Dermatomycosis:
Fungal infections of the skin and nails

Fungi can cause numerous diseases. Most commonly, these are superficial infections that affect the skin and its appendages. Dermatomycoses, as these fungal diseases are referred to in medical terminology, are usually harmless, but they can cause unpleasant symptoms and, without treatment, develop into serious conditions. They are also highly contagious, as any affected skin flake can trigger infections.

Transmission of skin fungus.
From person to person.

Skin fungus is among the most common infectious diseases in our latitudes. It is not a single clinical picture, but rather an umbrella term for various fungal infections of the skin. What they all have in common is that transmission occurs from person to person—either through direct body contact or via contaminated objects such as clothing, shoes, bath mats and carpets. In addition, an affected person can also spread the skin fungus to other areas of their own body. Infection via infected animals, on the other hand, is rather rare in Central Europe.

Fungal infections of the skin.
Causes and risk factors.

Fungal infections of the skin are caused by various types of fungi. In most cases, these are filamentous fungi, known in medical terminology as dermatophytes. They feed primarily on keratin, which is found in hair and nails. They cannot survive on mucous membranes, which is why skin fungus caused by filamentous fungi is limited to the upper layers of the skin. Dermatophytes cause, among other things, athlete’s foot and nail fungus.

Unlike filamentous fungi, yeasts can also colonise mucous membranes. The best-known yeast genus is Candida albicans, which can cause nappy rash in babies, among other things. The yeast Malassezia furfur, which is part of the body’s natural skin flora, can, in the case of excessive proliferation, trigger infections such as tinea versicolor.

Whether a pathogen can enter the skin during infection and multiply in the cells depends on its aggressiveness and the immune system’s defence mechanisms. People whose immune defences are weakened as a result of underlying conditions such as diabetes or HIV are very susceptible to fungal infections. Fungi also have an especially easy time when the skin is injured or inflamed, and in areas with a warm, moist climate such as the armpit, groin, or between the fingers and toes. Pathogens can multiply well there and penetrate easily through softened skin. People who sweat a lot or wear tight, chafing clothing are therefore more often affected by skin fungus.

Different forms of presentation.
Different symptoms.

Fungal infections of the skin can affect different parts of the body and, depending on the pathogen and stage of the disease, manifest with different symptoms. Dermatomycoses include, among others, ringworm, scalp and facial fungus, tinea versicolor or candidiasis, which affects not only the skin but also mucous membranes. Athlete’s foot and nail fungus are particularly widespread.

Athlete’s foot.
Infection of the spaces between the toes.

Athlete’s foot is very common in industrialised countries: according to estimates, one in three people is affected by infection with filamentous fungi. More men than women suffer from athlete’s foot, and the infection rate increases with age.

The fungi primarily settle in the spaces between the toes. In affected areas, the skin appears swollen and greyish-white; small fissures also occur and severe itching becomes noticeable. Signs of athlete’s foot on the soles of the feet include white, dry skin flakes that can form whitish skin plates. If the infection is not treated at this point, cracks can develop in the calloused skin and cause pain when walking; in addition, weeping areas and blisters often form. If bacteria penetrate the skin, this can cause serious inflammation.

The high risk of infection should not be underestimated: fungal spores can survive for several days in shed skin flakes and transmit the infection to other people. In addition, you can infect yourself on other parts of the body if you touch affected areas with bare hands and then, for example, touch your face. The same risk exists if infected feet and the rest of the body are dried after showering with the same towel.

Take targeted action.
Treating skin fungus.

Dermatomycoses can be treated well, but the therapy is lengthy and should never be stopped prematurely. Even if the infestation is no longer visible, affected areas may still be infected.

Antifungals are used for all skin fungal infections. These medicines act specifically against fungi and are mainly applied externally in the form of ointments, powders, tinctures, sprays or shampoos. Even though most antifungals are available over the counter in pharmacies, you should clarify in advance with a dermatologist which preparation and dosage form are suitable in your individual case.

