Fungus

BIOLOGY

Alternative Titles: fungi, Fungi

WRITTEN BY: David Moore, Vernon Ahmadjian, Constantine John Alexopoulos

fungus, plural fungi, any of about 99,000 known species of organisms of the kingdom Fungi,
which includes the yeasts, rusts, smuts, mildews, molds, and mushrooms. There are also many
funguslike organisms, including slime molds and oomycetes (water molds), that do not belong to
kingdom Fungi but are often called fungi. Many of these funguslike organisms are included in the
kingdom Chromista. Fungi are among the most widely distributed organisms on Earth and are of
great environmental and medical importance. Many fungi are free-living in soil or water; others
form parasitic or symbiotic relationships with plants or animals.

Fungi are eukaryotic organisms; i.e., their cells contain membrane-bound organelles and clearly
defined nuclei. Historically, fungi were included in the plant kingdom; however, because fungi
lack chlorophyll and are distinguished by unique structural and physiological features (i.e.,
components of the cell wall and cell membrane), they have been separated from plants. In
addition, fungi are clearly distinguished from all other living organisms, including animals, by their
principal modes of vegetative growth and nutrient intake. Fungi grow from the tips of filaments
(hyphae) that make up the bodies of the organisms (mycelia), and they digest organic matter
externally before absorbing it into their mycelia.

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Skin Problems and Treatments Guide

Fungal Infections of the Skin

Fungal infections of the skin are very common and include athlete's foot, jock itch, ringworm,
and yeast infections.

Athlete's Foot

Picture of Ringworm of the Foot (Tinea Pedis)Athlete's foot, also called tinea pedis, is a fungal
infection of the foot. It causes peeling, redness, itching, burning, and sometimes blisters and
sores.

Athlete's foot is a very common infection. The fungus grows best in a warm, moist environment
such as shoes, socks, swimming pools, locker rooms, and the floors of public showers. It is most
common in the summer and in warm, humid climates. It occurs more often in people who wear
tight shoes and who use community baths and pools.
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What Causes Athlete's Foot?

Athlete's foot is caused by a microscopic fungus that lives on dead tissue of the hair, toenails, and
outer skin layers. There are at least four kinds of fungus that can cause athlete's foot. The most
common of these fungi is trichophyton rubrum.

What Are the Symptoms of Athlete's Foot?

Signs and symptoms of athlete's foot vary from person to person. However, common symptoms
include:

Peeling, cracking, and scaling of the feet

Redness, blisters, or softening and breaking down of the skin

Itching, burning, or both

Types of Athlete's Foot

Interdigital: Also called toe web infection, this is the most common kind of athlete's foot. It
usually occurs between the two smallest toes. This form of athlete's foot can cause itching,
burning, and scaling and the infection can spread to the sole of the foot.

Moccasin: A moccasin-type infection of athlete's foot can begin with a minor irritation, dryness,
itching, or scaly skin. As it develops, the skin may thicken and crack. This infection can involve the
entire sole of the foot and extend onto the sides of the foot.

Vesicular: This is the least common kind of athlete's foot. The condition usually begins with a
sudden outbreak of fluid-filled blisters under the skin. Most often, the blisters develop on the
underside of the foot. However, they also can appear between the toes, on the heel, or on the
top of the foot.

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How Is Athlete's Foot Diagnosed?

Not all itchy, scaly feet have athlete's foot. The best way to diagnose the infection is to have your
doctor scrape the skin and examine the scales under a microscope for evidence of fungus.

How Is Athlete's Foot Treated?

Athlete's foot is treated with topical antifungal medication (a drug placed directly on the skin) in
most cases. Severe cases may require oral drugs (those taken by mouth). The feet must be kept
clean and dry since the fungus thrives in moist environments.

How Is Athlete's Foot Prevented?

Steps to prevent athlete's foot include wearing shower sandals in public showering areas,
wearing shoes that allow the feet to breathe, and daily washing of the feet with soap and water.
Drying the feet thoroughly and using a quality foot powder can also help prevent athlete's foot.

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Jock Itch

Jock itch, also called tinea cruris, is a common skin infection that is caused by a type of fungus
called tinea. The fungus thrives in warm, moist areas of the body and as a result, infection can
affect the genitals, inner thighs, and buttocks. Infections occur more frequently in the summer or
in warm, wet climates.

Jock itch appears as a red, itchy rash that is often ring-shaped.

Is Jock Itch Contagious?

