Comprehensive Guide to Fungal Infections: Patient Resources and Information

Common Types of Fungal Infections

Skin Infections

• Tinea corporis (ringworm)
• Tinea pedis (athlete's foot)
• Tinea cruris (jock itch)
• Candida infections

Nail Infections

• Onychomycosis (fungal nail infection)

Reliable Information Sources

Medical Organizations

• American Academy of Dermatology (AAD): www.aad.org
• National Institute of Health (NIH): www.nih.gov
• Centers for Disease Control (CDC): www.cdc.gov

Patient Support Resources

• Skin Cancer Foundation: www.skincancer.org
• National Eczema Association: www.nationaleczema.org

Treatment Options

Over-the-Counter Medications

• Antifungal creams
• Antifungal powders
• Medicated shampoos

Prescription Treatments

• Oral antifungal medications
• Prescription-strength topical treatments
• Medicated nail solutions

Prevention Guidelines

General Prevention

1. Keep skin clean and dry
2. Avoid sharing personal items
3. Wear breathable fabrics
4. Change socks and underwear daily

High-Risk Situations

• Swimming pools
• Gym locker rooms
• Public showers
• Contact sports

When to Seek Medical Care

Warning Signs

• Spreading infection
• Severe itching or pain
• No improvement with OTC treatment
• Signs of secondary bacterial infection

Additional Resources

Support Groups

• Local dermatology support groups
• Online fungal infection forums
• Hospital-based education programs

Educational Materials

• Downloadable care guides
• Video tutorials
• Treatment tracking sheets