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Alternative Names: Nail Fungus.
Fungal infections are caused by microscopic organisms (fungi) that can live on the skin. They can live on the dead tissues of the hair, nails, and outer skin layers. Fungal infections include mold-like fungi (dermatophytes, which cause tinea infections) and yeast-like fungi (such as Candida).
There are several types of fungal infection. These infections are generally named for the part of the body they affect. Doctors commonly use the term tinea followed by the Latin name for the body part affected to identify the specific kind of infection. As tinea grows, it will often spread out in a circle, leaving normal-appearing skin in the middle, which makes it look like a ring. At the edge of the ring, the skin is lifted up by the irritation and looks red and scaly. To some people, the infection looks like a "worm" is under the skin. Because of the way it looks, tinea infection is often called "ringworm."
Examples include: athlete's foot (tinea pedis), jock itch (tinea cruris), body ringworm (tinea corporis), ringworm of the nails and toenails (tinea unguium), barber's itch (tinea barbae), ringworm of the hands (tinea manuum) and ringworm of the hair / scalp (tinea capitis).
Incidence; Causes & Development; Risk Factors
One of every five persons gets a fungal infection at some time.
Heat and humidity bring excess moisture and sweating to our bodies, creating the perfect environment for fungi to grow or fungal infections to develop. Fungi tend to thrive in warm, moist places, such as between the toes, in the groin, under the breasts, and other parts of the body. Cutaneous candidiasis is called Intertrigo when occuring under heavy skin folds.
You can get a fungal infection by touching a person who has one. Some types of fungus live on damp surfaces such as the floors in public showers or locker rooms. You can even catch a fungal infection from one of your pets. Sometimes, the clothes we wear encourage fungi to develop, such as tight-fitting socks or close-fitting clothing.
Cutaneous candidiasis involves infection of the skin with candida. It may involve almost any skin surface on the body, but usually occurs in warm, moist, creased areas (such as armpits and groins). Cutaneous candidiasis is fairly common. Candida is the most common cause of diaper rash in infants where it takes advantage of the warm moist condition beneath the diaper. The most common fungus to cause these infections is candida albicans.
Candida can also cause infections of the nail, referred to as onychomycosis, and infections around the corners of the mouth, called angular cheilitis. Oral thrush, a form of candida infection found on the mucous membranes of the mouth, may be a sign of HIV infection or other immunodeficiency disorders when it occurs in adults. Infected individuals are not usually considered infectious to others, though in some settings transmission to immunocompromised hosts can occur.
Candida infection is particularly common in individuals with diabetes and in people who are obese. Antibiotics and oral contraceptives increase the risk of cutaneous candidiasis.
Signs & Symptoms
Fungi are yeasts and molds that can infect and live in the topmost layer of the skin. Fungal infections of the skin may affect the feet, groin, scalp, nails and other parts of the body. Some fungal infections can be difficult to recognize because they may cause no symptoms or only cause slight redness and dryness. Other fungal infections may cause itching, swelling, blistering and severe scaling or dry flaky skin.
Jock itch, or groin ringworm (tinea cruris), involves the skin of the groin and sometimes the upper thighs and buttocks. It is most often seen in adult men, but may also occur in women. Jock itch is not contagious. In many cases, the source of the infection is the patient's own feet. Jock itch and athlete's foot frequently occur together or in close succession.
Tinea cruris usually appears as scaly, ring-shaped patches with slightly raised borders that develop in the groin area and spread outward to one or both thighs, causing some redness and itching. The skin of the scrotum and penis are usually spared, a feature that helps distinguish this condition from some other skin diseases with similar symptoms.
Treatment & Prevention
For Jock Itch, keep the groin clean and dry. Wash and dry well, especially after exercise, and apply talcum powder to absorb moisture. Wear cotton underclothes and avoid tight pants and pantyhose. After swimming, put on dry clothes right away - don't stay long in a wet swimsuit.
