How does fungus spread on skin

Fungi Overview of Fungal Infections Fungi are neither plants nor animals. They were once thought to be plants but are now classified as their own kingdom. Some fungi cause infections in people.

Because fungal spores are often Common fungal skin infections are caused by yeasts such as Candida Candidiasis Yeast Infection Candidiasis is infection with the yeast Candida. Candidiasis tends to occur in moist areas of the skin. Candidiasis may cause rashes, scaling, itching, and swelling. Doctors examine the affected This infection is caused by a type of fungus. Typically, people have scaly patches Dermatophyte infections are also called ringworm or Many such fungi live only in the topmost layer of the epidermis stratum corneum and do not penetrate deeper.

Obese people are more likely to get these infections because they have excessive skinfolds, especially if the skin within a skinfold becomes irritated and broken down intertrigo Intertrigo Intertrigo is irritation and breakdown of skin maceration in areas where two skin surfaces rub together. Sometimes bacterial or yeast infections develop. The diagnosis is based on the location People with diabetes Diabetes Mellitus DM Diabetes mellitus is a disorder in which the body does not produce enough or respond normally to insulin, causing blood sugar glucose levels to be abnormally high.

Urination and thirst are Strangely, fungal infections on one part of the body can cause rashes on other parts of the body that are not infected. Fungal infections can be caused by many different types of fungi. These can be spread between people, or from animals, the soil, contaminated items or floors. You may also be more likely to get a fungal infection if you wear tight clothing, are overweight, pregnant or have certain medical conditions.

For more information, see our section on causes above. You may see herbal remedies such as tea tree oil promoted as treatments for fungal skin infections. Herbal remedies contain active ingredients that may interact with other medicines or cause side-effects. If you want to know more about herbal remedies and how they might affect you, ask your pharmacist for advice.

They could also spread to other parts of your body, cause a bacterial infection or be passed to other people. If you have a fungal infection on your scalp, this may cause a bald patch if left untreated. But sometimes, if you choose not to treat your fungal nail infection, it could spread to your other nails. It could also become painful, make it difficult to walk or spread to other people.

But good foot hygiene can help prevent the spread of the infection to other parts of your body such as your toenails or groin. For more information on good hygiene, see our sections on self-help and prevention above. Our short survey takes just a few minutes to complete and helps us to keep improving our health information. At Bupa we produce a wealth of free health information for you and your family.

This is because we believe that trustworthy information is essential in helping you make better decisions about your health and wellbeing. It also follows the principles of the The Information Standard. Psoriasis is a lifelong skin condition that causes raised patches of inflamed skin.

It affects people differently and can come and go over time. Seborrhoeic dermatitis or seborrhoeic eczema is a condition that makes your skin red, flaky and itchy. Simply enter your details into our calculator and the result will give you an indication of whether you're a healthy weight. This information was published by Bupa's Health Content Team and is based on reputable sources of medical evidence.

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Back to top Menu. Fungal skin infections. Expert reviewer, Dr Anton Alexandroff , Consultant Dermatologist Next review due April Fungal skin infections are caused by many different types of fungi, including yeasts. Types of fungal skin infections There are several different types of fungal infection that can affect your skin and nails.

Your skin may: be red, scaly and itchy produce a fine scale, similar to dry skin become red and sore, with pus-filled spots Fungal rashes can sometimes be confused with other skin conditions, such as psoriasis and eczema.

Treatment of fungal skin infections You might not need to see your GP if you need fungal infection treatment. Self-help There are several things you can do to help stop a fungal infection spreading to the surrounding skin and other parts of your body. Wash the affected areas daily. Dry your skin thoroughly after washing or bathing, especially in the folds of your skin. If you have a toenail infection, keep your feet dry and your nails short.

Wear breathable, well-fitting shoes and cotton socks which you should change every day. Wash your clothes, bedding and towels often. For more information, see our section on preventing fungal skin infections below. Medicines Most medicines for fungal skin infections are topical treatments you put them directly onto your skin. Causes of fungal skin infections Many different fungi and yeasts can cause infections of your skin, hair and nails.

These may be spread: from person to person from animals to people more rarely, to a person from the soil Some fungal skin infections — for example, candida thrush — usually come from an overgrowth of your own previously harmless fungi.

Prevention of fungal skin infections You can reduce your risk of getting a fungal skin infection by taking some simple precautions. Dry your skin well after washing — especially in skin folds. Wash socks, clothes and bed linen regularly to remove any fungi.

Alternate your shoes every two or three days to give them time to dry out. If you have diabetes, keep your blood sugar under control. If someone in your family has scalp ringworm, wash bedding, hats, combs and hair accessories in bleach diluted with water. If you suspect that your pet has ringworm, take them to the vet. Frequently asked questions Expand all. Did our information help you? Onychomycosis is a fungal infection of your nails.

It can affect the fingernails or the toenails, although infections of the toenails are more common. Prescription medications are often required to treat this type of infection. In severe cases, your doctor may remove some or all of an affected nail. There are several factors that can put you at an increased risk of getting a fungal skin infection. These include:. Many types of fungal skin infections eventually improve in response to over-the-counter OTC fungal treatments.

However, call your doctor if you:. Antifungal medications work to treat fungal infections. They can either kill fungi directly or prevent them from growing and thriving. Antifungal drugs are available as OTC treatments or prescription medications, and come in a variety of forms, including:. If you suspect you have a fungal skin infection, you may want to try an OTC product to see if it helps clear up the condition. In more persistent or severe cases, your doctor may prescribe a stronger antifungal drug to help treat your infection.

In addition to taking OTC or prescription antifungals, there are some things that you can do at home to help get rid of the fungal infection. Fungal skin infections are common. If not treated, the rash may spread or become more irritated. There are many types of OTC products that can help treat fungal skin infections. You may need a prescription for more effective treatment.

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