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What is skin fungus?

Fungi can affect different parts of the body. The most common skin infections caused by fungi are jock itch and ringworm.

What is jock itch?
Jock itch is a contagious infection of the skin in the groin area. The main pathogens causing jock itch infections are filamentous fungi that thrive in a warm, moist environment.

What you need to know:

  • Jock itch causes itching and raised, scaly patches of skin that sometimes ooze or form blisters. However, the symptoms can vary greatly in severity and do not always occur at the same time.
  • Jock itch affects the groin area, thighs and buttocks.
  • Most jock itch infections can be eliminated with just one week of treatment with Lamisil AT 1% cream (7.5 g, 15g) , Lamisil AT 1% gel (15g) or Lamisil AT 1% spray (15 ml).
  • Men are more commonly affected by jock itch than women.
Symptoms-skin-fungus

Symptoms of jock itch

The symptoms of jock itch can be uncomfortable and painful, especially if left untreated and occurring over a long period of time.

There are various symptoms of jock itch. The following symptoms are most common:

Itching or burning in the groin, thigh, buttocks and anal areas
Red rash and raised, scaly patches of skin
Blisters or lesions that may ooze
Unusually dark or light skin on the infected areas
Open blisters, associated with pain and swelling
Thick, dry, flaky skin in the groin area

If the infection is severe, an unpleasant odour may occur.

The causes of jock itch

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Jock itch is transmitted from person to person or from foot to groin (e.g. via underwear). Infection can occur through contact with infected skin or contaminated surfaces (such as towels or sheets).

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The fungus thrives in a warm, moist environment such as the groin area.

Skin-fungus-spreads-easily-through-skin-to-skin-contact-icon

Skin fungus spreads easily through skin-to-skin contact – so if you touch an area infected with Athlete’s Foot and then touch your body, it can lead to a jock itch infection.

In which parts of the body does jock itch occur?

Groin area

May cause a red, scaly rash with blisters that may burst and ooze.

Buttocks

Itching and burning may occur on the buttocks and anal area.

What is ringworm?

Ringworm is a contagious fungal infection that can occur anywhere on the body. It usually manifests itself in a characteristic, ring-shaped rash.

What you need to know:

  • Ringworm causes itching and a red, circular rash.
  • Children are more likely to get ringworm than adults, but adults can also suffer from ringworm.
  • Ringworm can be treated with antifungal medications such as Lamisil AT 1% cream (7.5 g, 15g) , Lamisil AT 1% gel (15g) or Lamisil AT 1% spray (15 ml).
  • Ringworm can affect almost all areas of the body.
Symptoms-of-ringworm

Symptoms of ringworm

The symptoms of ringworm can be uncomfortable, painful, and unsightly, especially if left untreated and occurring over a long period of time.

There are different symptoms of ringworm. The most common are:

Itchy rash on the upper body, chest, stomach, arms or legs
Typical red, ring-shaped rash
Red rash
Circular sores with dry, flaky or moist skin
Rash with small pustules or blisters at the edges
Open blisters, associated with pain and swelling
Thick, dry or flaky skin on the palms of your hands

The causes of ringworm

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You can become infected with ringworm by touching the skin of an infected person or animal or a contaminated surface (such as floors or towels).

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Ringworm is particularly common in warm environments with high humidity.

You-can-become-infected-with-ringworm-through-contact-with-infected-animals-icon

You can become infected with ringworm through contact with infected animals such as dogs, cats, horses or cows.

On which parts of the body does ringworm appear?

Hands

Thick, dry, flaky skin can appear on the hands, similar to Athlete’s Foot.

Neck and back

A rash with dry, itchy patches of skin may occur.

Upper body

Circular rash, possibly with blisters or sores at the edges and a light spot in the middle.

Source: CDC (2021)

Lamisil AT range. Effective treatment of skin fungus