Infección por hongos y su tratamiento.

Infección por hongos y su tratamiento.

A fungal infection, also called mycosis, is a skin disease caused by a fungus.

There are millions of species of fungi. They live in the soil, in plants, on household surfaces, and on your skin. Sometimes they can cause skin problems like rashes or bumps.

Symptoms of yeast infection

A fungal skin infection can cause:

Irritation

Scaly skin

Redness

Itching

Swelling

Blisters

Types of yeast infections

Fungal skin infections can occur anywhere on the body. Some of the most common are athlete’s foot, jock itch, ringworm, and yeast infections.

Athlete’s foot

Picture of Ringworm of the Foot (Tinea pedis) Athlete’s foot, also called tinea pedis, is a fungal infection of the foot.

Fungi grow best in warm moist places like shoes, socks, swimming pools, locker rooms, and showers. They are often found in the summer and in hot, humid climates. It occurs more often in people who wear tight shoes, who do not change sweaty socks, and who use public baths and pools.

Causes of athlete’s foot

The fungus behind athlete’s foot lives in dead hair tissue, toenails, and the outer layers of the skin. At least four types of fungi can cause the infection. The most common is Trichophyton rubrum.

Athlete’s foot symptoms

The signs of athlete’s foot vary from person to person. You may have:

Scaly, cracked, and scaly feet

Blisters

Reddened, softened, or broken skin

Itching

Fire

Types of athlete’s foot

Interdigital. This is also called a toe tissue infection. Most people with athlete’s foot have this form. It usually occurs between the two smallest toes. The infection can spread to the sole of the foot.

Moccasin. This form can begin with irritation, dryness, itching, and flaky skin. Over time, your skin can thicken and crack. This infection can affect the entire sole and spread to the sides of the foot.

Vesicular. This is the rarest type of athlete’s foot. It usually begins with a sudden outbreak of fluid-filled blisters, often on the bottom of the foot. They can also appear between the toes, on the heel, or on the top of the foot.

Jock itch

A type of fungus called ringworm causes jock itch. The infection is also known as tinea cruris. Ringworm loves warm, moist areas like the genitals, inner thighs, and buttocks. Infections occur most often in the summer or in hot, humid climates.

Tub

Ringworm, also called tinea corporis, is not a roundworm but a fungal infection of the skin. It’s named for its ring-shaped rash with a sinuous worm-like edge.

Yeast infections

Yeast infections of the skin are called cutaneous candidiasis. A type of fungus called candida causes these infections when it grows too large. Yeast infections are not contagious.

When should I see my doctor for a rash?

Most rashes are not serious. But it’s always a good idea to see your healthcare provider if you have skin changes. Your provider can recommend a course of treatment to help you feel better and diagnose any underlying conditions.

Call your healthcare provider or go to the emergency room if the rash:

It is all over your body.

It starts suddenly and spreads quickly.

It is painful, has blisters, or is infected.

It occurs along with a fever.

A note from the Cleveland Clinic

Fungal rashes can be uncomfortable and itchy, but they are treatable. See your healthcare provider if you notice any rash or changes on your skin. Usually a course of antifungal creams (either prescription or over-the-counter) will clear up the rash and relieve the itching. Your healthcare provider can also discuss preventive steps to prevent the rash from reappearing.

Infections are most common in warm, moist, and wrinkled areas of your body, including your armpits and groin. They often occur in people who are obese or have diabetes. People who take antibiotics are also at higher risk.