There are two major causes of fungal infections of the skin and nails: yeast and dermatophytes.
Yeast infections of the skin and nails are generally caused by an organism called Candida albicans. This organism normally makes a quiet home for itself on your skin and doesn't bother anyone. We all carry this organism on our skin (and in other places such as our mouth, our gastrointestinal tract (gut), and the vagina).
Occasionally Candida albicans multiplies uncontrollably, causing a yeast infection (also known as candidiasis). Yeast infections of the skin can cause a red, itchy rash that may leak fluid. Yeast nail infections can lead to pain and swelling, and may cause the nail to separate from the finger or toe.
Dermatophytes are fungi that only live in dead tissue, such as your nails and dead skin cells. Dematophyte infections can also be called tinea. Dermatophyte infections of the skin can cause a round, scaly rash that may also have blisters. When dermatophytes infect the nails, the nails become thick, split, become dull, and may fall off.
Fungal skin infections may also be caused by a fungus called Pityrosporum orbiculare. These infections, also called tinea versicolor, lead to scaly patches that vary in colour from white to brown.
Fungal infections may also affect the skin of the feet. This is also known as athlete's foot. For detailed information this condition, see the article on athlete's foot on this website.
Fungal infections may also affect the vagina. This is also known as vaginitis or female yeast infection. For detailed information this condition, see the article on vaginitis on this website.
You don't catch yeast infections. The yeast is already there. A number of factors can increase the chance of the yeast growing out of control:
Dermatophyte infections are potentially contagious. You usually catch them through direct contact with another person or with an animal. You can also catch them through soil contact or contact with objects that an infected person has touched, although this is less common.
A yeast infection of the skin appears as a clearly defined patch of red, itchy skin. Sometimes this rash can leak fluid. Often small red bumps, or pustules, are also present around the edge of the rash. Scabs may appear there as well. The yeast infection will usually be found in areas such as the groin; the folds of the buttocks; between the breasts, toes, or fingers; in the diaper area; and in the navel. Yeast infections of the skin of the penis are rare but may cause the tip to be red, swollen, and painful.
A yeast infection of the nails, also called Candidal paronychia, can cause a painful red swelling of the affected area that may leak fluid later. In worse cases, the fingernail may separate, showing a discoloured white or yellow nail bed (the skin underneath the nail). This is usually a result of inflammation, and often the inflammation around the nails needs to be treated before the infection can be addressed.
Tinea versicolor skin infections lead to scaly patches that vary in colour from white to brown. The patches are usually found on the chest, stomach, or neck and may also be found on the face. The affected areas do not tan, so the infection may only be noticeable in the summer. The rash is usually not itchy.
A dermatophyte infection of the skin produces a red, scaly rash that is often round and may be clear at the centre. In more severe cases, there may also be blisters in the affected area. The rash may be itchy.
Dermatophyte nail infections cause the nails to become dull, thickened, and discoloured. Eventually the nail separates from the toe and may fall off. These infections are more common on the toenails than the fingernails.
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