Are fungal skin infections contagious?

Yes. They can spread through direct skin contact or sharing personal items such as towels or clothing.

Why do fungal infections keep coming back?

Recurrence may occur due to incomplete treatment, humid environments, excessive sweating or untreated infections in nearby areas.

Can fungal infections spread to other parts of the body?

Yes. If untreated, they may spread gradually to nearby skin areas.

Are over-the-counter creams enough?

Some mild infections may improve with OTC products, but persistent infections often require dermatologist-guided treatment.

Is itching always present?

Itching is common but not always present. Some infections appear as scaly or discoloured patches without severe itching.

How long does treatment take?

Duration depends on the type and severity, but it usually requires consistent treatment over several weeks.

Can sweating worsen fungal infections?

Yes. Warm and moist conditions created by sweating can encourage fungal growth.

Can fungal infections affect the scalp?

Yes. Certain fungal infections can affect the scalp and hair follicles, sometimes causing scaling or patchy hair loss.

When should I see a dermatologist?

If the infection is spreading, persistent, painful or repeatedly returning.

Concern · Fungal Infections

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Own Skin Dermatology & Advanced Aesthetics · Camp, Pune

Fungal Infections, dermatology care in Camp, Pune

Diagnosis before treatment, always
Plans built for Indian skin and hair types
Camp, Pune · 11:00 AM – 07:00 PM

Understanding the concern

What are fungal infections?

Fungal infections are common skin conditions caused by the growth of fungi on the skin, scalp or nails. They typically develop in warm, moist areas of the body and may appear as itchy, red or scaly patches, sometimes forming circular or ring-shaped patterns. If left untreated they may spread gradually to nearby areas.

Commonly affected areas include the groin, inner thighs, feet, underarms, scalp and body folds. Fungal infections can become persistent or recurrent, particularly in humid climates or when treated improperly.

Over-the-counter creams or home remedies may provide temporary relief but do not always clear the infection fully; incomplete treatment may lead to recurrence or spread. A dermatologist ensures accurate diagnosis and appropriate antifungal treatment.

Possible causes

Causes of fungal infections

Several internal and external factors may contribute to this concern.

Fungal infections may recur if the conditions that allow fungal growth persist. A dermatological evaluation determines the type and severity of infection and the most appropriate treatment.

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01Warm and humid environments
02Excessive sweating
03Tight or non-breathable clothing
04Sharing towels, clothing or personal items
05Prolonged moisture on the skin
06Weakened skin barrier due to irritation or injury
07Diabetes or certain medical conditions
08Compromised immunity

Types

Types of fungal infections

01
Tinea corporis (ringworm of the body)
Circular, red, scaly patches on the body that may gradually expand outward.
02
Tinea cruris (jock itch)
Affects the groin and inner thigh region, often causing itching, redness and irritation.
03
Tinea pedis (athlete's foot)
Affects the feet and spaces between the toes, often associated with sweating and prolonged moisture.
04
Tinea capitis
A fungal infection of the scalp, more common in children, which may cause itching, scaling and patchy hair loss.
05
Candidal skin infections
Caused by yeast (Candida), typically affecting skin folds such as under the breasts, underarms or groin.
06
Pityriasis versicolor
A yeast-related condition causing discoloured, lightly scaly patches, often on the chest, back and shoulders.

Treatment options

Solutions at Own Skin

Dermatologist-led solutions tailored to your skin type, concern severity and underlying causes.

At Own Skin, every treatment plan is personalised after a detailed skin analysis to ensure safety and long-term results.

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Your treatment journey

From first consultation to review

A structured pathway, so you know what happens at every visit.

Your dermatologists

Assessed and supervised by a dermatologist.

Every plan at Own Skin begins with a dermatologist's assessment of your skin, history and goals, the treatment, settings and session spacing are decided from that, not from a menu.

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Questions

Frequently asked questions

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Care that respects how your face already moves and looks.

Get fungal infections assessed by a dermatologist in Camp, Pune.

Clinic: Camp, Pune
Timings: Monday to Sunday · 11:00 AM – 07:00 PM
Call: +91 86000 04399 / +91 94200 91093
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Medically reviewed by Dr Ankita Shah, Lead Dermatologist · Last reviewed 10 March 2026. This page is general information, not a diagnosis or a recommendation. Suitability, session counts and outcomes vary between individuals and are confirmed only after clinical assessment.