Normal fungus lives on our skin and protects us from other harmful bacteria and fungus. Sometimes this fungus overgrows and results in an infection called tinea versicolor. Tinea versicolor affects the chest and back of athletic adults, as the fungus feeds on sweat. It typically appears as pink, white, scaly areas on the chest and back. It may be itchy. You will be prescribe topical creams and washes to treat this rash. Occasionally, oral medication may be needed for deeper fungal infections.
What is tinea versicolor?
Also called pityriasis versicolor
We all have yeast living on our skin. When yeast grows out of control, a person can get a skin disease called tinea versicolor.
Your dermatologist may tell you that you have a fungal infection on your skin. Yeast is a type of fungus.
Many people get tinea versicolor. It is one of the most common skin diseases in tropical and subtropical areas of the world. People who live in tropical areas may have tinea versicolor year-round.
Tinea versicolor
It is not harmful, but many people dislike the way it discolors their skin.
What are the signs of tinea versicolor?
The first sign of tinea versicolor is often spots on the skin. These spots may:
Be lighter (or darker) than your surrounding skin; the color of the spots can be white, pink, salmon, red, tan, or brown
Appear anywhere on the body
Be dry and scaly
Cause the affected skin to itch
Become more noticeable when you have a tan (the yeast prevents the skin from tanning)
Grow slowly
Grow together, forming patches of lighter (or darker) skin
Disappear when the temperature drops and return in the spring or summer when the air turns warm and humid
Sometimes the spots are so faint that people do not realize they have tinea versicolor. If tinea versicolor causes light spots on the skin, it can be mistaken for vitiligo. Vitiligo is a skin disease that causes the skin to lose its natural color.
Who gets tinea versicolor?
The yeast that causes tinea versicolor lives on everyone's skin. It is not clear why the yeast overgrows on some people's skin and not others. We do know the following about tinea versicolor:
People of all skin colors get it
Teens and young adults are most susceptible because they have oily skin
Older adults and children rarely get it unless they live in a tropical or subtropical area
People who live in non-tropical areas often see tinea versicolor disappear during the cool, dry months
What causes tinea versicolor?
Yeast normally live on our skin. When the yeast overgrows, it causes the skin disease tinea versicolor. It is believed that the following can cause the yeast to overgrow:
Hot, humid weather
Lots of sweating
Oily skin
A weakened immune system
How do dermatologists diagnose tinea versicolor?
A dermatologist can often look at the skin and tell whether a patient has tinea versicolor. If there is any doubt, the dermatologist will do one of the following to make an accurate diagnosis:
Scrape off a bit of the skin. This will be examined under a microscope.
Look at the skin with a special device called a Wood's lamp. The dermatologist will hold the Wood's lamp about 4 or 5 inches from the affected skin. If the patient has tinea versicolor, the affected skin appears yellowish green in color when looked at with this lamp.
How do dermatologists treat tinea versicolor?
What a dermatologist prescribes depends on several things. These include where the tinea versicolor appears on your body, how much skin has tinea versicolor, how thick the spots have grown, and the climate.
Treatment for tinea versicolor may include the following.
Medicine applied to the skin: This is the most common treatment. There are anti-fungal shampoos, soaps, creams, and lotions that can keep the yeast under control. The active ingredient in these medicines is often selenium sulfide, ketoconazole, or pyrithione zinc.
Medicated cleansers: Tinea versicolor often returns, especially when a person lives in a place that is warm and humid. Using a medicated cleanser once or twice a month, especially during warm and humid periods, can prevent the yeast from overgrowing again.
Anti-fungal pills: A dermatologist may prescribe these pills if the tinea versicolor covers a large area of the body, is thick, or often returns after it is treated. These pills are taken for a short time. During this time, your dermatologist will monitor you.
Outcome
With treatment, the yeast is easy to kill. However, the skin may stay lighter (or darker) for weeks or months. The skin will eventually return to its normal color. To help even out your skin tone, you should protect your skin from the sun and not tan.
