Fungal skin infections are incredibly common, and most of them are more annoying than serious. Athlete's foot, jock itch, ringworm, fungal nail infections and thrush are all caused by fungi that thrive in warm, damp places. The good news? Most are treatable, but the right treatment depends on where the infection is. Skin infections often respond to an antifungal cream. Nails may need a medicated nail lacquer or tablets, and thrush needs a treatment made for the area it affects.
This guide explains what causes each type of fungal infection, what it looks like and how to treat it, so you can get things under control quickly and stop them coming back.
Most fungal skin infections share the same weak spot. Keep skin clean, dry and cool, and you take away the conditions fungi need to grow.
What causes fungal skin infections?
Fungi live on everyone's skin, usually without causing any trouble. Problems start when they get the chance to multiply, typically somewhere warm, sweaty and enclosed, like between your toes or in your groin.
Many common skin infections are caused by a group of fungi called dermatophytes. They feed on keratin, the protein in your skin, hair and nails.1
Fungal skin infections can spread through direct skin contact, or by sharing towels, clothes, bedding and footwear. You can also pick them up from damp floors in changing rooms and communal showers.1 Some, like ringworm, can even be passed on by pets.2
Athlete's foot
Athlete's foot (tinea pedis) is a fungal infection that usually starts between the toes. You don't have to be sporty to get it. Anyone whose feet spend a lot of time warm and damp is at risk.
Common signs include itchy, cracked, flaky or peeling skin between your toes. The skin may look red, sore or white and soggy, and you might get small blisters.1 It can affect one or both feet, and it can spread to your soles, toenails and even your hands if you scratch.
Antifungal creams such as Clotrimazole 1% Cream are a common first choice. Clotrimazole damages the fungal cell membrane, which stops the fungus growing.3
Follow the leaflet for your exact cream, as courses vary between products. Canesten Athlete's Foot 1% Cream, for example, is applied 2 to 3 times a day for at least one month. If it hasn't helped after 7 days, speak to a pharmacist or doctor.4
Stopping early is a common reason the infection comes back.
Your skin can look better well before the fungus has gone. Finishing the full course is what stops athlete's foot returning.
To help prevent it, wash your feet daily and dry them properly, especially between the toes. Change your socks every day and wear flip-flops in communal showers and changing rooms.1
Jock itch
Jock itch (tinea cruris) is a fungal infection of the groin, inner thighs and buttocks. It's often caused by the same fungi as athlete's foot and is more common in men, although women can get it too.2
What causes jock itch?
Your groin is warm and has lots of sweat glands, and skin folds trap moisture. Tight underwear, sweaty sports kit and not drying properly after a shower all make it easier for fungi to take hold.
Athlete's foot can also spread to the groin, often from your hands or a shared towel. Putting your socks on before your underwear can help stop this.
Symptoms of jock itch
Jock itch usually causes an itchy, red or darker rash with a raised, scaly edge. It may burn, sting or peel.2
How to treat jock itch
An antifungal cream such as clotrimazole 1% is usually effective. Apply it 2 to 3 times a day and follow the leaflet for how long to keep going, as courses vary between products. Wearing loose cotton underwear and changing out of sweaty clothes quickly also helps.
Some combination creams contain both an antifungal and a mild steroid to calm inflammation. Steroid creams used on their own can make a fungal rash worse, so combination creams should only be used for a short time, as directed by a pharmacist or doctor.
Do not treat an itchy groin rash with hydrocortisone alone. If it might be fungal, it needs an antifungal.
Ringworm
Despite the name, ringworm (tinea corporis) has nothing to do with worms. It's a fungal skin infection named after the ring-shaped rash it often causes.2
Is ringworm contagious?
Yes. Ringworm spreads through close skin contact, by sharing towels, clothes or bedding, and from infected pets such as cats and dogs.2 If your pet has patchy hair loss or scaly skin, it's worth a trip to the vet.
Symptoms of ringworm
The main sign is a red or darker, scaly patch that's often shaped like a ring. It may be itchy, and it can grow or spread over time.2
On the scalp, ringworm can cause scaly, itchy patches and small areas of hair loss. Scalp ringworm needs treatment from a GP, as creams alone usually won't clear it.2
How to treat ringworm
Ringworm on the body can usually be treated with an antifungal cream such as Canesten 1% External Cream. Wash your hands after applying it, and keep towels and bedding to yourself until it's cleared.
Ringworm on the scalp or a rash that's spreading despite treatment needs a GP check, as you may need antifungal tablets.
