{"id":157528,"date":"2025-02-14T17:05:27","date_gmt":"2025-02-14T16:05:27","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/desarrollo2026.tudermaonline.com\/picor-enrojecimiento-o-manchas-descubre-si-se-trata-de-hongos-en-la-piel\/"},"modified":"2025-02-14T17:17:22","modified_gmt":"2025-02-14T16:17:22","slug":"picor-enrojecimiento-o-manchas-descubre-si-se-trata-de-hongos-en-la-piel","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/desarrollo2026.tudermaonline.com\/en\/picor-enrojecimiento-o-manchas-descubre-si-se-trata-de-hongos-en-la-piel\/","title":{"rendered":"Itching, redness or spots? Find out if it is fungus on the skin"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
Skin fungi, or cutaneous mycoses, are infections caused by various types of fungi that affect the skin, nails and hair. These infections are common and can range from mild to severe, depending on the type of fungus and the area affected. <\/p>\n\n
Cutaneous mycoses are classified into three main categories:<\/p>\n\n
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Superficial mycoses<\/strong>: Affect the outermost layers of the skin and hair. They do not usually cause significant inflammation. <\/li>\n\n\n\n
Cutaneous mycoses<\/strong>: Involve the deeper layers of the skin, as well as the nails and hair. They can cause inflammation and other symptoms. <\/li>\n\n\n\n
Subcutaneous mycoses<\/strong>: They penetrate into the deeper layers of the skin, reaching the subcutaneous tissue. They are less common and generally result from trauma that allows fungi to enter the body. <\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n
How fungus manifests itself on the skin<\/strong><\/p>\n\n
Skin fungus can present itself in a variety of ways depending on the type of infection and the area affected. The most common manifestations include: <\/p>\n\n
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Stains<\/strong> that may be lighter or darker than the natural shade.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
Redness<\/strong>. Swollen and reddened areas, often accompanied by itching. <\/li>\n\n\n\n
Peeling<\/strong>. The skin may flake or peel, especially in areas affected by ringworm or athlete’s foot. <\/li>\n\n\n\n
Thickening and discoloration of the nails<\/strong>: In onychomycosis, the nails may become thick, brittle and yellowish or brownish in color.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
Fissures or cracks in the skin<\/strong>: Common in athlete’s foot, especially between the toes.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n
Common symptoms of fungal infections<\/strong><\/p>\n\n
In addition to the visible manifestations, symptoms may include:<\/p>\n\n
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Burning or stinging sensation<\/strong>: Especially in areas where the skin is inflamed or cracked.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
Foul odor<\/strong>: In more advanced infections, there may be an unpleasant odor due to the accumulation of fungi and bacteria.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
Pain or tenderness<\/strong>: In more severe cases, the skin may be painful to the touch.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n
Examples of common skin mycoses<\/strong><\/p>\n\n
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Ringworm (Dermatophytosis)<\/strong>: Infection caused by dermatophytes affecting the skin, hair and nails. It manifests as circular lesions with raised edges and clear center. Depending on the affected area, it is called by different names: \n
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Tinea corporis<\/em>: It affects the body, presenting circular spots with scaly edges.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
Tinea capitis<\/em>: Affects the scalp, causing areas of baldness, scaling and itching.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
Tinea pedis<\/em> (athlete’s foot): Affects the feet, especially between the toes, with redness, cracks and foul odor.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
Tinea unguium<\/em> (onychomycosis): Affects the nails, causing thickening, discoloration and brittleness.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n\n\n\n
Cutaneous candidiasis<\/strong>: Caused by the fungus Candida<\/em>, commonly Candida albicans<\/em>. It usually affects moist, warm areas of the body, such as skin folds, armpits, groin and under the breasts. Symptoms include redness, itching, burning sensation and the presence of small pustules or vesicles. <\/li>\n\n\n\n
Pityriasis versicolor<\/strong>: Caused by the fungus Malassezia furfur<\/em>. It is characterized by discolored patches on the skin, which may be lighter or darker than the natural tone. The spots usually appear on the chest, back and arms, and may be slightly scaly. <\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n
Risk Factors<\/strong><\/p>\n\n
Several factors can increase susceptibility to cutaneous fungal infections:<\/p>\n\n
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Humidity and heat<\/strong>: Warm and humid environments favor fungal growth.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
Inadequate hygiene<\/strong>: Lack of hygiene can lead to the proliferation of fungi on the skin.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
Weakened immune system<\/strong>: People with compromised immune systems are more prone to infections.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
Prolonged use of antibiotics or corticosteroids<\/strong>: These drugs can alter the natural balance of microorganisms in the skin.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
Diabetes<\/strong>: High blood sugar levels can promote fungal growth.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n
Diagnosis and treatment<\/strong><\/p>\n\n
The diagnosis of cutaneous fungal infections is usually based on the clinical appearance of the lesions and can be confirmed by microscopic examination or culture of skin, hair or nail samples.<\/p>\n\n
Treatment varies according to the type of fungus and the severity of the infection, and includes:<\/p>\n\n
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Topical antifungals<\/strong>: Creams, lotions or gels applied directly to the affected skin. They are effective for most superficial infections. <\/li>\n\n\n\n
Systemic antifungals<\/strong>: Oral medications for more severe infections or when topical treatments are not effective.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
Personal care measures<\/strong>: Keep skin clean and dry, wear loose and breathable clothing, and avoid sharing personal items such as towels or shoes.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n
Prevention<\/strong><\/p>\n\n
To reduce the risk of developing fungal skin infections, it is recommended:<\/p>\n\n
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Maintain good personal hygiene.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
Dry the skin well after bathing, especially in skin folds.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
Wear clothing and footwear that allow ventilation.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
Avoid walking barefoot in wet public areas, such as locker rooms or swimming pools.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
Do not share personal objects that may be in contact with the skin.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n
Fungal skin infections are common and, although generally not serious, can cause significant discomfort. <\/p>\n\n