Fungal Infections

Types of fungal infection

• Athlete's foot (tinea pedis) — itching, scaling, and cracking between the toes and on the soles of the feet
• Ringworm (tinea corporis) — a circular, scaly rash on the skin — despite the name, caused by a fungus not a worm
• Nail fungus (onychomycosis) — thickened, discoloured, brittle nails, most commonly affecting toenails
• Oral thrush (candidiasis) — white patches in the mouth caused by Candida overgrowth, common in those taking antibiotics or steroids
• Vaginal thrush — itching, soreness, and a thick white discharge caused by Candida
• Jock itch (tinea cruris) — a red, itchy rash in the groin area

Symptoms

• Itching, burning, or stinging in the affected area
• Red, scaly, or cracked skin
• Blisters or peeling skin
• Thickened, discoloured, or brittle nails
• White patches in the mouth or on the tongue
• Vaginal discharge, soreness, or irritation

Causes & risk factors

• Warm, humid environments — particularly relevant in Portugal and Spain
• Sweating and tight or non-breathable clothing or footwear
• Walking barefoot in public areas — pools, changing rooms, and gyms
• Antibiotic use — disrupts normal bacterial flora and allows Candida to overgrow
• Diabetes — elevated blood glucose promotes fungal growth
• Immunosuppression — including corticosteroids, chemotherapy, or HIV
• Poor circulation in the feet — increases nail and skin fungal infection risk

When to see a doctor

See a doctor if symptoms do not improve with over-the-counter antifungal treatments, if the infection is spreading, if you are diabetic or immunocompromised, or if nail fungus is affecting multiple nails. Prescription antifungals are significantly more effective than over-the-counter options for persistent or nail infections.

Treatment options

• Topical antifungal creams — clotrimazole, miconazole, or terbinafine for skin infections
• Antifungal nail lacquer or oral terbinafine — for nail fungus; oral treatment is significantly more effective
• Fluconazole — oral treatment for vaginal or oral thrush
• Nystatin — for oral thrush, particularly in those on steroids or antibiotics
• Prevention — keeping skin dry, wearing breathable footwear, and avoiding walking barefoot in public areas

How eMedClinic can help

Our doctors identify the type of fungal infection, prescribe the most effective treatment, and advise on prevention. For persistent or recurrent infections, we investigate underlying causes such as diabetes or immune dysfunction that may be contributing.