Types of Fungal Infection

Fungal infections are grouped by the area of the body they affect and by how deep they go.

Superficial skin infections (tinea)

• Tinea corporis (body ringworm). Ring-shaped itchy patches on the trunk and limbs.
• Tinea cruris (jock itch). In the groin and inner thighs.
• Tinea pedis (athlete's foot). Between and under the toes.
• Tinea manuum. On the hands.
• Tinea capitis. On the scalp, mainly in children.
• Tinea unguium (onychomycosis). In the nails.
• Tinea faciei. On the face.

Yeast infections

• Oral thrush. White patches in the mouth.
• Vaginal candidiasis. Itching and discharge.
• Skin-fold candidiasis (intertrigo). Red, sore patches in skin folds.
• Diaper rash with Candida in babies.

Pityriasis versicolor

Caused by Malassezia yeast. Causes pale or dark patches, usually on the upper body.

Deeper and invasive infections

• Aspergillosis, invasive candidiasis, cryptococcosis and mucormycosis. They are rare and affect people with weak immunity, uncontrolled diabetes or severe illness. They need urgent hospital treatment.

Chronic and recurrent forms

Some people have long-standing or repeated ringworm, often linked to steroid cream misuse, resistant strains or untreated family members.

Ayurvedic naming

Ayurveda groups many itchy, spreading skin conditions under kushtha, including dadru and kitibha. These names are traditional and do not map exactly to modern fungal types.

Why the type matters

Skin, scalp, nail and deep infections need different treatments, so a diagnosis is important.