Medicines for Fungal skin infections

What it is

Fungal skin infections happen when fungi, most often a group called dermatophytes, grow in the warm, moist outer layers of the skin, nails or hair. They go by different everyday names depending on where they appear: athlete’s foot between the toes, ringworm (a red, often ring-shaped patch) on the body or groin, and fungal infections of the nails or scalp. Despite the name, ringworm is not a worm. These infections are very common, generally not serious in otherwise healthy people, and spread easily through direct contact, shared towels, changing-room floors and damp footwear. They tend to itch, flake or redden, and nail infections can thicken and discolour the nail. They are more likely, and sometimes harder to clear, in people with diabetes, a weakened immune system, or skin that stays damp.

How it is treated

Most fungal skin infections are treated from the outside in, with an antifungal applied directly to the affected skin, which is enough for typical athlete’s foot, ringworm and groin infections. Treatment is continued for a period after the skin looks better, because stopping too early is a common reason the infection returns. Antifungal tablets are reserved for infections that creams cannot reach or clear: fungal nail infections, scalp infections, widespread or recurrent infection, and cases in people whose immune system is weakened. The choice of agent and form is matched to the site and severity, and keeping the area clean and dry is part of the treatment rather than an afterthought. Confirming the diagnosis — sometimes with a skin or nail sample — matters before committing to a long course of tablets.