Fungal Infection: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment

Fungal infections of the skin, nails, or penis require early diagnosis and treatment. Learn about the symptoms and treatment for fungal infections.

Fungal Infection

What is a fungal infection? Skin fungal infection is a common condition intertwined with daily life. Fungi are everywhere, they love summer, heat, and humidity, affect people of all ages, are usually easily treated, and rarely develop into something serious. Fungi are very widespread pathogenic elements, found in nature, water, and animals, and infect animals, plants, and humans. Fungal skin infections include fungal infections of the skin, hair, and nails. In Greece, superficial fungi and superficial mycoses, which are called dermatophytoses and candidiasis of the skin, occur most frequently.

Fungal Infection Transmission Skin fungal infection spreads through direct skin-to-skin contact, through infected skin cells, or through shedding hair. Sharing towels can also contribute to transmission.

Symptoms of fungal infection Fungal infections of the skin, hair, and nails present different symptoms, which include: itching rash burning sensation bare circular areas on the scalp inflammation, peeling, broken skin between the toes (athlete's foot) brittle, discolored nails (onychomycosis) Areas of appearance Between the toes Feet Under the breasts Genital area Nails Armpits Torso Other body parts

Categories of fungal infections Superficial fungal infections are caused by dermatophytosis, which is due to dermatophytes, yeasts (such as candida), and tinea versicolor, which is caused by a fungus that grows exclusively in the stratum corneum of the epidermis. The fungi that cause dermatophytosis are divided into three categories-genera: Trichophyton, which is found on the skin, nails, and hair. Microsporum, which is located on the skin and scalp. Epidermophyton.

Nail Fungus Nail fungus (onychomycosis) is very common in both men and women. It primarily appears on the feet but also on the hands, with a higher frequency in the former case. Most nail fungi are not serious. Patients are mainly bothered by the aesthetic appearance of their nails, while sometimes they may experience discomfort or pain. Onychomycosis, which is the scientific name for nail fungus, is caused by various types of fungi present in the environment. Small abrasions on the nail or the surrounding skin can allow nail fungi to penetrate and cause infection. Those with a weakened immune system, diabetes, an injury to the foot or nails, or an existing fungal skin infection elsewhere on the body are more vulnerable to nail fungus. Nail Fungus: Symptoms Nail fungus or onychomycosis usually starts from the free part of the nail with a white, yellow, or brown spot, and as it progresses deeper, the nail may discolour, thicken, and become more brittle. Nail fungi can affect one or more nails. Nail Fungus: Diagnosis The diagnosis of nail fungus is made by a specialist doctor, a dermatologist, who will examine both the nail and the area around it to determine the cause of the infection. It is important to check the skin, as there may already be an infection, such as 'athlete's foot'. To confirm the diagnosis of nail fungus, laboratory tests with a nail sample may be required. Treatment for nail fungus Nail fungi usually do not resolve without treatment. Depending on the type of infection, the doctor may recommend topical treatment, oral medication, while sometimes a combination of the two above may prove more effective. Also, modern and effective treatment for nail fungus is laser therapy. If the infection is more severe, the doctor may proceed with surgical removal of the affected nail. And because nail fungus often recurs, it is advisable for the patient to consistently follow the doctor's recommendations for prevention, such as cleanliness and thorough drying of hands and feet, as well as not ignoring early symptoms. “Nail fungi are particularly persistent. For this reason, early diagnosis and treatment are important.”

