Patient education: Ringworm, athlete's foot, and jock itch (The Basics)

What are ringworm, athlete's foot, and jock itch? — These are all skin infections caused by a fungus. These types of fungal infections are also called "tinea."

Some people call these fungal infections "ringworm." This is because they often cause a ring-shaped, red, itchy rash on the skin (picture 1). But a ring-shaped rash is not always there. Depending on where the infection is, it can look different:

●People with athlete's foot might instead have moist, raw skin between their toes, or flaking skin on the bottoms of their feet (picture 2 and picture 3).

●People with jock itch often just have a rash on their groin. It usually starts in the fold where the thigh meets the groin area.

●Sometimes, especially in children, the fungus can infect the scalp. On the scalp, the infection can look like a bald spot or a round flaky patch of skin (picture 4 and picture 5).

How did I get a fungal infection? — You can catch fungal infections through skin-to-skin contact with a person who is infected. You can also catch them from an infected dog or cat.

You can also get the infections from places where the fungus might be, such as:

●A shower stall

●A locker room floor

●The area near a pool

If you have a fungal infection on 1 part of your body, you can also spread it to other parts. For instance, a fungal infection on your feet could spread to your groin.

How are fungal infections treated? — The treatment for a fungal infection depends on which body part is affected:

●If you have a fungal infection on your scalp, you must take pills to kill the fungus. Treatment for scalp infections usually lasts 1 to 3 months.

●If you have a fungal infection on your feet, groin, or another body part, most of the time, you will not need pills. Instead, you can use a special gel, cream, lotion, or powder to kill the fungus. Treatment with these products lasts 2 to 4 weeks.

●If you have a fungal infection on your groin and on your feet, you must treat both infections at the same time. If you don't, the infection on your feet can spread to your groin again.

What problems should I watch for? — If you are being treated for a fungal infection, call your doctor or nurse for advice if:

●Your fungal infection spreads.

●You have any of the following symptoms:

•Fever of 100.4°F (38°C) or higher

•Chills

•Swelling, redness, or warmth around the infected area

•Pain when touching the area

●Your fungal infection doesn't go away after treatment.

How do I keep from getting a fungal infection again? — If someone in your home has had a fungal infection on their scalp:

●Get rid of any combs, brushes, barrettes, or other hair products that could have the fungus on them.

●Make sure that a doctor or nurse checks everyone in the house for a fungal infection on the scalp. The doctor or nurse might also suggest that everyone else in the house use an antifungal shampoo for a few weeks.

●If the fungal infection might have come from a pet, have the pet checked by a vet.

Some other general tips to prevent fungal infections:

●Do not share unwashed clothes, sports gear, or towels with other people.

●Always wear slippers or sandals when at the gym, pool, or other public areas. This includes public showers.

●Change your socks and underwear at least once a day.

●Keep your skin clean and dry. Always dry yourself well after swimming or showering.

More on this topic

Patient education: Ringworm (including athlete's foot and jock itch) (Beyond the Basics)