Yeast and fungus like warm, moist environments to grow. Classically, a fungal infection will be a circular red patch with an outside rim of scale (ringworm or tinea corporis). It can occur on many different parts of the body. When it infects the groin area it is called jock itch (tinea cruris). Pre-puberty aged children can get scalp fungal infection (tinea capitis). Athlete’s foot (tinea pedis) is a fungal infection between the toes and on the bottom of the foot. Fungi can also infect nails – more commonly toenails rather than fingernails (onychomycosis). Tinea versicolor is another common fungal infection and is seen mostly in teens and young adults. It causes small lighter patches on tanned skin typically on the chest and back.

Treatment: anti-fungal shampoos, lotions, creams and nail polish (over-the-counter and prescription) and anti-fungal pills.