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Signs, symptoms & indicators of Fungal Skin / Nail Infection:
Recommendations and treatments for Fungal Skin / Nail Infection: | | | | | Botanical |  Oil of Oregano | Oregano oil is an excellent topical agent for toenail and fingernail fungus. Highly diluted oil may also be taken internally for the same conditions. |
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Diet |
 Vinegar| | Fungal infections of both fingernails and toenails can sometimes be resolved by using vinegar and honey. Place one tablespoon of each in a glass of water and drink once per day. |
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Oxygen / Oxidative Therapies |
Ozone / Oxidative Therapy| | Ozonated olive oil is used for fungal infections in general. |
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KEY | | Strong or generally accepted link |  | | Proven definite or direct link | | | May do some good | | | Likely to help |
GLOSSARY
Candidiasis (Candida)
Infection of the skin or mucous membrane with any species of candida, usually Candida albicans. The infection is usually localized to the skin, nails, mouth, vagina, bronchi, or lungs, but may invade the bloodstream. It is a common inhabitant of the GI tract, only becoming a problem when it multiplies excessively and invades local tissues. Growth is encouraged by a weakened immune system, as in AIDS, or with the prolonged administration of antibiotics. Vaginal symptoms include itching in the genital area, pain when urinating, and a thick odorless vaginal discharge. Candidiasis is also known as: Candida; Candida albicans; Candida Related Complex; Chronic Candida Syndrome; (Chronic) Systemic Candidiasis; Monilia; Candidiasis Hypersensitivity Syndrome; Candidosis; (Chronic) Mucocutaneous Candidosis; Thrush (oral or vaginal); Moniliasis; Polysystematic Candidiasis.
Cheilitis
Inflammation affecting the lips.
Diabetes Mellitus (Diabetes, Diabetic, Diabetics)
A disease with increased blood glucose levels due to lack or ineffectiveness of insulin. Diabetes is found in two forms; insulin-dependent diabetes (juvenile-onset) and non-insulin-dependent (adult-onset). Symptoms include increased thirst; increased urination; weight loss in spite of increased appetite; fatigue; nausea; vomiting; frequent infections including bladder, vaginal, and skin; blurred vision; impotence in men; bad breath; cessation of menses; diminished skin fullness. Other symptoms include bleeding gums; ear noise/buzzing; diarrhea; depression; confusion.
Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV)
A retrovirus associated with onset of advanced immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS).
Intertrigo
A yeast infection (candida albicans) of the skin found under skin folds. It is notorious for flaring in response to hot humid weather. Moisture builds under the skin fold and the yeast flourishes leading to symptoms such as redness, scaling and significant itching. The skin may develop some raw spots. Little red bumps and pustules may be present. Typically the involved skin is red in color.
Mucous Membranes (Mucosa, Mucous Membrane, Mucus Membranes)
The membranes, such as the mouth, nose, anus, and vagina, that line the cavities and canals of the body which communicate with the air.
Tablespoon (Tablespoons, tbsp)
Equivalent to 15cc (15ml).
Thrush
A fungal infection from Candida Albicans. Occurs most often in infants, immunocompromised patients, and AIDS victims. Characterized by small whitish sports on the tongue and inside of the cheeks.
Tineas (Athletes Foot, Athlete's Foot, Pityriasis Versicolor, Ringworm, Tinea Pedis, Tinea Versicolor)
A dermatomycosis; any number of skin fungus infections, such as ringworm, athlete's foot (Tinea pedis), and so forth. It is generally slow to acquire and hard to get rid of. Tinea Versicolor is a chronic skin fungus, often without symptoms... except the light skin splotches of infected surfaces that don't tan. It seems easily transmitted from one part of the body to another or one person to another. It is also called Pityriasis Versicolor.
Topical
Most commonly 'topical application': Administration to the skin.
Last updated: Apr 13, 2008
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