Fungal skin infection

Request an online visit for Fungal skin infection. A licensed provider reviews your case and prescribes treatment when appropriate.

Medically reviewed by Dr. Ikechukwu Ogbu, MD
MD · Board-Certified, Internal Medicine · Last reviewed June 2026

About Fungal skin infection

Superficial fungal skin infections (tinea) are caused by dermatophytes that invade the outer skin, hair, and nails. They produce annular, scaly, often itchy patches with central clearing — “ringworm.” Common forms include tinea pedis (athlete's foot), tinea cruris (jock itch), tinea corporis, and tinea capitis. Diagnosis is usually clinical, sometimes confirmed by KOH microscopy. Limited disease responds to topical antifungals (terbinafine, clotrimazole) for several weeks; extensive disease, scalp involvement, or nail involvement requires oral terbinafine or itraconazole.

Medications commonly used

Common questions

Reference only. Not a substitute for medical advice. Not appropriate for emergencies or controlled substances.