Table of Contents
- Key Points
- Common Types of Fungal Skin Infections
- Who Is Most at Risk for a Fungal Skin Infection
- When to See a Dermatologist in Greenville, SC
- Schedule An Appointment Today
- Frequently Asked Questions
- References
Key Points
- Fungal skin infections are among the most common dermatological conditions worldwide1, and several distinct types, including athlete’s foot, ringworm, and nail fungus, share overlapping symptoms but require different treatment approaches.
- Many fungal skin infections are contagious and can spread through skin-to-skin contact, shared personal items, or contaminated surfaces, so early identification matters.
- Mild cases often respond to over-the-counter antifungal treatment, but persistent, recurrent, or widespread infections should be evaluated by a board-certified dermatologist to confirm the diagnosis and rule out other skin conditions.
Skin problems that will not clear up, that keep coming back, or that seem to spread from one area of the body to another are more common than most patients realize. According to global health data, fungal skin diseases were the single most prevalent skin condition worldwide in 2017, affecting roughly one in ten people, and more than 1.65 billion people were living with some form of fungal skin disease as of 2019.2
A fungal infection develops when microscopic fungi—organisms that thrive in warm, moist environments—multiply on the skin, hair, or nails faster than the body’s immune system can clear them. Because these organisms can be picked up from other people, pets, gyms, showers, and even soil, nearly anyone can develop a fungal infection at some point in their life.
This guide from Rogers Dermatology walks through the most common types of fungal skin infections, how to recognize them, and when it may be time to see a dermatologist.
Common Types of Fungal Skin Infections
Not all fungal infections look or behave the same way. The type of fungus involved, along with the area of the body it affects, generally determines the specific name given to the condition. Below are the fungal skin conditions dermatologists see most often.
Athlete’s Foot (Tinea Pedis)
Athlete’s foot is a fungal infection that develops between the toes and on the soles of the feet, most often in people whose feet stay damp for extended periods inside shoes and socks.3 Symptoms of athlete’s foot typically include:
- Itching, stinging, or burning between the toes or on the soles
- Cracking, peeling, or scaling skin
- Redness and, in some cases, blistering
Left untreated, athlete’s foot can spread to the toenails or to other parts of the body, including the hands, through repeated scratching.
Ringworm (Tinea Corporis)
Despite its name, ringworm is not caused by a worm. It is a fungal skin infection caused by dermatophytes, a group of fungi that feed on keratin, the protein found in skin, hair, and nails.4
Ringworm typically appears as a red or pink, scaly patch with a raised, ring-like border and a clearer center, though its appearance can vary depending on skin tone. It is contagious and may spread through direct skin contact, shared clothing or towels, or contact with an infected animal.
Jock Itch (Tinea Cruris)
Jock itch is caused by the same family of fungi responsible for athlete’s foot and ringworm, but it affects the groin, inner thighs, and buttocks.5 It tends to develop in warm, humid conditions and is more common in people who sweat heavily or wear tight-fitting clothing. Typical signs of jock itch include:
- A red or reddish-brown rash with a defined border
- Itching or burning that worsens with activity
- Flaking, peeling, or cracking skin in the groin folds
Yeast Infections of the Skin (Cutaneous Candidiasis)
Not all fungal infections are caused by dermatophytes. Candidiasis is a fungal infection in skin folds and other moist areas of the body, caused by an overgrowth of Candida, a yeast that normally lives on the skin in small amounts.6 It is most common in skin folds, such as under the breasts, in the armpits, or in the groin, and tends to affect infants, individuals with obesity, and people with diabetes or a weakened immune system.
Nail Fungus (Onychomycosis)
Onychomycosis, or tinea unguium, is a fungal infection of the fingernails or toenails and is considered the most common nail disorder, accounting for roughly half of all nail abnormalities. Toenails are affected more often than fingernails.7 Risk factors include:
- Advanced age
- Diabetes or poor circulation
- A weakened immune system
- Prior athlete’s foot or nail injury
- Frequent exposure to damp environments, such as gyms, pools, or shared showers
Because nail fungus tends to develop gradually, many patients do not seek treatment until the nail has become noticeably thickened, discolored, or brittle.
Tinea Versicolor
Tinea versicolor, also known as pityriasis versicolor, is caused by an overgrowth of a yeast that lives naturally on most people’s skin. It typically produces patches of skin that are lighter or darker than the surrounding skin, most often on the chest, back, and shoulders.8 The condition tends to be more noticeable in warm, humid weather and after sun exposure, since the affected patches generally do not tan the same way as the surrounding skin.
