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Table of Content:
What are fungal infections? | Types of fungal infections | How are fungal infections diagnosed? | How to get a prescription? | What medications can you get? | FAQ

Dermatologist Dr. Ryan Trowbridge
Medically reviewed by:
Dr. Ryan Trowbridge
Dermatologist
treatment of skin fungal infections

What are fungal infections on the skin?

Fungal infections on the skin are caused by fungi on the skin that thrive in warm, moist environments. These infections typically present as red, itchy, scaly, or discolored patches with well-defined edges. Some, like ringworm, may form circular, ring-like patterns, while others, like yeast infections, appear as moist, inflamed areas with smaller satellite lesions. Fungal infections are contagious and can spread through direct contact or shared items, but they are generally treatable with antifungal creams, powders, or oral medications for more severe cases.

What are the different types of fungal infections?

number one

Athlete’s Foot

Dermatophyte infection that affects the feet, often between the toes.

Symptoms: Itching, redness, peeling, and scaling.

number two

Jock Itch

Dermatophyte infection that affects the groin, inner thighs, and buttocks.

Symptoms: Red, itchy, ring-like rash with a scaly border.

number three

Ringworm

Dermatophyte infection that affects the body (arms, legs, torso).

Symptoms: Circular, red, scaly patches with raised edges.

number four

Scalp Ringworm

Dermatophyte infection that affects the scalp and hair shafts.

Symptoms: Scaly patches, hair loss, black dots, and sometimes pus-filled bumps.

number five

Beard Ringworm

Dermatophyte infection that affects the beard area.

Symptoms: Red, inflamed areas or pustules, sometimes mimicking bacterial folliculitis.

number six

Onychomycosis

Dermatophyte infection that affects the nails.

Symptoms: Thickened, brittle, discolored nails.

number seven

Yeast infections

Affects moist areas under the breasts, armpits, groin, and between skin folds.

Symptoms: Red, itchy rash with a moist appearance and (small bumps around the rash).

number eight

Tinea Versicolor

Tinea versicolor is caused by the malassezia yeast.

Symptoms: Discolored patches (lighter or darker than surrounding skin), often on the chest, back, or shoulders, with mild scaling.

number nine

Seborrheic Dermatitis

Seborrheic Dermatitis is also caused by the Malassezia yeast.

Symptoms: Greasy, yellowish scaling and redness, typically on the scalp, face, and chest.

how are fungal infections diagnosed

How are fungal infections diagnosed?

According to board-certified dermatologist Ryan Trowbridge, fungal infections are among the most commonly misdiagnosed and mistreated skin conditions. Many conditions, such as eczema and psoriasis, can closely resemble fungal infections, leading to diagnostic challenges. Even when the diagnosis is correct, inappropriate treatment is often selected due to the prescriber’s limited knowledge on the different antifungal medications and their specific applications.

Dr. Trowbridge says that the diagnosis of a fungal infection can often be made based on a visual evaluation alone, provided the evaluator has extensive training and knowledge of the appearance of fungal infections and their common mimics. A board-certified dermatologist with telemedicine expertise can use clinical images and patient history to make an educated diagnosis. In some cases, this may be confirmed with tests like microscopic examination of skin scrapings, histopathology, culture, or molecular studies, though these may increase costs and take longer.

Fortunately, antifungal medications are safe to use which is why treatment can often be initiated without laboratory confirmation if the provider is confident in the diagnosis.

How can I get a prescription for an anti-fungal cream?

Do I need a prescription for a fungal infection on the skin?Not always. There are some very effective over-the-counter creams available for certain fungal conditions including butenafine, terbinafine, miconazole, and clotrimazole.  But diagnosing the correct type of fungal infection is the most important first step.  Prescription creams like ketoconazole, ciclopirox, econazole, nystatin, and efinaconazole may be useful or necessary in some circumstances. For severe, widespread, or resistant infections you may require an oral prescription medication like oral terbinafine, fluconazole, or itraconazole. Consult a board-certified dermatologist via Miiskin to get an accurate diagnosis and a treatment plan if you have tried OTC creams and they did not work for your condition.

How can I get an online prescription for an anti-fungal cream or tablets?

You can have an online consultation with an experienced dermatologist via Miiskin. They will evaluate your photos, symptoms and the answers to a clinical questionnaire and if medically appropriate write you a prescription that you can buy at the local pharmacy or have it delivered to you by an online pharmacy.

How long will it take to get my antifungal prescription?

An online consultation through Miiskin takes 1-2 business days to be assessed and it costs $59. You need to pay for your treatment cream separately.

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What medications are commonly prescribed for fungal infections on the skin?

The medication your dermatologist will prescribe, depends on the type of fungus you have.Broadly speaking there are two types of skin fungal infections: yeast infections and dermatophyte infections. Dermatophyte infections are colloquially referred to as “ringworm” and yeast infections are often referred to as “intertrigo.”

For dermatophyte infections (ringworm)

Topical terbinafine

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Oral terbinafine

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Butenafine

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For yeast infections (intertrigo)

Ketoconazole

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Econazole

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Fluconazole

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For fungal nail infections

Oral terbinafine

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Fluconazole

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Itraconazole

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How does it work?

  1. Start consultation to get a diagnosis and treatment for your fungal infection.
  2. Get an answer from an online dermatologist in your state.
  3. Buy your medication at a pharmacy nearby and start treatment.
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Why get virtual dermatology treatment via Miiskin*?

