Fungal infections on the skin are quite common, occurring when tiny spores land on your skin. While some fungi naturally live on your skin harmlessly, they can become a problem if they grow excessively. These infections can affect just the top layer of the skin or even reach deeper areas.
Doctors can often figure out the type of fungal infection just by examining your skin. Although anyone can get a fungal infection, they’re more common among younger individuals. If left untreated, these infections can impact your quality of life and lead to complications, but there are effective treatments available.
Fungal skin infections fall into two main categories based on the skin layers they affect. The skin has three layers, and while some infections stick to the top layer, others may spread to the deeper ones.
Superficial infections usually target the skin’s outer layer. These can spread through cuts or wounds, allowing spores to penetrate deeper. Symptoms vary based on the type and location of the infection, your immune system’s strength, and the fungus’s nature.
Fungi, which exist in air, soil, and on skin, release spores that can cause infections if they enter your skin. Fungal skin infections are transmissible through contact with other people, animals, or infected soil. They can also occur if your skin is compromised, like through a cut or damaged by clothing.
Some fungi naturally live on your skin and typically don’t cause harm. But when your immune system is weak—due to illness or medication—these fungi can multiply, leading to infection.
Healthcare providers often diagnose fungal infections through physical exams, sometimes using a magnifying tool called a dermatoscope. In cases where more confirmation is needed, they might perform lab tests. Although fungal skin infections rarely cause serious issues, sometimes blood and urine tests are required for a more severe condition.
Once a fungal infection is confirmed, treatment aims to clear it and prevent its spread. This often involves antifungal medications applied directly to the skin, like creams or shampoos, or oral medications for more serious cases. Even after treatment, infections can reoccur, so keeping your skin clean and dry helps prevent this.
Most fungal skin infections are mild and easy to manage. If your immune system is weakened, it’s important to stay in touch with your healthcare provider to prevent complications. Common symptoms are swelling, redness, and itchiness, and the infections can spread through contact with others or soil. Diagnosis typically involves examining the skin and collecting samples, with treatment plans usually relying on antifungal medications based on the infection’s location on your body.
