There’s a fungus among us

Abstract

Fungal skin infections can be difficult to treat, leading to chronic lesions and a decrease in quality of life. Three of these that can be treated with self-care include tinea pedis (also called athlete’s foot), tinea corporis (ringworm), and tinea cruris (jock itch). Any individuals with fungal infections involving the nails/nailbeds (tinea unguium) or the scalp/eyebrows/eyelashes (tinea capitis) should be referred to a primary care provider (PCP) for treatment. The goals of self-treatment are 1) to provide symptomatic relief of itching, burning, and other discomfort; 2) to inhibit the growth of fungi and cure the disorder; and 3) to prevent recurrent infections.