Fungal Skin Infections
Tinea, candida and nail fungus — recognition and treatment
Fungal skin infections are extremely common and are caused by various types of fungi that can infect the skin, hair and nails. They range from superficial, easily treated conditions such as athlete's foot and ringworm, to more persistent infections affecting the nails or scalp. Most fungal infections respond well to antifungal treatment.
What are Fungal Skin Infections?
Fungal infections of the skin are caused by dermatophytes, yeasts (such as Candida) or moulds. Dermatophytes are the most common cause of superficial fungal infections — they live on keratin (the protein in skin, hair and nails) and thrive in warm, moist environments. Fungal infections are not a sign of poor hygiene, but certain conditions — such as a warm and sweaty environment, wearing occlusive footwear, or having a weakened immune system — make infections more likely. They are spread by direct contact with an infected person, animal, or contaminated object or surface.
Common Types
Tinea pedis (athlete's foot) affects the skin between the toes and on the soles. Tinea corporis (ringworm) presents as a ring-shaped, scaly rash on the body — despite the name, it is not caused by a worm. Tinea cruris (jock itch) affects the groin area. Tinea capitis affects the scalp and is more common in children. Tinea unguium (onychomycosis) is a nail fungal infection causing thickened, discoloured, brittle nails. Candida infections affect warm moist skin folds (intertriginous areas), the mouth (oral thrush) and genitalia. Pityriasis versicolor is caused by Malassezia yeast and produces patches of lighter or darker skin, particularly on the trunk.
Signs & Diagnosis
Diagnosis of most fungal skin infections is based on clinical appearance. Key features include: scaling, itching and redness in a characteristic distribution; ring-shaped lesions with a clearer centre (tinea corporis); white patches or redness in skin folds (candida); and thickened, yellowed, crumbly nails (onychomycosis). A skin scraping, hair or nail sample may be sent for microscopy and culture if diagnosis is uncertain or if treatment has failed.
Prevention & Hygiene
Several simple measures help prevent fungal skin infections or stop them from recurring. Keep the skin clean and dry, particularly in skin folds and between the toes. Wear breathable footwear and moisture-wicking socks, and change socks daily. Avoid walking barefoot in communal areas such as changing rooms and swimming pools. Do not share towels, clothing or hairbrushes. Treat shoes with an antifungal spray if you have had athlete's foot. For tinea capitis, treat household and school contacts as instructed by your doctor. A thorough evaluation of recurrence risk factors — including footwear, hygiene habits and immune status — helps guide prevention strategies and reduces the likelihood of repeated infection.