Tinea versicolor can return. When the air outdoors is warm and humid, the yeast can quickly grow out of control. Some people who live in a tropical climate may need to use a medicated cleanser year round to prevent the yeast from overgrowing. People who live in an area that becomes warm and moist each spring may see tinea versicolor return every year.
If tinea versicolor is mild, you may be able to treat it yourself. There are anti-fungal products that you can buy without a prescription. These include:
Shampoo that contains selenium sulfide
Anti-fungal cream or ointment that contains miconazole, clotrimazole, or terbinafine
When using these products, dermatologists recommend the following:
Wash and dry the affected skin
Apply a thin layer of the anti-fungal cream or ointment. Do this once or twice a day for at least two weeks
When using a shampoo, leave it on your scalp for 5 to 10 minutes before rinsing
Some people need stronger medicine, so they see a dermatologist. Whether you decide to self-treat or see a dermatologist, these tips can help you get better results:
Stop using skin care products that are oily. Use products that are oil-free. The label may also read "non-comedogenic."
Wear loose clothes. Nothing should feel tight.
Protect your skin from the sun. A tan makes tinea versicolor easier to see.
Do not use a tanning bed or sun lamp. Again, a tan makes tinea versicolor easier to see.
How to protect your skin from the sun
To get the best results, you need to protect your skin from the sun. To do this, you should apply sunscreen every day. Be sure to apply the sunscreen 20 minutes before you go outside. And apply it to all skin that will not be covered by clothing. Make sure to use a sunscreen that offers:
UVA and UVB protection (label may say broad-spectrum)
Sun Protection Factor (SPF) of 30 or higher
Non-greasy formula (label may read "oil-free" or "non-comedogenic")
Tinea corporis, capitis, and cruris
There are other forms of fungus that are not normally found on the human body- instead they may be picked up from a pet or by touching a warm, moist area infected with fungus (locker rooms, etc). Tinea capitis is a fungal scalp infection, most commonly found in children. Other fungal rashes can be found in the warm folds of the body- this is known as “intertrigo.”
Tinea Pedis or “Athlete’s Foot”
Foot fungus, or athlete’s foot, is scientifically referred to as tinea pedis. Signs of athlete’s foot include red, scaly patches on the bottom and sides of the foot, cracks between the toes, and sometime small little blisters.
What is ringworm?
If you have ringworm, you may think you have worms in your skin or a disease caused by worms. You have neither. Ringworm is actually a skin infection caused by fungus. No worms involved.
The name “ringworm” probably comes from the rash that many people see. On the skin, the rash often has a ring-shaped pattern and a raised, scaly border that snakes its way around the edge like a worm.
Ringworm
A rash with a raised, wavy border is a common sign of ringworm.
Ringworm is common. You’ve already had it if you had:
Athlete’s foot
Jock itch
Scalp ringworm
Ringworm can appear on just about any part of your body. On the palms, soles, scalp, groin, and nails, the rash lacks the ring-shaped pattern. On the soles and groin, ringworm also has a different name.
Part of the bodyNameMedical nameSkinRingwormTinea corporisFeet (soles)Athlete's footTinea pedisHands (palms)RingwormTinea manuumGroin areaJock itchTinea cruris NailsNail infection Tinea unguium or onychomycosis
No matter where ringworm appears on the body, treatment is important. Without treatment, the rash tends to grow slowly and cover a larger area. You can also infect other areas of your body.
Treatment can get rid of the ringworm and stop the itch, which can be intense. Because ringworm is contagious, treatment can also prevent you from spreading it to others.
IS IT RINGWORM?
What do athlete’s foot, jock itch, and barber’s itch all have in common? They are all cases of ringworm. However, despite its name, ringworm is a skin infection caused by a fungus, not a worm. It is very common, and your risk increases in hot, humid weather.
What are the signs and symptoms of ringworm?
Ringworm is an infection caused by fungus. You can get ringworm anywhere on your skin.
On most areas of the skin, it causes ring-shaped patches. What you see, however, changes when ringworm grows on the feet (bottoms and sides), palms, nails, groin, beard area, or scalp.