To support drug treatment, it is recommended to

always keep affected areas of the body dry and use a separate towel for drying
wear clothing and footwear made of breathable materials
regularly disinfect shoes with an effective product from the pharmacy
change socks and underwear daily and wash them at at least 60°C. This also applies to all other clothing and textiles such as towels and bed linen that come into contact with affected areas of the body.

If you are prone to athlete’s foot, it is advisable to protect dry and cracked skin on your feet from unpleasant infections with special care products. Targeted care with microalgae active protection has proven effective. With the ingredient Spiralin® and valuable natural oils, suitable products combine intensive moisturising care with antimicrobial properties.

It is also possible to counteract external influences just as effectively—factors that damage the natural protective barrier of fingernails and toenails and thus promote the penetration of fungi, germs and bacteria. To strengthen the natural skin barrier, problem nails are supplied with intensive moisture when using nail serum or spray with the patented microalgae ingredient Spiralin® and high-quality plant-based ingredients.

To strengthen the immune system in the fight against pathogens, you should ensure sufficient sleep, a healthy diet and regular exercise in the fresh air.

Effective prevention.
Avoiding infection.

People with diabetes, people with a weakened immune system, as well as seniors and athletes are particularly susceptible to nail fungus and athlete’s foot. Thorough foot care is therefore especially important. Regular visits to a medical foot care specialist can be beneficial.

The risk of contracting a fungal infection is particularly high in swimming pools, saunas, gyms and public toilets. In these places, you should always wear flip-flops and not walk barefoot.

If you are already infected, this also applies in hotel rooms and in your own home. Fungal spores in shed skin flakes can survive for a long time on bath mats and carpets and infect other people. In the event of an infection, it is also important to ensure that no items of clothing or textiles are shared with family members and friends. If you have skin fungus on your feet, you should wear socks in bed. This not only prevents infecting other people. If affected flakes come into contact with other parts of the body, the infection can be transmitted to those areas.

FAQ

Fungal infections

Can children also get athlete’s foot?

Yes, children often contract athlete’s foot in swimming pools and gyms and should be treated as quickly as possible with medication suitable for their age group. On small feet, the fungi can spread particularly quickly, and children often scratch infected areas, which carries the risk that the infection will spread to other parts of the body. Therefore, if you suspect athlete’s foot, you should consult a doctor with your child immediately.

How long does treatment for nail fungus take?

Treating nail mycosis requires a great deal of patience and discipline. The therapy can take several months or even more than a year, as the affected part of the nail must first grow out completely. This happens a little faster with infected fingernails than with toenails.

Is it always necessary to see a doctor for athlete’s foot?

If you suspect athlete’s foot, you should always consult your general practitioner or a dermatologist to have the skin changes thoroughly examined and to rule out other conditions. Depending on the pathogen and stage of the infection, the doctor can prescribe the appropriate medication and discuss additional measures with you to relieve the symptoms. Furthermore, the physician will provide you with detailed information on how to prevent transmission to other people in your environment.

Which home remedies help with skin fungus?

To reliably kill fungi or effectively inhibit growth and reproduction, medical treatment is recommended. If a skin fungus is inadequately treated, the condition can become chronic and spread to other areas.

Home remedies may, however, be used as a supplement. Discuss with your dermatologist which remedies and measures can support the medical treatment in your specific case. The dermatologist will also provide you with sufficient information about interactions and side effects.

Who is particularly at risk for fingernail fungus?

Individuals generally at increased risk for nail fungus include those with poor circulation in their hands, such as diabetics and people with a weakened immune system, elderly individuals, athletes, and smokers. Furthermore, cleaning personnel are frequently affected, as the warm, moist environment in rubber gloves promotes fungal growth. Additionally, the adhesives under artificial fingernails provide an ideal breeding ground for fungi. Moreover, the frequent use of acetone-containing products, such as nail polish remover, can permanently damage the structure of the fingernails.

Dermatomycosis: Fungal infections of the skin and nails

Transmission of skin fungus. From person to person.

Fungal infections of the skin. Causes and risk factors.

Different forms of presentation. Different symptoms.

Athlete’s foot. Infection of the spaces between the toes.

Take targeted action. Treating skin fungus.

Effective prevention. Avoiding infection.

FAQ