Fungus loves keratin. This explains why fungus can grow on different parts of body skin.
Tinea corporis is the infection of fungus on the trunk and limbs.
Tinea unguium is the infection of fungus on nails.
Tinea cruris is the infection of fungus on the groin.
Tinea pedis is the infection of fungus on feet.
Causes:
There are different kinds of fungus causing the skin infection, namely Trichophyton rubrum, microsporum canis and trichophyton verrucosum.
It is more common in the hot tropical environment.
Infection is usually contracted by direct contact, for example using an infected person’s towel or by walking barefoot.
Symptoms and signs:
Tinea pedis-
Tinea pedis can occur together with tinea unguium.
Sometimes patients may feel itch but sometimes not.
Erosions and scaling on toe webs and soles.
Tinea corporis-
Ring like plaque may be seen on trunk.
Tinea cruris-
Scaling raised ring spreading from the groin to the inner thigh
Tinea unguium
White or yellow scaling or crumbles appear on the ends or sides or nail plates.
Treatments:
Topical antifungal and oral antifungal therapy.
Lasers can be used to kill nail fungus by the generation of heat in the infected nails. The treatment is almost painless.
General Care:
Careful drying of feet and toe webs after showering. Use porous footwear and desiccating foot powder. Kill the fungus on the floor by using diluted bleach.
Avoid occlusive and synthetic fabrics.