Rashes may occur for many reasons--and be caused by everything from diseases such as measles to an itch between your toes that won't go away--so it's important to note the distinctions between them. A skin rash from a fungal infection can itch and be unsightly, but it is not contagious. In general, a fungal skin rash is not serious, but a few deeper infections can lead to complications.
General Symptoms
A fungal skin rash will cause an irritation on the skin that is often bright red, scaly or itches. The reddening is usually more intense at the center, with less distinctive edges. An infection on the head or beard can cause hair loss. The appearance can depend on the type fungus and can sometimes be confused with other problems, such as eczema or psoriasis. Most fungal rashes, however, occur in areas where the skin folds and sweat/moisture collects.
Athlete's Foot
Some common types of fungal infections include Athlete's Foot, which usually causes scales and itching in the webbed area between the toes.
Ringworm
Ringworm is an itchy red rash. When it occurs in the groin area, it's commonly called "jock itch" because it often occurs in people who sweat a great deal in playing sports. Ringworm can also occur on the body or scalp, with red patches.
Thrush
The fungus that causes thrush is common in most people and doesn't usually cause a problem. However, if another illness or antibiotic use allows the fungi to proliferate, it can grow and show up as white patches in the mouth, throat or esophagus.
Definitive Testing
When a fungal infection is suspected, a skin scraping of the infected material can be examined in a laboratory to identify the fungus or determine if it is something else such as bacteria or virus.
Treatment
Fungus rashes can usually be treated with a topical treatment, available as over-the-counter creams, lotions, sprays or powders. Anti-fungal shampoos can help scalp infections. Occasionally, fungal infections that affect large areas of the body or the nails, may need a medicine in the form of a prescription tablet.
To avoid a recurrence, it's important to keep moisture under control by drying skin carefully, most especially in areas where the skin folds or meets.
Tags: areas where, areas where skin, Athlete Foot, fungal infection, fungal infections, fungal skin