Symptoms of Fungal Infection

Symptoms depend on where the infection is. Most skin infections cause itching and visible patches.

Skin (ringworm or tinea)

• Red, scaly, ring-shaped patches with a clearer centre
• Intense itching, especially in the evening or after sweating
• Spreading edges that become darker or raised
• In the groin, thighs or buttocks: itchy, red patches that spread outward
• Between the toes: peeling, white soggy skin and cracks

Scalp

• Scaly patches with hair loss or broken hairs
• Itching and sometimes swelling or tenderness
• More common in children

Nails

• Thick, yellow, brown or crumbly nails
• Nail lifting from the nail bed

Mouth and genitals (candidiasis)

• White patches in the mouth that can be scraped off, sore tongue
• Vaginal itching, burning and thick white discharge
• Red, sore skin in folds

Pityriasis versicolor

• Light or dark patches on the chest, back and shoulders that become more visible after sun exposure

See a doctor if

• No improvement after about two weeks of treatment
• The rash is spreading, painful or oozing
• The scalp or nails are involved
• You have diabetes or weak immunity
• It keeps coming back
• There is fever or the person is unwell
• It occurs in a baby or during pregnancy

Other conditions look similar

Eczema, psoriasis and allergic reactions can look like fungal rashes. A doctor can confirm with a skin scraping test.

In babies and children

Babies may have a red, sore nappy area with small satellite spots, or white patches in the mouth that do not wipe off. Children with scalp ringworm may have round bald patches. See a doctor rather than using adult creams.