Foot Fungus The warm, moist environment of feet enclosed in shoes for hours is ideal for the growth of fungi and infections. Foot fungi are common, with the most common foot mycoses being tinea pedis, also known as ringworm or “athlete's foot,” and onychomycosis. “Athlete's foot” usually starts between the toes, but can also affect the soles and nails. Foot fungi can appear on one or both feet. Responsible for “athlete's foot” are 4 types of fungi, one of which appears to be more common. Despite its name, “athlete's foot” can affect anyone, especially if they frequent public places where foot fungi thrive, such as swimming pools. Foot Fungus: Symptoms The most common symptoms of foot fungus, “athlete's foot,” are scaly, peeling, cracked skin between the toes, itching, especially after removing shoes and socks, inflamed skin, and a burning sensation in the area. Onychomycosis begins with a white or yellowish spot on the nails and spreads, deforming the nail, making it brittle and crumbly, while also causing bad odor. Risk factors that favor foot fungi include a warm and moist environment, prolonged use of tight footwear, excessive sweating, and prolonged exposure to water. Diagnosis and treatment for foot fungus Clinical examination is often sufficient for the dermatologist to diagnose foot fungus. If deemed necessary, they may confirm the diagnosis by taking a skin sample from the area and examining it under a microscope. Topical treatment is effective for most patients. If foot fungus persists or the condition is more severe, the doctor may also recommend oral medication. “By following hygiene rules and keeping your feet clean, and by wearing shoes in public places like changing rooms, you can protect yourself from foot fungus.”

Penile Fungus Penile fungus, or genital candidiasis, is usually considered a gynecological health problem, but it can also affect men, especially those who have not been circumcised. Penile fungus is caused by the fungus Candida (Candida albicans), which thrives in warm and moist environments. Penile Fungus: Causes

Although they can be transmitted through sexual contact if a partner has vaginal candidiasis, penile fungi are not considered a sexually transmitted disease. Factors that can cause penile fungi include: Lack of hygiene in the area Tight, wet underwear Weakened immune system Long-term antibiotic use Irritating cleaning products or soaps Diabetes Penile Fungus: Symptoms These penile fungi exist on the skin surface, but a certain cause can 'trigger' their overgrowth and cause bothersome symptoms, such as: Itching, redness, pain, and a burning sensation on the glans penis and under the foreskin. Small red rashes. White discharge under the foreskin or in the skin folds. Difficulty for the patient to retract the foreskin. Pain during sex or urination. Penile fungi make the skin more vulnerable and it may start to peel. Diagnosis and treatment for penile fungus The doctor can diagnose through physical examination, and if necessary, will collect material from the area for confirmation. Treatment for penile fungi includes antifungal medications (creams, ointments) applied topically or oral medication. Good hygiene in the area can prevent and help treat penile fungi. Simple habits such as washing without perfumed soaps and thorough drying, as well as comfortable cotton underwear, can help prevent penile fungi.

"When a female partner is diagnosed with a fungal infection, both partners should receive medication."

Fungi thrive in suitable conditions, typically in warm and moist areas of the body where skin folds are created.

Diagnosis of Fungal Infections The correct diagnosis of a fungal infection is made by a specialized doctor, who is a Dermatologist - Venereologist. Accurate diagnosis is essential as many skin manifestations can resemble a fungal infection but may indicate another condition, such as psoriasis. The diagnosis can also be confirmed by microscopic examination of skin material or, if deemed necessary, by culture.

Fungal Infection: Treatment Most mild skin infections are treated topically with antifungal therapy. If the treatment is not effective or if the extent of the skin lesion is large, the doctor may also recommend oral therapy. It is worth noting that some types of fungal infections, such as onychomycosis, may take several months to heal.

Even if the fungal lesion fully subsides, you must not discontinue your treatment, as it may return!

Fungi grow when they find suitable conditions, usually in warm and moist areas of the body where skin folds are created. Fungal infections affect people of all ages, including children. Some of the factors that favor fungal infections are: Weakened immune system - Immunosuppression Long-term drug use Obesity Diabetes mellitus Incontinence Pregnancy Excessive sweating - Hyperhidrosis

Written by Facemed Clinic Scientific Team on Apr 27, 2021 - Reviewed by Dr. Christoforos Loizidis updated Aug 8, 2025 Clinical Dermatology Eczema - Atopic Dermatitis: Management & Treatment Vitiligo: What is it and how is it treated? Hyperhidrosis HPV - Genital Warts: Images Folliculitis Skin Tags Genital Herpes Moles (Beauty Marks - Skin Growths) VIEW ALL Symptoms Itching

What happens if a skin mycosis is not treated?

It can spread to other parts of the body, be transmitted to other individuals, and have a more severe progression requiring longer treatment.

How long will I have the skin rash?

The duration of treatment varies from person to person and can last from a few days to several months, and it is not excluded that it may return after the completion of treatment.