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.
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.
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).
The fungus thrives in a warm, moist environment such as the groin area.
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.
May cause a red, scaly rash with blisters that may burst and ooze.
Itching and burning may occur on the buttocks and anal area.
Ringworm is a contagious fungal infection that can occur anywhere on the body. It usually manifests itself in a characteristic, ring-shaped rash.
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
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).
Ringworm is particularly common in warm environments with high humidity.
You can become infected with ringworm through contact with infected animals such as dogs, cats, horses or cows.
Thick, dry, flaky skin can appear on the hands, similar to Athlete’s Foot.
A rash with dry, itchy patches of skin may occur.
Circular rash, possibly with blisters or sores at the edges and a light spot in the middle.
Source: CDC (2021)
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