Skin Fungus: What To Look For

By Jody Smith HERWriter

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Skin fungus infections aren't as rare as you'd like to think. "For instance, it's estimated that at any one time in the United States, at least one in five people have athlete's food, a particular type of skin fungus." Since they're highly contagious it pays to be informed.

Molds called dermatophytes consume keratin, a protein in skin, hair and nails. Skin fungus infections can be caught from animals, fabric and soil.

Tinea Cruris, or jock itch, isn't just for men. Women get it too. Its rash develops in the groin and thigh area. Skin gets itchy and scaly, and blisters may form. Tinea Corporis, or ringworm, is more common among women. It shows itself in pustular lesions and skin patches. It's named for the shape of the rash.

Tinea Versicolor makes discolored patches on the upper body. Spots form patches, lighter or darker than surrounding skin. Candida yeasts prefer the mouth, digestive tract and vagina, but grow on skin as well. Some candida yeasts create rashes with lesions. Skin can scale and crack. Sometimes it looks like athlete's foot. Athlete's foot affects about 20 percent of Americans. Skin can scale or crack between the toes. Blisters may form on the feet.

http://health.howstuffworks.com/skin-care/problems/medical/5-types-of-skin-fungus.htm

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We value and respect our HERWriters' experiences, but everyone is different. Many of our writers are speaking from personal experience, and what's worked for them may not work for you. Their articles are not a substitute for medical advice, although we hope you can gain knowledge from their insight.