Who Is Most at Risk for a Fungal Skin Infection
While anyone can develop a fungal infection, certain factors appear to increase the likelihood, including:
- Excessive sweating or spending extended time in damp clothing or footwear
- Close-contact sports, or shared locker rooms, gyms, and pools
- Diabetes, obesity, or a weakened immune system
- Warm, humid climates
- Tight-fitting clothing or footwear that traps moisture
- Close contact with an infected person or pet
When to See a Dermatologist in Greenville, SC
Many mild fungal skin infections can be managed with over-the-counter antifungal creams, powders, or sprays. However, patients should generally schedule an appointment with a dermatologist if:
- The rash does not improve after a few weeks of over-the-counter treatment
- The infection is widespread, painful, or affects the scalp or nails
- Symptoms keep returning after treatment appears to work
- There are signs of a secondary bacterial infection, such as increasing redness, warmth, swelling, or drainage
- The diagnosis is uncertain, since several skin conditions can resemble a fungal skin infection
Trained dermatologists have access to prescription-strength topical and oral antifungal medications not available over the counter, along with tools such as dermoscopy for cases where the diagnosis is not straightforward.
Schedule An Appointment Today
Fungal skin infections vary widely in appearance, location, and severity, but they share several common threads: the fungi involved thrive in warm, moist environments, many strains are contagious, and accurate diagnosis is the foundation of effective treatment. Patients who notice a rash that will not clear, keeps returning, or affects the nails or scalp should not rely on trial and error with over-the-counter products alone, but rather on the expertise of a trained dermatologist.
If you are searching for a dermatologist in Greenville to evaluate a stubborn rash or nail changes that you suspect may be a fungal infection, do not delay. The providers at Rogers Dermatology offer in-office diagnostic testing, including skin scrapings and, when appropriate, fungal cultures, to help confirm a diagnosis before starting treatment. You can expect a thorough evaluation and a treatment plan suited to the specific type of fungus involved. Contact us today to schedule an appointment.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is a fungal skin infection the same as a bacterial infection?
No, fungal and bacterial skin infections can look similar but generally require different treatments. A dermatologist can help determine the underlying cause through a physical examination and, when needed, laboratory testing.
Are fungal skin infections contagious?
Many are. Ringworm, athlete’s foot, and jock itch may spread through direct skin contact, shared personal items such as towels or razors, and contact with contaminated surfaces like locker room floors. Tinea versicolor and candidiasis are generally considered less contagious, since the fungi involved already live naturally on most people’s skin.
Can a fungal infection go away on its own?
Some mild cases may improve with consistent hygiene and over-the-counter antifungal treatment, but fungal infections do not typically resolve completely without treatment and can persist or worsen if left unaddressed, particularly on the nails or scalp.
How long does it take to treat a fungal skin infection?
Treatment duration depends on the type and severity of the infection. Many skin infections tend to improve within a few weeks of consistent topical treatment, while nail infections often require several months of treatment due to the slow rate of nail growth.
References
- Deng Li, Siqi Fan, Haochen Zhao, et al., “Worldwide trends and future projections of fungal skin disease burden: a comprehensive analysis from the Global Burden of Diseases study 2021,” Frontiers in Public Health, June 2025, https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC12174046/.
- Hongping Wang, Fengjun Sun, Changquan Wang, et al., “A systematic analysis of the global, regional, and national burden of fungal skin diseases from 1990 to 2021,” Frontiers in Epidemiology, December 2024, https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC11686433/.
- “Athlete’s Foot,” Mayo Clinic, January 2026, https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/athletes-foot/symptoms-causes/syc-20353841.
- “Ringworm,” U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, July 2024, https://www.cdc.gov/ringworm/hcp/clinical-overview/index.html.
- “Jock Itch (Tinea Cruris),” Cleveland Clinic, December 2021, https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/22141-jock-itch-tinea-cruris.
- E.H. Taudorf, G.B.E. Jemec, R.J. Hay, and D.M.L. Saunte, “Cutaneous candidiasis – an evidence-based review of topical and systemic treatments to inform clinical practice,” Journal of the European Academy of Dermatology and Venereology,” July 2019, https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/31287594/.
- “Toenail Fungus,” Cleveland Clinic, August 2022, https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/11303-toenail-fungus.
- Alexander K.C. Leung, Benjamin Barankin, Joseph M. Lam, et al., “Tinea versicolor: an updated review,” Drugs in Context, November 2022, https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC9677953/.