Skin with ringworm infection
Roundish, flat patches that have a raised, scaly border
On light-colored skin, the patches tend to be red or pink
On skin of color, the patches are usually brown or gray
Patches can grow slowly, increasing in size and appearing on more areas of the body
The center of a patch tends to clear first
The patches can be intensely itchy
Ringworm infection on the skin
A ringworm infection on the skin is indicated by roundish, flat patches that have a raised, scaly border.
Feet with ringworm infection (athlete's foot)
Itching, burning, and stinging on your soles and between your toes
Dry, scaly skin that usually begins between the toes and can spread to the bottom of the feet, sides, or both
Peeling skin
Blisters, painful cracking skin, bleeding, and thick patches of red and scaly skin
Skin between the toes turns white, becoming soft and mushy
Foul odor
Rash on one or both hands because touching the infected foot can spread the infection to your hands
Ringworm infection between the toes
Signs of a ringworm infection on the feet can be indicated by itching, burning, and stinging on your soles and between your toes.
Ringworm infection on the sole of foot
Dry, scaly skin that usually begins between the toes can spread to the bottom of the feet, sides, or both.
Hand with ringworm infection
Widespread, dry skin on the palm
Deep cracks on the palms
Infection may spread to the fingernails (see nails below)
Can be mistaken for extremely dry skin or dry, thick skin due to working with hands
Ring-shaped patches on the back of the hand
May get athlete’s foot from touching your feet
Ringworm infection on the hand
Signs of a ringworm infection on the hands can be widespread, with dry skin and deep cracks on the palm. There may also be ring-shaped patches on the back of the hand.
Nails with ringworm infection
Can infect one or several nails
Begins with thickening of the tissue under the nail (nail bed)
Nails discolor and thicken
Thickened nails may start to lift away from the nail bed
Crumbling nails
Disappearing nails (in time, you see less of the nails)
Toenails more likely than fingernails to become infected
Often develops in people who have athlete’s foot for a long time
Nails with ringworm infection
Signs of a ringworm infection on the nails begins with thickening of the tissue under the nail. Nails will also discolor and may start to lift away from the nail bed.
Ringworm infection on several nails
A ringworm infection can infect several nails.
Groin with ringworm infection (jock itch)
First sign: A red (brown or gray in dark skin) rash with swelling and itch in the crease where the leg meets the body
Rash spreads to the groin then slowly reaches the inner thigh (shown here), waist, and buttocks
Infected skin often feels scaly and has a raised border
Skin can flake, peel, and crack
Infected skin can be intensely itchy and painful, but not always
Groin with ringworm infection
The first sign of a ringworm infection in the groin is a red (brown or gray in dark skin) rash with swelling and itch in the crease where the leg meets the body.
Beard area with ringworm infection
This develops in men who can grow facial hair. Most men get it when they have contact with infected animal, which may explain why farmers and ranchers seem to develop it more often. Signs and symptoms appear on the bearded area of the face and neck, and you may notice:
Intense redness and swelling
Pus-filled bumps
Hair loss (hair often returns when ringworm is treated)
Swollen lymph nodes
Raw, open skin
Raised soft, spongy skin that weeps fluid
A skin problem that looks like acne, folliculitis, or another skin condition
Some men feel tired and rundown
Beard area with ringworm infection
A ringworm infection can develop in men who can grow facial hair. Signs appear on the bearded area of the face and neck.
Scalp ringworm
A scaly bald patch
Widespread baldness with thick, crusty patches on the scalp
Black dots in the bald area
Open sores oozing pus
Raised soft, spongy, inflamed area
Swollen lymph nodes
Intense itch
Scalp ringworm
Signs of a ringworm infection on the scalp can include widespread scaly patches, in addition to baldness with thick, crusty patches on the scalp.
If you notice any of these signs or symptoms, you should see a dermatologist. You could have ringworm or another type of skin infection. Treatment can cure a skin infection.
Who gets ringworm?
People around the world develop ringworm, and anyone can get it.
