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Infections of the skin, hair or nails caused by a fungus entering your body.
What is it?
Fungal infections develop when invasive fungi enter your skin, set up camp and grow. These fungi mainly impact the body's outer surfaces including the skin, nails or hair. Common fungal infections include athlete's foot, ringworm, yeast infections, jock itch and nail fungi. Many fungal infections have a tell-tale appearance, like the circular rash with darker perimeter found with ringworm. (For the record, there is only fungus, no worm, involved in ringworm).
Fungal infections are generally not life-threatening for people with a healthy immune system. However, they can be more dangerous for individuals with compromised immune systems.
How is it treated?
Proper diagnosis starts with a comprehensive examination, and may require laboratory testing, to identify the fungus involved. Treatment typically involves antifungal medications which can be either topical (used on skin) or systemic (consumed orally or injected). In severe or ongoing cases, a referral may be given for additional specialized care.
It's important to seek advice from a dermatologist if you suspect you have a fungal infection to prevent further transmission and potential complications. See our teams in Dublin, Grove City or Springfield, Ohio if you have a rash that has not resolved on its own or you suspect a fungal infection. When fungal infections do not resolve on their own, the team at Buckeye Dermatology can help you with diagnosis and treatment.