Skin Fungus: What It Is, What It Looks Like, and What Types Exist

Spots and rashes on the skin are easily blamed on dryness or allergies. Fungus, meanwhile, looks different in different cases, and photos from the internet do not work as a diagnosis. Below — what different types of fungal skin infections look like and when a doctor is needed.

What skin fungus and mycosis are

Mycoses are diseases caused by parasitic fungi. Skin and nail mycosis are classified as dermatomycoses, or dermatophytoses, while involvement of internal organs is classified as deep mycoses. Fungi live in the air, soil, on plants and in water, and some live in the human body. Spores land on the skin or are inhaled, so fungal infections often begin on the skin or in the lungs. About half of fungal species are harmful to humans.

It is transmitted through close contact with an infected person or animal, through bedding, combs and towels, and less often through contaminated soil.

What fungus on the body, face and neck looks like

The main sign is a rash. It may be red or darker than the rest of the skin, it peels, and it may be dry, swollen and itchy. The typical form is a ring, but on the face, neck and head the lesion looks different, and there is no need to wait for a perfect circle. On brown and dark skin the color of the patches is less noticeable. Sometimes the lesion grows, spreads, or several appear. On the face and head, areas of hair loss are possible.

• a rash that is red or darker than the surrounding skin;
• dryness, itching, swelling in the area of the lesion;
• several lesions that enlarge;
• hair loss on the head or face;
• less noticeable color of the patches on dark skin.

Yeast fungus on the skin

Yeast fungi are a separate group. Pityriasis versicolor, also known as tinea versicolor, produces scales and is caused by Malassezia furfur. Candidiasis is associated with Candida albicans and related species. In seborrhea, the yeast-like fungus Pityrosporum ovale is involved, but the primary factor is the function of the sebaceous glands, and the fungus joins secondarily.

Fungal dermatitis and fungal pimples

"Fungal dermatitis" and "fungal pimples" — these names are often used in everyday speech, but they are not distinguished in the classification of mycoses. Such a rash cannot be distinguished by eye from other eruptions, and the diagnosis is made by a doctor.

Where a fungal infection comes from

Minor wounds, cracks and diaper rash help the fungus to penetrate: through them the pathogen enters the thickness of the epidermis. The risk is higher with weakened immunity — HIV, cancer, treatment with steroids and chemotherapy, diabetes. Age also plays a role (hormonal fluctuations in adolescents, reduced immunity in the elderly) and hygiene: shared towels, clothing, footwear. Some fungi, for example in microsporia, are acquired by humans from animals.

How mycosis is diagnosed and when to see a doctor

The diagnosis is made by a dermatologist: they examine the lesions, clarify contacts with animals, and assess the overall background — immunity, diabetes. Among the examinations, a culture study, that is, a culture, and an assessment of the rash are used.

You need to make an appointment with a doctor if the rash has not improved after an antifungal agent from the pharmacy, if the lesion is on the scalp, or if immunity is weakened — chemotherapy, steroids, diabetes.

Skin fungus by itself is not a reason to call an ambulance. 103/112 — for a life-threatening condition. Deep mycoses affect internal organs, and such cases are no longer about a rash.

The material is for reference and does not replace a doctor's consultation: a diagnosis is not made from a photo, and an in-person examination answers questions faster.

This content is for reference and does not replace a doctor's consultation. Medical disclaimer