Fungal skin infections

The most common fungal skin infections are known as tinea. They affect the outermost layers of the skin and are caused by organisms called dermatophytes. The infections are highly prevalent and are often transmitted through direct skin-to-skin contact, contaminated surfaces, or animals.
Main types of dermatophyte infections:
**1. Tinea corporis (fungal infection of the body):**
- Affects exposed parts of the skin – arms, legs, torso
- The rash has a ring-shaped shape with a raised, scaly edge and a lighter center
- Accompanied by itching

**2. Tinea pedis ("fungal infection of the feet"):**
- The most common dermatophyte infection
- Affects the skin between the toes, especially the fourth and fifth toes
- Symptoms: peeling, maceration, itching, cracks, unpleasant odor
- Can also cover the feet
**3. Tinea manuum (fungal infection of the palms):**
- Affects one or both palms
- The skin becomes dry, rough, flaky and cracked
- Often combined with tinea pedis
**4. Tinea cruris (fungal infection of the groin):**
- Common in men, especially in warm and humid climates
- Redness and itching in the inguinal folds, thighs, buttocks
- May spread to the abdomen or buttocks
**5. Tinea faciei (fungal infection of the face):**
- Affects the delicate skin of the face
- Ring-shaped lesions with an active raised edge and a paler center
- Can be mistaken for eczema or contact dermatitis
**6. Tinea barbae (fungal infection of the beard):**
- Affects the beard area in men
- Inflammatory plaques, pustules, patchy hair loss
- Often transmitted by animals (zoophilic dermatophytes)
How are they transmitted?
- Direct contact with infected skin (human or animal)
- Shoes, towels, brushes, floors in bathrooms and swimming pools
- Infection through auto-contact (combing, rubbing infected areas)

Diagnosis
- Clinically diagnosed by a dermatologist based on the characteristic rash
- Confirmation by KOH microscopy or culture of flakes
- Dermatoscopy – when differential diagnosis is needed
Treatment
**Local treatment:**
- Antifungal creams: clotrimazole, miconazole, terbinafine, econazole, etc.
- Apply 1–2 times daily, at least 1 week after symptoms disappear

**Systemic treatment:**
- For more extensive, inflammatory or persistent infections
- Terbinafine or itraconazole – as prescribed by a doctor

**General measures:**
- Maintaining dry skin
- Avoiding tight clothing and steaming
- Disinfection of shoes, socks, towels

Fungal infections caused by dermatophytes are treatable, but often recur with inadequate hygiene or incomplete treatment. Early consultation with a dermatologist ensures a speedy recovery and prevents spread to other areas or people.