Fungal Infections

​​“White spot” is a superficial fungal infection of the skin. The medical term is Pityriasis versicolor or Tinea versicolor.

It usually affects adults and causes an itchy, scaly rash that appears as white, pink or brown patches on the face, neck, chest, back, shoulders and limbs. The condition is often aggravated by excessive sweating.

Hypopigmented tinea versicolor

​​​Ringworm is a common term for superficial fungal infection of the skin which appears as scaly, red, rounded patches with a tendency to form rings. It is known as tinea corporis when it affects the body, and tinea cruris when it affects the groin. Tinea capitis, or ringworm of the scalp, affects mainly children and can cause hair loss. However, this condition is relatively uncommon in Singapore. Healing may result in pigmentation of the skin.

Tinea corporis

​​Malassezia folliculitis is an inflammatory skin disorder that is triggered by yeast known as Malassezia, which occurs naturally on skin.

Malassezia folliculitis resembles acne because it is characterised by clusters of raised, red bumps of various sizes that look very much like pimples. Malassezia folliculitis bumps tend to itch and are uniform in size. The skin surrounding the bumps tends to have a diffuse redness that’s not typically seen with acne.

Malassezia folliculitis can be diagnosed by a fungal scrape, and thereafter treated with topical or oral antifungal agents.

Malassezia folliculitis

​​This is known as tinea pedis and is one of the most common fungal infections of the skin. The skin on the soles and toewebs becomes very scaly and peels. It is itchy and occasionally small blisters may appear. The infection can also affect the toenails.

Tinea pedis

​​This is a yeast infection that often affects moist areas like the skin folds, armpits and groins. It also occurs commonly on the genitalia and can cause a vaginal discharge in women. It is more common in people with diabetes mellitus, and appears as itchy red spots or patches.

1. Fungi grow where the skin is warm and sweaty. Keep the space between your toes, the skin folds in the groin area and the armpits dry to prevent such fungal infection. The use of powder may help.
2. Do not walk around bare-footed in areas where the floor is wet – (e.g. common showers, gyms, public toilets, swimming pools) as fungi can be present. Wear slippers.
3. Avoid sharing personal napkins, towels, combs and hair brushes as they may be infected. Make sure you use your own personal items because these fungal infections are easily transferable.
4. Nylon socks and covered shoes make your feet sweat. Wear cotton socks to absorb the sweat, or open-toe sandals if your feet sweat profusely. Always change your socks daily.
5. Avoid wearing damp shoes. Try to alternate between two pairs of shoes.

1. Apply anti-fungal cream on the affected areas 2-3 times a day for 4 weeks.
2. Do not stop using the medication even when the rash has cleared. Continue using it for at least 7 days after the infection appears to be cleared. In the case of white spots, the white colour remains even after the infection has been successfully treated. However, this will gradually improve over time as the skin regains its normal colour.
3. Oral anti-fungal medication are needed for fungal infections affecting large areas. Your doctor may prescribe them.
4. For prevention of white spots, use an antifungal shampoo once a month; on your scalp and body, leave it on for 10 minutes before washing it off. In the event of an infection, use this daily for 7 to 14 days consecutively.
5. Seek medical attention if the condition does not improve. Do not attempt to further self-medicate.
6. ​Fungal nail infection can be treated but often requires prolonged treatment. It is important to realise that eradication of the fungi does not guarantee that the nails return to a normal appearance.