What is Fungal Skin Infections?

Fungal skin infections occur when yeasts or dermatophyte fungi overgrow on the skin. Common types include tinea pedis(athlete's foot), tinea cruris(jock itch), tinea corporis(ringworm), and tinea versicolor, which causes light or dark patches on the chest and back. Fungi thrive in warm, damp areas, and infections can spread from person to person, from pets, or from one part of your body to another. Using steroid creams on a fungal rash may temporarily reduce itch but can make the infection worse.

Who it's for

You may have a fungal infection if you notice:

• Itchy, red, ring-shaped patches with a scaly border
• Peeling, cracking or soggy skin between the toes
• An itchy rash in the groin or inner thighs
• Light or dark patches with fine scale on the chest, back or shoulders
• A rash that returns each summer or spreads despite over-the-counter creams

How we treat it at Egg Clinic

Diagnosis comes first. A dermatologist examines the rash and may perform a KOH test, gently scraping a small amount of scale to look for fungal elements under the microscope. This helps distinguish a fungal infection from eczema, psoriasis or contact dermatitis.

Most localized infections are treated with topical antifungal creams applied for several weeks, even after the rash looks better. Antifungal shampoos or washes may be recommended for tinea versicolor. For widespread, recurrent or stubborn infections, the physician may prescribe oral antifungal medication after reviewing your health and other medicines. We also give advice to reduce moisture and reinfection.

What to expect

Your first visit includes an examination and, if needed, a quick in-clinic test, which is quick and usually comfortable. Treatment is started the same day. Itching often begins to ease within one to two weeks, but it is important to continue treatment for the full course to help prevent recurrence. With tinea versicolor, color differences may take a few months to even out after the fungus is cleared. Oral antifungals can occasionally cause stomach upset or other side effects, which your physician will review with you. A follow-up visit after two to four weeks is common.

Aftercare

• Continue antifungal treatment for the full recommended period
• Keep skin clean and thoroughly dry, especially skin folds and between toes
• Wear breathable cotton clothing and change damp socks promptly
• Do not share towels, shoes or razors
• Treat athlete's foot at the same time as groin infections to avoid spread
• Avoid applying steroid creams unless prescribed

Frequently asked questions

Why does my fungal rash keep coming back?

Stopping treatment early, humid conditions and untreated infection elsewhere, such as the feet, often lead to recurrence. A full treatment course and preventive habits can help.

Can I use the steroid cream I have at home?

Please avoid it unless prescribed. Steroids can mask and worsen fungal infections, making diagnosis and treatment harder.

Is a fungal skin infection contagious?

Some types can spread through contact or shared items. Good hygiene and not sharing towels or shoes lowers the risk.

Visit Egg Clinic in Sinsa

Egg Clinic is located at 613 Gangnam-daero, Seocho-gu, Seoul (3rd, 5th, 6th and 7th floors), directly in front of Sinsa Station Exit 5 on Line 3. We are open weekdays 11:00–20:30 and Saturday and Sunday 11:00–17:00, with a lunch break from 14:00 to 15:00. To book a consultation, call +82-2-542-5540, email eggclinic1@gmail.com, or message us on WhatsApp or KakaoTalk.