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You only pay $59 for a one-time online consultation

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You get access to the newest medications available

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You can pick up your medication at the pharmacy the same day you get an answer

*The Miiskin-affiliated dermatologists are independent healthcare providers. Miiskin does not interfer with their practice of medicine.

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Frequently asked questions about fungal infections on the skin

Dr. Ryan Trowbridge answers the most popular questions about fungal infections.

What causes fungal infections on the skin?

Fungal infections on the skin are caused by fungi that thrive in warm, moist environments, making areas like skin folds, feet, groin, and scalp particularly susceptible. The most common culprits are dermatophytes (causing conditions like ringworm and athlete’s foot), yeasts (such as Candida, leading to candidiasis), and occasionally molds.

Are fungal infections on the skin contagious?

Yes, they are contagious as these fungi spread through direct contact with infected people, animals, soil, or contaminated objects like towels or shoes. Factors such as poor hygiene, excessive sweating, tight clothing, a weakened immune system, or prolonged exposure to damp environments increase the risk of developing fungal infections.

How to avoid spreading a fungal infection on the skin?

To avoid spreading a fungal infection on the skin, it is important to maintain proper hygiene and limit contact with others until the infection is treated. Keep the affected area clean and dry, as fungi thrive in moist environments. Avoid sharing personal items like towels, clothing, socks, or shoes. Wear breathable, loose-fitting clothing and footwear to minimize sweating and moisture buildup. Wash your hands regularly, especially after touching the infected area, and disinfect surfaces or objects that may have come into contact with the infection. Treat the infection promptly with antifungal medication to reduce the risk of spreading it further.

How do anti-fungal medications work?

Antifungal medications work by targeting specific components of fungal cells, disrupting their ability to grow and survive. They often focus on ergosterol, a key part of fungal cell membranes, either by blocking its production (like clotrimazole) or binding to it (like terbinafine), leading to cell death. Other antifungals weaken the fungal cell wall, while other drugs prevent its replication. By exploiting these weaknesses, antifungals effectively treat infections with minimal harm to human cells.

What does fungal infection on skin look like?

Fungal skin infections typically appear as red, scaly, and itchy patches with well-defined edges. They may also have a ring-like pattern (like ringworm) or show discoloration (like in the case of tinea versicolor). The affected area can sometimes crack, peel, or form blisters in more severe cases.

How do you treat fungal skin infections?

Fungal skin infections are treated with topical antifungal medications like terbinafine, clotrimazole, or miconazole. For more severe or resistant infections, oral antifungal medications such as terbinafine or itraconazole may be necessary. Maintaining cleanliness and dryness of the affected area also helps speed up healing.

How to tell if it's fungal or bacterial rash?

A fungal rash is often itchy, scaly, and has a distinct border, sometimes with a circular pattern. Bacterial rashes are more likely to be swollen, warm, tender, and may ooze pus. A dermatologist can confirm the type through a virtual or in-person examination.

What can be mistaken for fungal skin infection?

Conditions like eczema, psoriasis, contact dermatitis, and seborrheic dermatitis can mimic fungal infections. In some cases, bacterial infections or even allergic reactions may look similar, making proper diagnosis by a dermatologist essential for effective treatment.

What cream kills fungus on skin?

Topical creams like terbinafine (Lamisil), clotrimazole (Lotrimin), and miconazole (Micatin) are effective at killing skin fungi. They work by disrupting the fungal cell membranes, leading to the death of the infection-causing fungi.

How do you identify a fungal infection?

Fungal infections are identified by red, scaly, itchy, or ring-shaped lesions on the skin. If in doubt, a dermatologist may confirm the diagnosis by sending a sample for a fungal culture to a laboratory to pinpoint the exact cause.

How to tell the difference between rash and fungal infection?

Fungal infections usually have defined, scaly borders and cause persistent itching or burning. General rashes, like those from allergies or irritation, tend to be more diffuse, lack scaling, and often respond quickly to soothing creams. Observation and testing help confirm the cause.

What is the best cream for fungal infection?

Terbinafine cream (Lamisil) is one of the best treatments for skin fungal infections due to its quick action and high cure rate. Clotrimazole and miconazole are also effective alternatives, especially for mild to moderate infections.

What is the most effective topical antifungal?

Terbinafine is widely considered the most effective topical antifungal, with its ability to kill fungi faster and more thoroughly. It is particularly useful for conditions like athlete’s foot, jock itch, and ringworm.

Is Neosporin an antifungal cream?

No, Neosporin is not an antifungal cream; it is an antibiotic that treats bacterial infections. For fungal infections, antifungal creams such as clotrimazole, miconazole, or terbinafine should be used instead.

What is the strongest antifungal?

Oral antifungal medications like itraconazole or terbinafine are among the strongest for severe infections. For topical treatments, terbinafine is highly effective against common skin fungi and is often preferred for its fast action.

Can I get a prescription for jock’s itch via Miiskin?

Yes, you can get a prescription for Jock’s itch via Miiskin. You just need to answer the questionnaire and take a few clear photos of the area that is affected so the dermatologist can make a visual assessment. After their assessment, you will get your treatment in less than 2 business days.

What kills jock itch fast?

Using terbinafine cream or spray consistently is the fastest way to kill jock itch. Keeping the area clean, dry, and applying the antifungal twice daily as directed can significantly speed up recovery and relieve itching.