Hot, humid weather changes more than your comfort level. It also creates an ideal environment for the fungi that cause ringworm, athlete’s foot, and jock itch. Add sweating, wet bathing suits, locker rooms, pools, close-contact sports, and shared equipment, and summer becomes prime time for fungal skin infections.
The confusing part is that fungal infections can resemble eczema, irritation, psoriasis, or other rashes. Treating the wrong condition can make the picture harder to recognize.
Q: Are ringworm, athlete’s foot, and jock itch related?
A: Yes. They are all forms of tinea, a group of superficial fungal infections caused by dermatophytes.
- Tinea corporis affects the body and is commonly called ringworm.
- Tinea pedis affects the feet and is commonly called athlete’s foot.
- Tinea cruris affects the groin and is commonly called jock itch.
Despite the name, ringworm is caused by a fungus—not a worm.
Q: What does ringworm look like?
A: On the body, ringworm often forms a round or oval scaly patch with a more active raised border. The center may begin to clear as the edge expands. It can be intensely itchy.
On lighter skin, the rash may look pink or red. On darker skin, it may appear brown, gray, red-purple, or darker than the surrounding skin.
Q: What are the signs of athlete’s foot?
A: Athlete’s foot can cause itching, burning, scaling, peeling, or cracking between the toes or along the soles and sides of the feet. The skin between the toes can become soft and white from moisture. Some people develop small blisters or painful fissures.
Warm, sweaty shoes and damp communal areas such as locker rooms and pool decks make it easier for the fungus to thrive.
Q: What does jock itch look like?
A: Jock itch usually affects the groin folds and upper inner thighs. The rash can be itchy and scaly with a defined border. Heat, friction, tight clothing, and sweating can all contribute.
Keeping the area dry is an important part of both prevention and treatment.
Q: Can steroid cream make a fungal rash worse?
A: Yes. This is a common summer mistake. A topical steroid may temporarily reduce redness and itch without eliminating the fungus. The rash can then expand or become less typical in appearance, sometimes called tinea incognito.
If a rash is spreading despite hydrocortisone or keeps returning after temporary improvement, it is worth having the diagnosis confirmed.
Q: How are fungal skin infections treated?
A: Many limited fungal infections of the skin can respond to topical antifungal medication. The exact treatment depends on the location, extent, and diagnosis.
Scalp infections, extensive disease, recurrent infection, certain nail infections, or cases that do not respond to appropriate topical treatment may require prescription therapy and sometimes oral medication. Dermatologists may also perform a skin scraping or other test when the diagnosis is uncertain.
Q: How can I lower my risk this summer?
- Dry thoroughly after showering or swimming.
- Change out of sweaty clothing and wet bathing suits promptly.
- Wear breathable shoes and change damp socks.
- Use sandals or shower shoes in communal wet areas.
- Do not share towels, razors, clothing, or athletic gear.
- Clean sports equipment regularly.
If an itchy summer rash is expanding, recurring, or not responding to over-the-counter treatment, Borealis Dermatology can help determine whether it is fungal or something else. Our medical dermatology services include evaluation and treatment of tinea and other common skin infections.
Borealis Dermatology sees patients in Garden City, Syosset, and Bellerose, NY. Book Appointment.
Continue reading about when a rash needs a dermatologist and recognizing and managing heat rash.
Related care: Fungal skin and nail infections · Ringworm in children