Your risk of getting ringworm increases if you:
Live in a tropical area
Spend time in hot, humid weather
Sweat heavily
Wrestle, play football, or participate in another contact sport
Live in close contact with others, such as in military housing
Share towels, clothes, razors, and other things without disinfecting (razors) or washing (clothes and towels) them
Are obese
Have diabetes
Wear clothing that chafes your skin
Use a locker room or pool and don’t wash and dry your feet well before putting on shoes and socks
Having HIV does not increase your risk of getting ringworm
If you are HIV-positive and get ringworm, however, the ringworm can be more severe and difficult to get rid of.
Athletes tend to get ringworm because they often have sweaty bodies and may have close physical contact with other athletes. Two types of ringworm, athlete’s foot and jock itch, are especially common in athletes.
You don’t have to be an athlete, however, to get ringworm. Anyone who has damp or sweaty feet can get athlete’s foot. Sweating a lot in the groin area can lead to jock itch.
Head-to-head contact can spread scalp ringworm
Children get scalp ringworm, which is rare in adults. The other types of ringworm are more common in adults.
What causes ringworm?
Certain types of fungi (plural of fungus) cause ringworm. These fungi thrive where it’s warm and humid. Ringworm is common in tropical areas and during hot, humid summers. It flourishes in warm, moist locker rooms and indoor pools.
You can also get ringworm when the weather is cool because ringworm is extremely contagious.
It's possible to get ringworm from:
Having skin-to-skin contact with someone who has it
Petting an animal like a dog, cat, or farm animal infected with ringworm
Touching soil infected with ringworm
Using an infected object like a phone, comb, or towel
The fungi that cause ringworm can live on any infected object, including clothing, brushes, and sports equipment for a long time.
How do dermatologists diagnose ringworm?
A dermatologist can often tell if you have ringworm by looking at the infected area.
Your dermatologist may also examine other areas of your body. It’s common to have athlete’s foot and ringworm on one or both hands. Sometimes, the infection spreads to one or more nails.
Before giving you the diagnosis, your dermatologist may send a bit of the infected skin, hair, or nail to a laboratory.
Taking a sample is easy. If you might have ringworm on your skin, your dermatologist will scrape off a bit of the infected skin. When it looks like you have ringworm on your scalp or beard area, your dermatologist may remove some hair. To find out if you have ringworm on a nail, your dermatologist will clip off a bit of nail and remove some debris from under the nail.
By looking at the sample under a microscope, a doctor can see if it contains any of the fungi that cause ringworm.
How do dermatologists treat ringworm?
If you have ringworm, your dermatologist will treat it with antifungal medicine. This medicine comes in many different forms like creams, ointments, and pills. What you use will depend on the area of the body that needs treatment.
Skin: An antifungal ointment or cream often clears ringworm on the skin. Most of these medicines you apply twice a day for two to four weeks. Many of these approved medicines are safe and effective for children.
If the ringworm covers a large area of skin, you may need to take a prescription antifungal medicine.
When the ringworm starts to clear, you’ll likely see the scale clear before the redness.
Be sure to wash your hands
Washing your hands after treating ringworm helps stop the disease from spreading to other areas of your body.
Athlete’s foot: An antifungal cream or spray that you buy without a prescription may clear athlete’s foot. A mild case usually clears in two weeks.
If the athlete’s foot is more severe or fails to clear in two weeks, a dermatologist can prescribe stronger medicine.
Jock itch: To treat this type of ringworm, your dermatologist may recommend an antifungal cream, spray, or powder that you can buy without a prescription. You typically apply the antifungal twice a day for 10 to 14 days.
To treat the itch, it often helps to apply a wet, cool washcloth to the area for 20 to 30 minutes. You may need to apply cool compresses 2 to 6 times a day.
When washing the infected area or applying a cool compress, be sure to use a clean washcloth every time and use it only on the jock itch. Before using the washcloth again, you’ll want to wash it in hot, sudsy water to kill the fungus. Ringworm can survive on objects for a long time.
If the jock itch fails to clear with at-home treatment, be sure to tell your dermatologist. You may need stronger medicine.
Scalp: On the scalp, ringworm requires prescription medicine.
