Slideshow: Fungus Among Us
Are Fungal Infections Serious?
Fungal infections can be itchy and annoying, but they're rarely serious. Common infections such as athlete's foot, jock itch, and ringworm are caused by fungus and are easy to get and to pass around. In healthy people, they usually don't spread beyond the skin's surface, so they're easy to treat. If you spend a lot of time at the gym, take steps to protect yourself against fungal infections.
Athlete's Foot
Itchy, burning, cracked, and peeling feet? Athlete's foot (tinea pedis) usually develops between the toes and can spread via wet locker room floors, sweaty socks, and damp shoes. Prevent it by wearing shower shoes at the gym, washing your feet daily, drying them well, and wearing clean socks.
Jock Itch
A raised, itchy, red rash around your groin means you probably have jock itch (tinea cruris), which can affect men and women. It can be caused by sweating and the humid environment often created by athletic gear. You can prevent it by keeping your groin clean and dry, and wearing dry, clean underwear and loose pants after a workout.
Ringworm
Ringworm (tinea corporis) isn't caused by worms. This raised, red, circular, itchy fungal infection -- usually with clearer skin in the center -- can occur on the body or scalp (tinea capitis). You're at greater risk if your skin is often exposed to a warm, moist environment and you come in contact with ringworm from a person or pet. Prevent it by showering after sweating, then drying well. It's easily spread, so don't share towels, combs, or other personal items.
Nail Fungus
Brittle, discolored, thick nails may mean you have nail fungus (onychomycosis). Though more common in toenails, fungus can affect fingernails too, and is encouraged by warm, damp conditions. Prevent nail fungus by keeping nails short and wearing clean, dry socks, and changing them often. Wear wide-toed shoes (so toes aren't crammed together), and don't share nail clippers.
Treating Fungal Infections
Despite your best efforts at prevention, you think you have a fungal infection. Now what? First, talk to your doctor. Other skin problems can look a lot like fungal infections, but require different treatment. For mild infections, topical medication may be all you need. More serious problems could require oral prescription drugs.
Can Fungal Infections Make You Sick?
Fungal infections may look bad, but they rarely lead to more than itch and irritation. Unless you have a weakened immune system, your body is usually good at tackling infection before it causes serious illness. Still, if you're worried about your jock itch, athlete's foot, or any rash, talk to your doctor.
Related Reading
Reviewed by Louise Chang, MD on June 21, 2011
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REFERENCES:
KidsHealth: "Fungal Infections," "Jock Itch."
American Academy of Family Physicians: "Tinea Infections: Athlete's Foot, Jock Itch and Ringworm," "Fungal Infections of Fingernails and Toenails."
National Institutes of Health: "Athlete's Foot."
Simmons College: "Gym Hygiene: How to Reduce the Risk of Infections in the Gym."
PubMed Health: "Ringworm."
University of California, Davis: "Nail Fungal Infections."
University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center at Dallas: "Health Watch - Toxic Gym Clothes."
CDC: "Lurking in the Locker Room."
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© 2011 WebMD, LLC. All rights reserved.
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