Fungal rash on the skin develops due to excess of fungal infection. It can occur on any part of the body and even on the scalp. This type of rash is not contagious and is not harmful. Weakened immune system is believed to make the person prone to fungal infection. There are many types of fungal rash like tinea, Candida, Athlete’s foot and jock itch. The type and name of fungal infection depends on the part of the body in which the fungus causes infection. Many people don’t know that fungi live on our body most of the time and it starts infecting us only when our immune system gets weakened.
Fungal Rash Symptoms :
The symptoms of fungal rash differ on the area in which the fungi infect your body. It is different from that of normal skin infection like eczema or psoriasis. Like many other rashes, fungal rash will appear as scaly patches and are itchy. It can cause loss of hair if it occurs on the scalp. The infected area becomes red and shining and the infection can spread over huge area. The rash will be more colored on the center than on its edges. Fungal rash is characterized by the presence of small lesions which are itchy.
Very often these rashes can be seen on the buttocks and groin where there is enough moisture. Tinea is a type of rash that develops on the hair and nails. It begins as small reddish dot on the skin and spreads shortly in the form of circle. Athlete’s foot is a type of fungal rash that appears on the toes and toenails and even on the bottom of your feet. If the rashes develop on the groin and upper thigh region it is called Jock itch. Candida is a common fungal infection that causes rash on the moist areas of the body. The symptoms of most of the fungal infections are similar and hence diagnosing them is difficult.
Causes :
Fungal rash is often caused when the person’s immunity is lowered for any reasons like fever, common cold or sore throat. It can occur on persons with diabetes and other immune related diseases like HIV or AIDS. It can develop as a side effect on the individuals undergoing chemotherapy and radiation therapy for cancer. Fungi always infect the body on the moist dark places since it thrives well on such areas. Even a cut or injury on the skin makes you prone to get fungal rash.
Who Are At Risk ?
Anyone who maintains poor hygiene is prone to get fungal rash. People who sweat a lot, who have lost mobility and those who have problems like urinary incontinence have increased chance for getting rash. Moisture will be retained on the skin for such people most of the time which makes them prone to develop fungal infection and rash. Individuals who keep on changing their skin care products and cosmetics have chance for getting fungal rash. Fungal infection is not contagious and it does not spread through pet animals.
Diagnoses :
Your doctor will examine the body and look for specific symptoms on the skin to identify the type of fungus.
Fungal Rash Treatment :
Before visiting your doctor you can apply antifungal creams available over the counter. You need to wash the infected area/skin with soapy water and allow it to dry completely. Apply a thin layer of antifungal ointment that can be easily absorbed by the skin. Using antifungal powder is also helpful for keeping the skin moisture-free. Mycoderm C or Lotrimin and any other powder that contains clotrimazole 1% can be used. After taking bath, the powder can be liberally applied on the affected skin to keep them dry. This powder is effective for treating many types of fungal infection like dhobi itch, athlete’s foot and even diaper rash.
In case you have incontinence problem, then you can apply antifungal ointment or powder after every time you urinate. Once the rash heals completely the skin becomes dry. You can apply any moisturizing lotion or creams to prevent the skin from cracking. Ointment that contains 1% terbinafine like Lamisil can be used. It is necessary to keep the skin moist-free or else you may get fungal infections repeatedly.
Pictures of Fungal Rash :
Images, Pics, Pictures and Photos of Fungal Rash
Prevention :
Always use quality cotton clothing for undergarments that can absorb sweat and keep the private parts moisture-free. After taking bath, pat the skin with a soft towel and do not rub. As far as possible, keep the groin and thigh region moisture free so that you can prevent getting fungal rash. In areas where the skin rubs with another skin like skin folds you can use a soft piece of cloth or cotton pad for absorbing moisture. Drink plenty of fluids/water to keep the skin shining.