Children who have scalp ringworm often receive a medicine called griseofulvin. Your dermatologist may prescribe the tablets, capsules, or liquid. Sometimes, another prescription medicine is prescribed.
It is important to take an antifungal medicine exactly as prescribed, and for as long as prescribed. The ringworm may fail to clear if you stop taking it sooner than prescribed. This can make it more difficult to get rid of the ringworm.
Clearing scalp ringworm also often requires using an antifungal shampoo. In fact, everyone with whom the infected person lives needs to use an antifungal shampoo. Scalp ringworm is extremely contagious. When everyone uses antifungal shampoo, this helps prevent family members from infecting each other.
It's important to apply (or take) antifungal medicine for as long as prescribed
Stopping early may fail to clear the infection. This can make ringworm harder to treat.
Hands: You may be able to clear a mild case with an antifungal cream. Often stronger antifungal medicine like terbinafine or itraconazole is necessary. If the ringworm has spread to a fingernail, you will need to take an antifungal medicine to get rid of the infection.
Nails: You need prescription medicine to clear ringworm from the nails. Because nails grow slowly, ringworm will take time to clear. It’s important to keep all follow-up appointments with your dermatologist.
You may also need to follow preventive measures to avoid reinfection.
Beard: Ringworm in the beard area requires prescription antifungal medicine and a tailor-made treatment plan. Your dermatologist may need to remove unhealthy tissue to help the area heal. You’ll also need to shave the infected hair.
Treat ringworm everywhere on your body
To clear ringworm, you must treat it everywhere on your body at the same time.
What is the outcome for someone who has ringworm?
Antifungal medicine can clear ringworm from every area of the body. In some areas like the nails and hands, clearing takes time. It’s important to follow your dermatologist’s treatment plan and keep all follow-up appointments.
When treating a ringworm infection, it’s important to use an anti-fungal medicine. To get the best results and prevent the infection from spreading to other areas of your body, dermatologists recommend the following:
Treat the area for as long as recommended. Anti-fungal medicine may work quickly. You may see clearing or no longer feel symptoms in a few days.
After touching the area with ringworm, wash your hands before touching another area of your body. Touching or scratching the area with ringworm and then touching another area can spread ringworm from one part of your body to another. Washing your hands well can help prevent this.
Keep the infected area clean and dry. The fungus that causes ringworm thrives in warm, moist areas, so you want keep the area clean and dry.
Keep the area clean and dry
Using a different towel to dry off the area infected by ringworm can improve treatment results.
Treat all ringworm at the same time. If you have athlete’s foot and ringworm on your hands, it’s important to treat both your feet and hands. If you treat only one area, you’ll still have a ringworm infection. The infection can quickly spread to other areas again.
Change your clothes, including underwear and socks, every day. Wash the clothes before wearing them again. This includes clothes you wear to work out.
Shower after working out. Fungi thrive in moist, warm areas. You want to wash away perspiration and keep the area dry.
Avoid sharing towels and other personal items. You can easily spread ringworm to others by sharing towels, hats, combs, and other personal items. The fungi can survive on objects for a long time.
Wear shower thongs or waterproof shoes in locker rooms, showers that others use, and pool areas. If you have athlete’s foot, this helps prevent spreading it to others. It also gives you some protection if someone else has ringworm.
Disinfect or throw out infected items. The fungi that cause ringworm can survive for a long time.
If you suspect your pet has ringworm, take the animal to your vet. It’s possible to catch ringworm from an animal. Dogs, cats, and other animals can pass ringworm to humans. Just as there are effective treatments for people, there are effective ringworm treatments for pets.
If treatment fails to clear the rash, tell your dermatologist. Virtually every case of ringworm can be successfully treated.
Keep all follow-up appointments with your dermatologist. Ringworm often clears with the first treatment a dermatologist prescribes. Sometimes, ringworm can be stubborn or patients unknowingly do something that prevents the treatment from working. For these reasons, it best to keep follow-up appointments.
After ringworm clears, it’s possible to get it again. Ringworm is very contagious. You can, however, reduce your risk.