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Fungal Conditions in NYC
Park Plaza Dermatology: Dr. Pinkas E. Lebovits MD, PC
Medical, Surgical and Cosmetic Dermatology located in Midtown Manhattan, New York, NY & Manhattan, New York, NY
Fungal infections can appear anywhere on the body, including the skin. At Park Plaza Dermatology in New York City’s Midtown Manhattan, the team of NYC dermatologists, led by practice founder Pinkas Lebovits, MD, PC, can examine your skin to determine whether you have a fungal infection and clear it up with the appropriate treatment. If you want to schedule a visit, call the office or book online today.
Medically Reviewed by
Pinkas E. Lebovits, MD
Founder, Park Plaza Dermatology
Medical, Surgical & Cosmetic Dermatology
What is a Fungal Condition?
A fungal condition is an infection caused by a fungus, a type of organism that includes molds, mildew, and mushrooms. These fungi exist in various environments, such as air, soil, water, plants, and even within the human body. Although most fungi are harmless, they can release spores that settle on your skin and lead to infection.
Common Types of Fungal Conditions
Tinea Versicolor
A frequent fungal condition that affects the upper body, including the scalp.
Often referred to as “beach fungus,” this condition starts as pink or brown scaly patches on the trunk or neck. It results in pale, discolored areas on the skin, especially after sun exposure. Tinea versicolor is prevalent in young adults and becomes more noticeable in hot, humid climates, especially in summer and fall.
Athlete's Foot
Also known as tinea pedis, Athlete’s foot is a fungal infection of the feet that causes itchiness, redness, peeling, and a burning sensation.
This fungus thrives in warm, moist environments such as swimming pools, tight-fitting shoes, public showers, and locker rooms.
Yeast Infection
Candida causes a yeast infection (cutaneous candidiasis) when the yeast grows excessively on the skin, leading to a red, itchy, and scaly rash.
Ringworm
Known as tinea corporis, ringworm is a fungal skin infection characterized by a red, ring-shaped core.
Jock Itch
Tinea cruris, or jock itch, is a red, itchy, ring-like rash that affects the inner thighs, buttocks, or genital area. It is more common in warm, humid conditions.
Recognizing Symptoms of Fungal Skin Conditions
While symptoms may vary depending on the type of fungal infection, some of the most common signs include:
- Redness
- Peeling skin
- Skin rash
- Itchiness
- Cracked skin
- Ring-shaped sores
- Stinging or burning sensation
- Scaly skin
- Blisters or sores
- Discolored nails
- Crumbly nails
Effective Treatments for Fungal Conditions
At Park Plaza Dermatology, we can determine the best treatment for your fungal infection after assessing your skin. Depending on the diagnosis, we offer a range of treatment options, including:
Topical Antifungal Treatments
Topical Antifungal Treatments may consist of creams, lotions, shampoos, gels, or solutions applied directly to the affected skin.
Oral Antifungal Medications
Pills are used to treat more severe fungal infections.
Laser Treatment
Advanced laser therapies aimed at treating stubborn fungal infections, particularly those affecting nails.
Frequently Asked Questions
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
