Skin and Nail Fungal Infections

What it is

Fungal skin infections are caused by fungi that settle in the superficial layer of the skin, nails or scalp. They include athlete's foot between the toes, ringworm of the body and groin, tinea versicolor, candidiasis of the skin folds, and onychomycosis, which thickens and yellows the nails. Heat, moisture, closed shoes and contact with floors in shared areas favor the problem, and using creams on one's own often masks the condition. At Femi Saúde, Dr. Ana Kappes confirms the diagnosis with dermoscopy and a mycological exam when needed, chooses the most appropriate antifungal, and advises on measures to prevent reinfection.

Most common symptoms

• Reddish patches with a scaling border
• Itching and peeling between the toes
• Thick, yellowed or brittle nails
• Light or dark patches on the trunk
• Redness and cracks in skin folds
• Scaling and patchy hair loss on the scalp

Causes and risk factors

• Dermatophyte fungi, yeasts and molds
• Heat, moisture and excessive sweating
• Closed shoes and tight clothing
• Contact with contaminated floors and objects
• Low immunity, diabetes and poor circulation

How it is diagnosed

The evaluation starts with examining the lesions and with dermoscopy, which already guides the diagnosis in most cases. When there is doubt, or before starting oral antifungals, the dermatologist collects skin scales or nail fragments for direct mycological examination and culture, which identify the responsible fungus. This step matters because several conditions, such as psoriasis, eczema and nail trauma, mimic fungal infections and do not respond to antifungals. In recurring infections, blood tests may investigate diabetes or immune changes.

How we treat it at Femi Saúde

Superficial fungal skin infections usually respond to topical antifungals in cream, spray or shampoo form, used for a few weeks and continued for a period after visible improvement. Extensive lesions, scalp infections and most cases of onychomycosis require oral antifungals for several months, with clinical and laboratory monitoring when needed. For the nails, filing them down and using medicated nail lacquers complement treatment. Measures such as drying the feet thoroughly, rotating shoes and not sharing personal items help prevent relapse. In each situation, the dermatology team at Femi Saúde chooses the most effective and safe regimen and follows up until the infection clears.

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