Fungal Infections
Fungal skin infections are skin disorders caused when fungus grows unchecked on the surface or just below the surface of the skin. Although fungal infections are widespread and can be uncomfortable, they are rarely serious in nature. Common fungal infections include diaper rash, jock itch and ringworm.
Overview
Fungi can infect the skin, hair and nails. (Learn more about conditions of the hair and nails).
There are two main groups of fungal infections of the skin: dermatophyte infections and yeast infections.
Dermatophyte Infections |
| • | Athlete’s foot (Tinea Pedis)
Infection between the toes or on the top and bottom of the feet, becoming dry and scaly or white and “soggy”. |
| • | Jock Itch (Tinea cruris)
Itchy, red rash in the groin and surrounding area. |
| • | Ringworm or Tinea of the Body (Tinea Corporis)
Infection on the body, trunk and limbs in either a classic ringworm lesions or deep inflammatory lesions. |
Yeast (Candida) Infections |
| • | Diaper Rash (Candidiasis)
A red, scaly rash in the diaper area. |
| • | Yeast Infection of Large Skinfolds (Candital Intertrigo)
Rash in areas where skin touches skin (such as below the breast). |
| • | Pityriasis Versicolor
Rash usually seen on the upper back, shoulders and chest, that appears as pink or reddish brown spots on fair skin or as light spots on darker skin. |
| • | Angular Cheilitis (Perlèche)
Breaks at the angles of the mouth that become chronically infected with yeast. |
 |  |  | | Fungal infections are skin disorders where fungus grows on the surface or just below the skin |
Treatment
Your Trillium Creek Dermatology Medical Professional will make an initial diagnosis of a fungal infection, and then may perform a culture to confirm the source of your infection. Once a source is determined, an antifungal treatment will be prescribed, and may include topical and oral antifungals as well as antibiotics for any secondary bacterial infections that may exist.
Commonly used topical antifungals available over-the-counter include: Lamisil (terbinafine), Lotrimin (clotrimazole), Miconazole (Micatin, ZeaSORB) and Tinactin (tolnaftate). Other topical antifungals available by prescription only include: Ertaczo (sertaconazole), Loprox (ciclopirox), Naftin (naftifine) and Oxistat (oxiconazole).
Results
The Dermatology Medical Professionals at Trillium Creek have the knowledge and experience required to quickly and effectively identify the source of the infection and prescribe an effective course of treatment. Most fungal infections respond quickly to antifungal treatments. You may be advised to continue treatment for up to 2 weeks after the rash has disappeared to decrease the chance of the infection returning.
Call the Dermatology & Surgery Center to schedule an appointment at:
330.725.0569
Other Trillium Creek Service Areas:
Mohs Skin Cancer Center 330.721.9990
Ohio Holistic Medicine (OHM) 330.721.9990
The Boutique at Trillium Creek 330.722.5477
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