Fungal skin infections are common, but they are usually both treatable and preventable. They happen when fungi grow on the skin, nails, or scalp. The most common fungal skin infections are closely related but look different depending on where the infection occurs. That group includes ringworm on the body, jock itch in the groin, and athlete's foot on the feet. These infections grow easily in warm, moist environments and spread through skin-to-skin contact, contaminated surfaces, shared towels or clothing, and sometimes infected animals, especially cats and dogs. They are more likely to develop when skin stays sweaty, irritated, or trapped under tight, non-breathable clothing or shoes.

What Are Fungal Skin Infections?

Fungal skin infections are caused by fungi that feed on tissue rich in keratin, a protein our body produces that acts like a protective building material. It helps form and protect things like our skin, hair, and nails. Many common fungal skin infections are caused by a group of fungi called dermatophytes. Depending on where the infection occurs, it may be called tinea corporis (ringworm), tinea cruris (jock itch), or tinea pedis (athlete's foot).

Common Types of Fungal Skin Infections

Ringworm

Despite the name, ringworm is caused by a fungus, not a worm or other parasite. Ringworm usually causes an itchy, scaly rash that often forms a ring-shaped patch with a clearer center. For a more detailed guide on this condition, see our ringworm guide.

Jock itch

Jock itch is a fungal infection of the groin area. It is more likely to develop when the area stays warm, sweaty, and irritated. For more on symptoms, treatment, and prevention, see our jock itch guide.

Athlete's foot

Athlete's foot usually affects the skin between the toes, but it can also involve the soles or sides of the feet. It may cause itching, scaling, cracking, soreness, or even blisters in some cases. For more detail, see our athlete's foot guide.

Symptoms of Fungal Skin Infections

Symptoms vary depending on where the infection appears, but common signs include:

• Itching
• Red, darker, or discolored rash depending on skin tone
• Scaling or flaking
• Dry or cracked skin
• A ring-shaped rash in some cases
• Burning or soreness
• Blisters in some foot infections

Some fungal infections look less like a classic ring and more like patchy scaling, irritation, or peeling. That is one reason they are sometimes mistaken for eczema, chafing, or dry skin.

Causes and Risk Factors

Fungal skin infections are more likely when skin stays damp, covered, or irritated. Risk factors include:

• Sweaty skin
• Tight or non-breathable clothing
• Damp socks and shoes
• Shared towels or clothing
• Walking barefoot in communal areas
• Skin-to-skin contact with an infected person
• Contact with infected animals
• Minor skin irritation or friction

These infections can spread more easily in homes, schools, locker rooms, and other shared environments, especially when hygiene habits are inconsistent.

Treatment of Fungal Skin Infections

Many fungal skin infections can be treated with over-the-counter antifungal creams, sprays, powders, or gels. The right option depends on the location and severity of the infection. More serious, widespread, or persistent infections, as well as infections involving the scalp, beard area, or nails, may require prescription treatment in the form of topical or oral medication.

Common OTC antifungal ingredients include clotrimazole, terbinafine, and tolnaftate. These are commonly used for ringworm, jock itch, and athlete's foot. Creams are often a good fit for ringworm on the body and jock itch, while sprays can be useful for sensitive or hard-to-reach areas. Powders can be helpful for athlete's foot and other moisture-prone areas.

It is important to avoid over-the-counter steroid creams on a rash that may be ringworm, since they can make fungal infections worse.

For common fungal infections such as ringworm, athlete's foot, and jock itch, Defense Antifungal Medicated Bar Soap contains tolnaftate 1% and is proven clinically effective in the treatment of most athlete's foot, ringworm, and jock itch when used as directed. Defense Antifungal Cream contains clotrimazole 1% for topical antifungal treatment. Both are FDA-registered OTC drug products and should be used as directed.

Treatment needs to continue even after symptoms begin to improve. Stopping once the rash looks better is a common mistake. The fungus may still be present, which can allow the infection to return. Treatment should continue until the infection has fully cleared and the skin has healed.

A note on dandruff and scalp conditions

Dandruff is not a fungal infection itself, but it is closely linked to an overgrowth of a yeast called Malassezia, which is a type of fungus. This is why shampoos with ingredients like ketoconazole, selenium sulfide, and zinc pyrithione are often used to control it. These shampoos can be helpful for dandruff and seborrheic dermatitis, but true fungal infections of the scalp or beard, such as tinea capitis or tinea barbae, often require prescription treatment, especially when hair follicles are involved.

It is a good idea to see a medical professional if the rash is spreading quickly, involves the scalp or nails, does not improve with treatment, or if you are unsure whether it is fungal at all.

How to Help Prevent Fungal Skin Infections

Prevention comes down to reducing moisture, limiting spread, and treating problems early. The same habits that protect you from one fungal infection generally protect against others, since ringworm, jock itch, and athlete's foot are caused by the same group of fungi. Consistency matters more than any single step.

• Keep skin clean and dry. Regular washing removes sweat and reduces the conditions that allow fungi to grow. Defense Bar Soap and Defense Shower Gel are built around pharmaceutical-grade tea tree and eucalyptus essential oils and support a consistent post-training or daily cleansing routine.
• Dry thoroughly after showering, especially skin folds and between the toes. Moisture left in those areas is one of the most common contributors to fungal overgrowth.
• Change socks and underwear daily. Damp fabric against skin for extended periods creates exactly the environment fungi need to grow.
• Change out of sweaty clothes promptly. Do not sit in damp workout clothes longer than necessary.
• Do not share towels, shoes, razors, or clothing. Shared personal items are a common transmission route for fungal infections.
• Wear footwear in shared showers or locker rooms. Barefoot contact with contaminated floors is one of the primary ways athlete's foot spreads.
• Wash towels and clothing regularly. Reusing contaminated items can reintroduce fungi to skin that has already cleared.
• Follow treatment directions fully if an infection develops. Stopping treatment early is one of the most common reasons fungal infections return.

Athletes and people in close-contact sports environments face additional risk factors for fungal skin infections, including mat burns, shared gear, and prolonged skin-to-skin contact. For a prevention guide specific to that context, see How to Prevent Skin Infections in Combat Sports.

When to Seek Medical Advice

Get medical advice if:

• The rash is worsening or spreading
• The infection involves the scalp, beard area, or nails
• There is pain, swelling, drainage, or crusting
• The rash does not improve with appropriate antifungal treatment
• You are not sure the rash is actually fungal

This article is for educational purposes only and is not medical advice. For diagnosis or treatment guidance, consult a qualified healthcare professional. See our full disclaimer.