Fungal nail infections
Fungal nail infections (onychomycosis) are more common on toenails than fingernails, as socks and shoes trap warmth and moisture. Infected nails may turn white, yellow or brown, get thicker and become brittle or crumbly.5
Mild infections can be treated with an amorolfine nail lacquer such as Amorolfine or Curanail, applied once a week. Treatment takes patience: usually around 6 months for fingernails and 9 to 12 months for toenails.6
If you get treatment through Pharmica, do not use nail varnish or artificial nails until the infection has completely cleared. Seek a review if your nail gets worse or hasn't improved after 2 months, and again once treatment reaches 3 months.
Our full guide to fungal nail treatment explains how to apply it properly and how to stop reinfection.
Thrush
Thrush is a yeast infection caused by a fungus called candida. It most often affects the vagina or penis, but it can also affect the mouth (oral thrush) and skin folds.7
Genital thrush can be treated with antifungal tablets, pessaries or creams. You can see the options in our range of thrush treatments, and a pharmacist will check they're right for you. Fluconazole capsules through Pharmica are for adults aged 18 to 60 who've had genital thrush diagnosed by a doctor before. Oral thrush is treated with an antifungal gel or liquid, available in our oral thrush treatments.
Thrush is caused by a yeast rather than the fungi behind athlete's foot and ringworm, so it often needs a different type of treatment.
When should you see a GP?
Most fungal skin infections clear up with pharmacy treatment. But see a GP if:
- The infection hasn't improved after 2 weeks of treatment
- It's spreading or very painful
- You have scalp ringworm
- You have diabetes or a weakened immune system
- It keeps coming back
People with diabetes should take extra care with foot infections, as broken skin can lead to more serious problems.1
Frequently asked questions
What is clotrimazole cream used for?
Clotrimazole cream is an antifungal used to treat common fungal skin infections, including athlete's foot, jock itch, ringworm and the external symptoms of thrush. It works by damaging the fungus's cell membrane so it can't grow. How often to apply it and how long to keep going depend on the product, so follow the leaflet for your exact cream. Canesten Athlete's Foot 1% Cream, for example, is applied 2 to 3 times a day for at least one month. If it hasn't helped after 7 days, speak to a pharmacist or doctor.
How long is ringworm contagious?
Ringworm can spread for as long as you have a visible rash. Once you start an antifungal cream, the risk drops, but it’s best to avoid sharing towels, clothes and bedding until the rash has completely gone. If a pet is the source, they’ll need treating too, otherwise the infection can keep coming back.
What kills jock itch fast?
An antifungal cream such as clotrimazole usually starts easing itching within a few days, although it takes longer to clear the infection fully. Keeping the area clean and dry, changing out of sweaty clothes quickly and wearing loose cotton underwear all help. If it hasn’t improved after 2 weeks, speak to a pharmacist or GP.
Can you use athlete’s foot cream for jock itch?
Often, yes. Jock itch and athlete’s foot are usually caused by the same fungi, so the same antifungal cream, such as clotrimazole 1%, can treat both. Use a separate towel for your feet and groin, and wash your hands after applying cream, to stop the infection spreading from one area to the other.
What rashes look like ringworm but aren’t?
Several skin conditions can look similar to ringworm, including eczema, psoriasis and a condition called granuloma annulare. These won’t respond to antifungal cream, and some can be made worse by it. If a ring-shaped rash isn’t improving after 2 weeks of antifungal treatment, see a GP to confirm what it is.
References
- NHS. Athlete's foot. NHS website; 2024. nhs.uk
- NHS. Ringworm. NHS website; 2024. nhs.uk
- Khatter NJ, Khan MAB. Clotrimazole. StatPearls. 2023. ncbi.nlm.nih.gov
- Bayer plc. Canesten Athlete's Foot 1% w/w Cream: Summary of Product Characteristics. Electronic Medicines Compendium; 2022. medicines.org.uk/emc
- NHS. Fungal nail infection. NHS website; 2023. nhs.uk
- Galderma (UK) Ltd. Curanail 5% w/v Medicated Nail Lacquer: Summary of Product Characteristics. Electronic Medicines Compendium; 2023. medicines.org.uk/emc
- NHS. Thrush in men and women. NHS website; 2023. nhs.uk
This article is intended for informational purposes only and does not replace professional medical advice. Always read the patient information leaflet supplied with your medication and speak to a healthcare professional if you have specific concerns.