fungal Spores

Fungal spores are present everywhere: in the dirt, on the floor, in fabrics, on other people. Kind of makes you feel like you need a shower, but you probably have quite a bit of fungus in your bathroom. Fungus likes warm, wet conditions best, so showers and saunas are prime breeding grounds for fungus. A skin fungus develops when a fungus spreads from one of these carrier sources and attaches itself to you. This happens fairly often, but it is only when a fungus finds you and then finds a good environment to grow and live on you that you develop a skin fungus. Common skin fungus conditions include athlete's foot, jock itch, ringworm, toenail or fingernail infections and yeast infections.

Warmth and Moisture

Warmth and moisture are the primary culprits in helping the fungus to spread, grow and develop into that itching, burning rash somewhere on your body. If a humid environment outside of your body, such as a locker room or sauna, is a prime growth spot for fungus, then the same is true for the humid environments that are part of your body. Think about where those common skin fungus conditions develop: athlete's foot is between the toes, which are on your feet, which are encased in socks, which get sweaty, which are closed into shoes, which keep everything warm. Jock itch and yeast infections occur in the groin area, which is a covered, damp part of the body that is kept warm because of the layers of clothes over it.

Poor Air Circulation

Poor ventilation, or lack of air circulation, just encourages a fungal infection to grow further. If you have a lot of air blowing around, it is going to dry things out and cool things off. Suddenly the warm, moist environment has disappeared, and fungus does not like a cool, dry environment. It will start withering away. Wearing cotton clothing, which is breathable, is helpful for keeping the air circulating. You should never sit around in your sweaty clothes after a workout. Shower, dry off thoroughly and put on loose-fitting cotton clothing. If the temperature permits, let your toes breathe in some fresh air and sunshine. Choose cotton underwear that does not chafe or fit too tightly.

Be especially careful in public locker rooms, public showers and the gym or around people with a skin fungus. Wash your hands after any contact, and keep yourself cool and dry.