The signs and symptoms of fungal skin infections vary depending on the type of infection present. Signs and symptoms of yeast (candidiasis) infections, by type, include:

• Thrush. White patches form inside the mouth. These bear a resemblance to cottage cheese.
  
  
• Yeast infection associated with intertrigo (a skin condition that causes inflammation). Localized, bright red rash at skin folds. The border of the rash is generally scalloped, with a white rim that may contain small bumps filled with pus (pustules). Scaling typically occurs and may be accompanied by mild to intense itching (pruritus) or burning. The rash may also soften and break down the skin and spread to other regions.
  
  
• Generalized cutaneous candidiasis. A widespread, diffuse rash over the torso and extremities. There is general pruritus that is most severe at the groin and anal region, armpits, hands and feet.
  
  
• Yeast onychomycosis. Pain, redness (erythema), inflammation and warmth around and underneath the nail and nail bed, possibly with a discharge of pus. The nails may be thickened, ridged and discolored. Sometimes, the entire nail is lost.
  
  
• Tinea versicolor. White, tan or red scaly patches appear on the skin. They typically form on the neck, torso or arms.

Signs and symptoms of foreign fungi (dermatophyte) infections, by type, include:

• Athlete’s foot. Cracking and scaling of the skin between the toes, especially the fourth and fifth toe, with pruritus and possibly soreness. It often spreads over the sole and instep of the foot. It may later spread onto the sides or top of the foot and in severe, untreated cases, even over the ankle and leg. Small, fluid-filled blisters may also be present and the border between affected and unaffected skin tends to be very distinct. Athlete’s foot is typically more severe in hot weather, when wearing heavy footwear or when perspiring excessively. One or both feet may be affected. Chronic forms tend to be slowly progressive whereas acute forms may be very sudden and tend to be intensely itchy or even painful.
  
  
• Ringworm. Red, flat or slightly raised circular sores that may be intensely itchy. These may be dry and scaly or crusted and moist, and may be accompanied by tiny blisters or papules. As the sores become bigger, the center tends to clear, leaving seemingly normal skin surrounded by an infected edge and giving the infection its common name. There are no worms involved in this condition.
  
  
• Jock itch. A raised, itchy, red rash that occurs at sites of skin-to-skin contact in the groin and anal areas. The scrotum and penis are usually not affected. The borders of the rash are well-defined and scaly and may contain blisters or pustules. The rash increases in size over time.
  
  
• Dermatophyte onychomycosis. The affected nail becomes thick, discolored, pitted, grooved and brittle and looses its luster or shine. In some cases, dull white spots form on the nail and may eventually affect the entire nail area. Affected portions of the nail often break away, exposing the nail bed beneath, and remaining portions of the nail become lumped and deformed. The nail may loosen and detach completely (onycholysis). Pain in the toes or fingers, and a foul odor may also accompany the condition.
  
  
• Tinea capitis. One or more lesions appear on the scalp, with or without inflammation. Baldness (alopecia) typically occurs. This is usually reversible and may occur in patches or affect the entire scalp. The longer the infection persists, the more likely the hair loss will be permanent. Swollen, raw and pus-filled lesions (kerions) may develop. The forms of tinea capitis have specific signs and symptoms and include:
  
  
• • Black dot type. Begins as a small patch that slowly enlarges. There is no itching, but there is redness. Hairs break off flush with the scalp and particles accumulate in the follicle openings, appearing as black dots. If left untreated, scars may form.
    
    
  • Gray patch type. Begins as a small patch that spreads for a while then stops spreading and persists. Redness and scaling are present. Hairs break off just above the scalp level and have a frosted appearance.
    
    
• Tinea manuum. Thickened, usually noninflammatory skin on the palms and between the fingers. Often, only one hand is affected.
  
  
• Barber's itch. Circular lesions with scaling in the bearded areas of the face and neck. There may be severe inflammation, pus-filled follicles or abscesses. Bald patches are common, but usually reversible. Scarring may occur.
  
  
• Piedra. Fungal nodules or “stones” form along the hair shaft, usually in the beard or mustache. They may fully encompass the shaft like a sheath. Hair breakage may occur.
  
  
• Pityriasis nigra. Usually no itching and only a single lesion on the palm of the hand. Lesions may also occur on the soles of the feet, neck and trunk. They are gray or green with a distinct border and may be velvety or have mild scaling.