Fungal Skin Conditions

About Fungal Skin Conditions

Fungal skin conditions are also known as ‘mycoses’ and can be both contagious and opportunistic infections that take advantage of certain environmental conditions. Fungi prefer a warm and moist environment, and therefore thrive in areas such as armpits, genitals, under the breasts and between the toes. In most cases, fungal conditions are mild, however, in immune-compromised patients, fungal conditions can become a more serious disease.

Fungal Skin Condition Causes

Common fungal skin infections are caused by yeasts (such as Candida or Malassezia furfur) or dermatophytes such as Epidermophyton, Microsporum and Trichophyton which tend to affect only the surface layer of the skin, nails, and hair.

Fungal skin infection treatments

Conventional treatments include topical and/or oral antifungals. At Psoriasis Eczema Clinic, fungal skin treatments are customized according to the individual symptoms, presentation, location, and triggers. Our treatments not only provide symptomatic relief but help to reduce reoccurrence by addressing the underlying triggers. If you would like to book a consultation for your fungal skin/nail condition

Fungal skin infection factors

These increase the risk of fungal skin infections.

Factor Description
Age Higher risk for the very young or the elderly.
Illness Including diabetes, cancer, malnutrition, hormonal disorders, another skin disease.
Weight Increased risk in overweight and obese persons due to more skin folds.
Climate Those who live in warm and humid climates or visit these environments (e.g. indoor pools, public showers).
Medications Antibiotics, contraceptive medications, chemotherapy or other immunosuppressive medications.
Clothing Tight, restrictive clothing.

Types of Fungal Skin Infections

Candida skin infections

  • Oral candidiasis (oral thrush)
  • Angular cheilitis
  • Vulvovaginal candidiasis (vaginal thrush)
  • Balanitis (penile thrush)
  • Intertrigo (skin fold infection)
  • Napkin dermatitis (nappy rash)
  • Chronic paronychia (nail fold infection)
  • Onychomycosis (nail plate infection)
  • Chronic mucocutaneous candidiasis

Malassezia furfur infections

  • Pityriasis versicolor
  • Malassezia folliculitis
  • Seborrheic dermatitis (e.g. dandruff)
  • Some facial atopic dermatitis
  • Neonatal cephalic pustulosis

Tinea infections

  • Tinea barbae (beard)
  • Tinea capitis (head)
  • Tinea corporis (body)
  • Tinea cruris (groin)
  • Tinea faciei (face)
  • Tinea mannum (hand)
  • Tinea pedis (foot)
  • Tine unguium (nail)