Ergo Sew

In this article we provide a guide to fungal infections that can take hold on the skin, hair and nails.  Most are caused by a parasitic dermatophyte fungus that feeds on keratin protein, but some are caused by yeast species such as Candida. But it still makes sense to group them together as “fungal infections” as yeasts are a form of single celled fungus.

Most of the infections affect parts of the body that are warm, protected and damp, but they are instances where more exposed areas of the body are involved. The infection typically results in a red, itchy, raised and irritated rash.  Secondary bacterial infections are common. If nails are affected these will start to discolor and lose texture.  And, if left untreated, the nail can separate from the nail bed and fall off completely.

The 10 most common infections are listed below:

• Tinea pedis or “athelete’s foot” affects the skin between the toes.  See this Fungicure review for an effective treatment.
• Tinea cruris or “jock Itch” affects the genital area.  (Diaper rash in babies where the skin folds of the thigh are affected is often classified as a form of Tinea cruris).  Some genital infections, such as vaginal thrush in women, can be caused by a Candida yeast outbreak.
• Tinea corporis affects the arms, legs and trunk and is often referred to as ringworm.
• Tinea ungium or Onychomycosis affects the fingernails (less often) and toenails (more often).  Popular treatments include Funginix and Zetaclear.
• Tinea captis affects the scalp.  Children are more susceptible than adults and the fungus can penetrate the hair follicle where it is difficult to treat.
• Tinea barbae or “barbers itch” affects the facial hair.
• Tinea facieie or “face fungus” affects the skin on the face.
• Tinea mannum describes a condition where the palms are affected.
• Tinea versicolor also affects the trunk but is caused by the Malazzezia family of yeast (rather than a dermatophyte fungus).
• Tinea nigra manifests as darkened patches on the soles of the feet.

It is estimated that around 20% of the population has some form of skin fungus infection. This percentage rises in warmer conditions and with age. There are a wide range of topical anti-fungal agents that are effective at resolving most skin fungus infections via regular external application to affected areas. In chronic or severe cases where the fungus cannot be easily exposed to treatment, such as ringworm of the scalp for example, oral systemic drugs may be required.