Most common fungal infections of the skin are athlete’s foot, jock itch, ringworm, and yeast infections.

Athlete’s Foot – fungal infection of foot

• Warm, moist places such as shoes, socks, swimming pools, locker rooms, and public showers are most conducive to fungal growth.
• Athlete’s foot is commonly found in the summer and in hot, humid climates to people wearing tight shoes, unchanged sweaty socks, and using public baths and pools.
• The fungi live on the dead tissue of your hair, toenails, and outer skin layers
• Signs may be peeling, cracking, and scaly feet; blisters, skin that’s red, softened, or broken down, itching and burning
• Treatment – antifungal medicine to put on the skin or, in severe cases, oral medication. The feet must be kept clean and dry.
• Prevention –
  • Wear shower sandals in public showering areas,
  • Breathable shoes
  • Wash and cleaning the feet every day with soap and water.
  • Drying them thoroughly, and use a quality foot powder.

Ringworm (also called tinea corporis) – a ring-shaped rash with a winding, worm-like edge.

• Ringworm is not a worm but a fungal skin infection.
• Symptoms of ringworms are
  • Red, circular, flat sore that may happen with scaly skin.
  • The outer part of the sore might be raised while the skin in the middle appears normal.
  • Patches or red rings may overlap.
• Treatment usually involves antifungal medications that to be applied on the skin and in severe, rare cases, treatment involve oral medications.
• Ringworms can appear anywhere on the body –on the scalp (tinea capitis) and on the groin (jock itch).

Jock Itch (tinea cruris) – infection in the area near groin and thighs

• Most common in men and adolescent boys.
• Main symptom is an itchy, red, and sometimes painful rash that typically starts in the groin or around the upper inner thighs
• Rash maybe ring-shaped
• Other symptoms are flaking, peeling, or cracking skin
• Jock Itch is only mildly contagious, and can spread from person to person through direct or indirect contact
• Applying a cool compress can also help soothe the skin.
• Treatment for Jock Itch
  • Nonprescription medicines treat most cases of jock itch.
  • In rare severe cases, the doctor might advises a prescription cream.
  • Important things to keep in mind are:
    • Keep the affected area clean and dry.
    • Wash and dry the area with a clean towel
    • Use the antifungal medicine as directed
    • Change clothes — especially underwear — every day