A fungal rash is caused by a fungal infection of the skin, which generally affects moist and warm areas of the body. Know more about this rash, and what it looks like by going through this article.
The rash caused by a fungal infection can look similar to the rash caused by skin conditions like eczema and psoriasis. Fungal infections mostly affect the moist and warm areas of the body, like the armpit, buttock, and the groin area, as fungi need a warm and moist environment to survive.
But occasionally, the rash caused by a fungal infection can appear on the face as well. There can be several types of fungal infections, which can cause the appearance of skin rash. It can be caused by ringworm or tinea corporis, tinea cruris or jock itch, and tinea versicolor.
Fungal Infections of the Skin
Causes
The population of fungi in our body is kept under control by the immune system and the beneficial bacteria residing in our body. Therefore, any condition or factor that can weaken the immune system, or destroy the beneficial bacteria can cause a fungal infection. For example, the long-term use of antibiotics can reduce the number of beneficial bacteria in our body, and as a result fungi can multiply rapidly.
Similarly, immunosuppressant drugs can also promote the overgrowth of fungus, as these drugs are used to suppress the immune system. Some other risk factors for this condition are, diabetes, obesity, excessive sweating, loss of mobility for a long time, and incontinence.
Symptoms
The skin rash caused by a fungal infection is usually red, and the color is more intense towards the center. However, the appearance of the rash can differ depending on the type of infection. For example, the rash can sometimes look red and scaly, and can cause itching or a burning sensation, while at other times, it can look quite similar to the rash caused by psoriasis.
A fungal rash can appear on a particular area of the body, or can it spread to other areas as well. Usually, the rash caused by jock itch is red and inflamed, and it can cause considerable itching. The skin rash caused by jock itch commonly affects the groin and the buttock area. On the other hand, the rash associated with tinea versicolor appears on the trunk, back, and the chest, and it can be flat and scaly, and brown in color. The rash may also cause depigmentation at times. Ringworm can cause the development of a red, circular, or ring-like rash, while athlete’s foot can cause red itchy rash.
Treatment
A fungal infection usually affects the surface of the skin, and so, it can be treated with topical antifungal medications. This condition is usually treated with topical antifungal creams and lotions. If this treatment option fails to alleviate the condition, then physicians can recommend oral antifungal medications. Over-the-counter medications are also available for treating fungal infections. But it is better to consult a physician to identify the particular type of infection that is causing the rash, and treat it accordingly.
To prevent fungal infections in the future, one needs to follow a few preventive measures. Keeping the rash-prone areas dry and clean is one such preventive measure. So, always dry your skin thoroughly after taking a bath, and try to avoid heavily perfumed soaps. Wear loose-fitting clothes, in order to keep the skin dry. You can also use barrier creams, or products containing zinc oxide and dimethicone to protect your skin from fungal infections. Apart from these, be sure to wear plastic shoes in places like swimming pools. Finally, be sure to avoid sharing your combs, towels, or any other personal hygiene items with others, in order to prevent the transmission of fungal infections.
Disclaimer: This HealthHearty article is for informative purposes only, and should not be replaced for the advice of a medical professional.