Jock itch is only mildly contagious. The condition can be spread from person to person through
direct contact or indirectly from objects carrying the fungus.

What Are the Symptoms of Jock Itch?

Symptoms of jock itch include:

Itching, chafing, or burning in the groin or thigh

A circular, red, raised rash with elevated edges

Redness in the groin or thigh

Flaking, peeling, or cracking skin

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How Is Jock Itch Diagnosed?

In most cases, jock itch can be diagnosed based on the appearance and location of the rash. If
you are not certain that the condition is jock itch, contact your doctor. The doctor will ask about
your symptoms and medical history, and will perform a physical exam. A microscopic exam of the
scales of skin can confirm the diagnosis.

How Is Jock Itch Treated?

In most cases, treatment of jock itch involves keeping the affected area clean and dry and
applying topical antifungal medications. Jock itch usually responds to over-the-counter antifungal
creams and sprays. However, prescription antifungal creams are sometimes necessary. During
treatment of jock itch, be sure to:

Wash and dry the affected area with a clean towel

Apply the antifungal cream, powder, or spray as directed

Change clothes -- especially underwear -- everyday

Ringworm

Ringworm, also called tinea corporis, is not a worm, but a fungal infection of the skin. It can
appear anywhere on the body and it looks like a circular, red, flat sore. It is often accompanied by
scaly skin. The outer part of the sore can be raised while the skin in the middle appears normal.
Ringworm can be unsightly, but it is usually not a serious condition.

Is Ringworm Contagious?

Ringworm can spread by direct contact with infected people or animals. It also may be spread on
clothing or furniture. Heat and humidity may help to spread the infection.

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What Are the Symptoms of Ringworm?

Ringworm appears as a red, circular, flat sore that is sometimes accompanied by scaly skin. There
may be more than one patch of ringworm on the skin, and patches or red rings of rash may
overlap. It is possible to have ringworm without having the common red ring of rash.

How Is Ringworm Diagnosed?

A doctor can diagnose ringworm based on the appearance of the rash or reported symptoms. He
or she will ask about possible exposure to people or animals with ringworm. The doctor may take
skin scrapings or samples from the infected area and look at them under a microscope to confirm
the diagnosis.

How Is Ringworm Treated?

Treatment for ringworm usually consists of antifungal medications that are applied to the skin.
Many ringworm infections respond well to over-the-counter creams, including:
Lamisil

Micatin, Monistat-Derm

Lotrimin, Mycelex

Prescription topical or oral drugs can be prescribed for more severe cases of ringworm.

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Yeast Infections

Yeast infections of the skin are called cutaneous candidiasis and are caused by yeast-like fungi
called candida. They occur when yeast on the skin grows more actively and causes a red, scaling,
itchy rash on the skin. Yeast infections are not contagious.

Yeast infections may affect nearly any skin surface on the body, but are most likely to occur in
warm, moist, creased areas including the armpits and the groin. Candida infection is especially
common among people who are obese or who have diabetes. People taking antibiotics are also
at risk.

Candida can cause diaper rash in infants and can cause infections of the nail. Oral thrush is a
form of candida infection that is found in the mouth. Candida also causes vaginal yeast
infections.

What Are the Symptoms of a Yeast Infection?

Signs of yeast infection in skin folds include:

Rash

Patches that ooze clear fluid

Pimple-like bumps

Itching or burning
Signs of yeast infection in the nail beds include:

Swelling

Pain

Pus

White or yellow nail that separates from the nail bed

Signs of thrush (yeast infection of the mouth) include:

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White patches on tongue and inside of the cheeks

Pain

Signs of vaginal yeast infection include:

White or yellow discharge from the vagina

Itching

Redness in the external area of the vagina

Burning

How Are Yeast Infections Diagnosed?

In diagnosing a yeast infection, your doctor will need to take a medical history and do a physical
exam. Your doctor may scrape the skin to confirm the diagnosis under a microscope.

How Are Yeast Infections Treated?

Yeast infection treatment depends on the specific kind of infection that is being treated. Skin
yeast infections are highly treatable with medicated creams. Medicated suppositories may be
used to treat yeast infections in the vagina. Thrush may be treated with a medicated mouthwash
or lozenges that dissolve in the mouth. Severe infections or infections in someone with a
compromised immune system may be treated with oral anti-yeast medications.
WebMD Medical Reference

Reviewed by William Blahd, MD on September 04, 2016

Sources

© 2016 WebMD, LLC. All rights reserved.

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