Fungal Conditions

What is a fungal condition?

A fungal condition is an inflammatory infection caused by a fungus. Fungi are primitive organisms — such as mushrooms, mildew, and mold — that can live in plants, air, soil, water, and even the human body.

Though most fungi aren’t harmful, they do produce tiny spores that can land on your skin and cause a fungal infection.

Are there different types of fungal conditions?

Park Plaza Dermatology treats several types of fungal skin conditions, including:

Tinea Versicolor

Very common fungal condition which usually affects the upper part of the body including the scalp.
Also called the “ beach fungus “
Usually starts as pinkish, brownish scaly lesions on the trunk or neck. Leaves whitish discoloured spots on the skin especially after a person goes sun tanning. Common in young adults and is more pronounced in the summer and autumn when the climate is hot and moist.

Athlete’s foot

Perhaps the most common fungal skin condition, Athlete’s foot, or tinea pedis, is a fungal infection of the foot that causes itchiness, redness, skin peeling, and burning. This type of fungus thrives in warm, moist environments, including swimming pools, tight shoes and socks, public shower floors, and locker rooms.

Yeast infection

Caused by a type of fungus called candida, a yeast infection (cutaneous candidiasis) occurs when yeast begins growing on the skin. This leads to a red, itchy, scaly skin rash.

Ringworm

Tinea corporis, commonly known as ringworm, is a fungal infection of the skin that produces a circular red sore that looks like a ring.

Jock itch

Jock itch, or tinea cruris, is a red, itchy, ring-shaped rash that affects the inner thighs, buttocks, or genitals. It occurs most often in warm, humid climates.

What are the symptoms of fungal skin conditions?

Each type of fungal infection has its own unique symptoms. However, some of the most common include:

• Redness
• Peeling skin
• Skin rash
• Itchy skin
• Cracked skin
• Ring-like sore on the skin
• Stinging or burning
• Scaly skin
• Sores or blisters
• Discolored nails
• Crumbly nails

Though anybody can get a fungal infection of the skin, you’re at a higher risk if you have a weakened immune system or take antibiotics.

How are fungal conditions treated by our dermatologist?

Once your provider at Park Plaza Dermatology examines your skin and can determine the most effective treatment for your fungal infection. Your provider may scrape off a small portion of the affected area to observe the fungus under a microscope.
With a proper diagnosis, your provider can recommend one or more of the following fungal infection treatments:

• Topical antifungal creams, lotions, shampoos, gels, or solutions
• Oral antifungal medications
• Laser treatment

The best way to keep a fungal condition at bay is to prevent it from returning. Most fungal infections thrive in warm, moist environments. Changing your socks and underwear more frequently can stop a fungal infection from growing and spreading.

If you’re struggling with returning fungal infections, talk to your provider about how to manage the recurrence. You may also want to switch to wearing open-toed shoes to keep your feet dry if you have a condition like Athlete’s foot.

Who is the best skin fungal infection specialist doctor near me in NYC?

Most common fungal conditions are itchy, painful, and uncomfortable. If you think you may have one, call Park Plaza Dermatology, or schedule an appointment online. We are fungal specialist and proud to help our New York City patients remain fungal-free.