What Are Common Fungal Skin Infections and How Are They Treated?

Name: What Are Common Fungal Skin Infections and How Are They Treated?
Creator: Elena Rodriguez, MSW, LCSW
Published: 2026-02-12T19:50:55.259Z

Identifying and treating athlete's foot, ringworm, jock itch, and other fungal infections of the skin.

ERML

Written by Elena Rodriguez, MSW, LCSW

MSW, LCSW, Health Writer

DMO

Reviewed by Dr. Michael Okafor, MD, FAAD

Board-Certified Dermatologist · Northwestern Medicine

Written Feb 12, 2026Reviewed Feb 12, 2026Fact-checked Feb 12, 20262 sources citedMedically Fact-Checked

How Should You Treat Fungal Skin Infections?

Most body and foot infections respond to over-the-counter topical antifungals: terbinafine (Lamisil) 1% cream is the most effective OTC option, applied twice daily for 1-2 weeks for tinea corporis and 2-4 weeks for tinea pedis. Clotrimazole (Lotrimin) and miconazole are effective alternatives. Complete the full treatment course to prevent recurrence.

Strong EvidenceAAD and AAP guidelines based on RCTs support topical terbinafine for body/foot infections and oral antifungals for scalp/nail involvement.

For athlete's foot (tinea pedis), terbinafine cream twice daily for 2 weeks is the most effective OTC treatment, with cure rates exceeding 80%. Keep feet clean and dry, change socks daily (moisture-wicking preferred), and treat shoes with antifungal powder or spray. For moccasin-type athlete's foot (chronic, scaling, involving the entire sole), oral terbinafine may be needed as topical treatments often fail to penetrate the thickened skin.

Scalp ringworm (tinea capitis) always requires oral antifungal treatment — topical antifungals cannot reach fungi within hair follicles. Griseofulvin remains the first-line treatment in children per AAP guidelines, given daily for 6-12 weeks. Terbinafine is an effective alternative with a shorter treatment course. An antifungal shampoo (ketoconazole 2% or selenium sulfide) used 2-3 times weekly as adjunctive therapy reduces fungal shedding and transmission. Family members should be screened as asymptomatic carriers are common.

Terbinafine cream has cure rates exceeding 80% for athlete's foot

How Can You Prevent Fungal Skin Infections?

Keep skin clean and dry (especially between toes and in skin folds), wear breathable fabrics, change socks daily, wear sandals in communal showers and locker rooms, don't share personal items, treat pets with suspicious patches, and dry thoroughly after bathing.

Dermatophyte fungi thrive in warm, moist environments. Preventive strategies focus on eliminating these conditions: use absorbent powders (antifungal or talcum) in shoes and skin folds, choose moisture-wicking synthetic or merino wool socks, alternate shoes to allow 24-hour drying between wears, and use antifungal spray in shoes regularly. For athletes and gym-goers, shower immediately after workouts and dry completely before dressing.

If someone in your household has a fungal infection, avoid sharing towels, bedding, combs, and clothing. Wash potentially contaminated items in hot water (140°F/60°C). Vacuum carpets and upholstered furniture regularly. Pets can transmit certain dermatophyte species — dogs and cats with patchy hair loss should be evaluated by a veterinarian. In endemic areas or during outbreaks, prophylactic antifungal shampoo use may be recommended.

Dermatophyte fungi survive on surfaces for months according to AAD

Frequently Asked Questions

Is ringworm actually caused by a worm?

No. Ringworm is caused by dermatophyte fungi (Trichophyton, Microsporum, Epidermophyton species), not worms. The name comes from the ring-shaped rash with raised borders. It spreads through direct skin-to-skin contact, contact with infected animals, contaminated objects (towels, gym equipment), or soil. It is very common and not a sign of poor hygiene.

How long does it take to cure athlete's foot?

With consistent topical antifungal treatment (terbinafine cream or clotrimazole cream applied twice daily), most cases of athlete's foot improve within 1-2 weeks and resolve within 2-4 weeks. Continue treatment for the full recommended duration even after symptoms clear to prevent recurrence. Chronic or resistant cases may require oral antifungal medication.

Can you get fungal infections from gym equipment?

Yes. Dermatophyte fungi survive on surfaces for months. Gym equipment, locker room floors, shared yoga mats, and damp towels are common transmission sites. Prevention includes wiping equipment before and after use, wearing sandals in showers and locker rooms, showering after workouts, drying thoroughly, and not sharing towels or personal items.

When should you see a doctor for a fungal infection?

See a doctor if OTC treatment fails after 2-4 weeks, the infection covers a large area, involves the scalp or nails, appears on the face, shows signs of bacterial superinfection (pus, increasing redness, warmth, swelling), you have diabetes or a weakened immune system, or the rash is spreading despite treatment.

Sources

1.
Diagnosis and Management of Tinea Infections — Ely JW, Rosenfeld S, Seabury Stone M American Family Physician (2014)
2.
Dermatophyte infections: Clinical features and management — Hainer BL American Family Physician (2003)

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