By Elizabeth Eby

Fungus is in the air, in the dirt, in the carpet, on the floor, and on your skin. Fungus loves heat and humidity, so locker rooms, shoes, and other hot, damp places are perfect environments for breeding fungal infections.

The Tinea Family of Fungus

The most common fungal infections fall into a class of fungus called “Tinea.”

Many fungal infections appear to heal and then appear once again. Others go away before treatment is started. Some fungus infections are inherited, so the body’s immune system does not recognize them as infections and does not fight them.  

Athlete's Foot (Tinea Pedis)

Athlete’s foot is commonly picked up in health clubs and in public bathrooms (such as at the gym or your local pool).  This type of fungal infection is spread by direct contact, most often through bare feet. Once the infection occurs, the skin becomes white, soft, and flaky. The skin between the toes or the sole of the foot may peel, scale, itch, and sometimes blister. One or both feet may be involved.  Athlete’s foot is difficult to cure. However, wearing flip-flops in public gyms, pools, and bathhouses may help decrease the risk of infection. Always change your socks after exercise or after getting your socks wet. Taking a shower after sweating, and using a cornstarch-based powder on your feet after showering may also decrease the chance of infection.

Wearing clothing made of absorbent fibers and shoes that “breathe” (dry out) may help prevent infections. Applying antifungal foot powder on your feet and shoes may help as well. Be sure to always dry thoroughly between toes after bathing. Speak with your health care professional about specific treatment.

Nail Fungus (Tinea Ungulum)

Toenail infection may be obvious upon inspection. If infected, your toenail turns yellow and thickens. The nail may break easily.  Fingernail infections are similar to toenail infections, but are less common.

Wearing clothing made of absorbent fibers and shoes that “breathe” (dry out) may help prevent infections. Applying antifungal foot powder on your feet and shoes may help as well. Speak with your health care professional about specific treatment.

Jock itch (Tinea Cruris)

This rash occurs more often among men than women. It is an itchy, red rash that develops in the groin. Like many other fungal infections, this infection tends to thrive off hot, sweaty environments. Taking showers immediately after sports and exercise, or several times on humid days may help prevent these types of infections. Using a cornstarch-based powder may also prevent these infections. Speak with your health care professional about specific treatments.

Ringworm (Tinea Corporis)

This fungus, known as  “tinea corporis,” maybe spread through direct skin-to-skin contact with an infected person or pet, indirect contact with an object or surface that an infected person or pet has touched, or through contact with soil.  Ringworm easily spreads from person to person.  It appears as itchy red scaly patches that often develop into a ring.  If the ringworm came from contact with a pet, the animal will also have to be treated.  Speak with your health care professional about specific treatment.

Scalp Ringworm (Tinea Capitis)

This fungus is most common among children.  It causes scaly skin on the scalp and patches of hair loss. After treatment, any affected  hair will grow back normally. Speak with your health care professional about specific treatment.

Kerions

This fungus is also found on the scalp and resembles a boil or abscess. Treatment with prednisone prevents permanent hair loss. Speak with your health care professional about specific treatment.

The Bottom Line on Prevention

Some fungus spreads from person to person, so it is advisable to not share shoes or nail clippers with others.  Do not walk around barefoot in public places, or at home if members of your family have infections. Wear flip- flops or stand on a towel or piece of paper in the locker room. Throw away old shoes and shoes or clothing made out of fabric with high rubber or plastic content.  Use medications as directed and continue to apply them as directed even if it looks as though the fungus has been cured. Finally, speak with your health care professional if you notice anything different with your skin or nails.