Are you wondering what to put on fungal rash? Those red skin patches of fungal rashes are both unpleasant to the sight and itchy. If you want to learn more about what causes fungal rash, its symptoms, and how to treat it, you’ve come to the right place. We will discuss this skin issue thoroughly so you can get a firm grasp on how to treat it effectively. Let’s start!
What causes fungal rash?
Fungal rash is caused by fungi infecting the skin. This happens when the skin makes contact with a harmful fungus, specifically dermatophytes. Dermatophytes are fungi that need keratin, a component protein of the outer layer of the skin, the hair, and nails. These fungi, therefore, thrive in these parts of the body.
This study by Weitzman & Summerbell (1995) states that the dermatophytes that cause skin infections are the Trichophyton, Microsporum, and Epidermophyton species. They thrive in warm, moist environments, like in between the toes, in the groin, and on the scalp. Other types of fungi, the Candida and Malassezia species, also cause superficial infections.
Risk factors for fungal infections

There are many risk factors and sources of fungal skin infection. Those who sweat heavily, have a weak immune system, and children are at risk of having fungal rash.
Sweating can create an environment that is favorable for fungal growth. People who have a weakened immune system are also more likely to get fungal infections, like those who have diabetes or those taking medications.
People who wear tight-fitting shoes or clothing are also at risk of developing fungal rash. The tight spaces can trap moisture and heat, give an ideal environment for fungi to thrive. Additionally, this study shows that children have a high risk of getting fungal infections being more likely to come into contact with infected people or animals.
It is very important to note that even those who don’t have the mentioned risk factors can also get fungal infections. The ones mentioned above put people in a greater risk of developing fungal rash, but it’s not limited to them.
See related: What are the different types of skin rashes?
What causes fungal rash and where can I get them?

Now, let’s talk about the sources of different types of fungal infections that you must be aware of. You can get fungi from direct person-to-person or animal contact. You can get the fungus Microsporum canis, which causes ringworm, from dogs and cats. Sharing personal items, like towels, combs, and brushes can also spread dermatophytes.
But it’s not just human or animal contact that puts you at risk. Walking barefoot in public places, such as gyms, locker rooms, and saunas might give you athlete’s foot. Contact with soil or dust that is contaminated with dermatophytes can also give you an infection. This can happen when you are gardening, working in construction, or camping.
Knowing the causes and risk factors helps you prevent getting infected. If you’ve come into contact with any of our mentioned sources of infection, or if you have a risk factor, it is imperative to know the symptoms of fungal rash to determine if you have an infection.
What does a fungal rash look like?
The appearance of fungal rash varies depending on the infecting fungus. However, some common symptoms include redness, itching, swelling, and scaly skin. They can also have blisters, flaking skin, pain, and discoloration. Here are some examples of different types of fungal rashes:
Ringworm

Ringworm, also known as tinea corporis, is a common fungal infection caused by Trichophyton, Microsporum, and Epidermophyton species. It causes a circular, red, scaly rash that is more red on the borders and pale on the center.
But why is it called ringworm? It is called as such because the margin of the rash is raised and the border progresses outward. As it does, the lesion expands outward around the less scaly, paler center.
Athlete’s foot

Athlete’s foot (tinea pedis) is the most common among the dermatophyte infections (Ferri, 2019). This infection is caused by Trichophyton rubrum, T. mentagrophytes, and sometimes Epidermophyton floccosum. It occurs between the toes, causing a red, itchy, and sometimes painful rash. The appearance varies such that it can be red scaly plaques, blisters, or maceration between the toes.
This skin infection is called athlete’s foot because it occurs on sweaty, moist feet, which often occurs to athletes. Athletes often wear socks inside shoes, so their feet becomes moist and more favorable for fungal growth.
Jock itch

Jock itch (tinea cruris) is a dermatophyte infection that causes an itchy, red rash patch in the groin area. The patch grows outward, may be circular or half-moon shaped, and has a scaling border. The inflammation crawls on the inner thigh, and may spread into the buttocks.
Tinea versicolor

Also known as pityriasis versicolor, tinea versicolor causes patches of darker or lighter skin lesions than the surrounding skin. The patches might have itching and inflammation around them. They can merge into larger, irregularly-shaped lesions.
Tinea versicolor is caused by the fungus Malassezia species and usually manifests on the trunk area (chest, back, and neck) and on the arms. Although this is a fungal infection, tinea versicolor is not contagious (IQWiG, 2006).
Skin candidiasis
Skin or cutaneous candidiasis is a Candida yeast infection of the skin. Candida is normally in the skin, but it can infect any part of the body, especially the warm, moist areas. In the skin, it usually occurs on the armpits, groins, and skin folds. Candida also causes oral thrush and vaginal candidiasis.
Cutaneous candidiasis can cause a variety of symptoms, including redness, itching, swelling lesions. These can be shiny, flakes and fluid at the edge of redness (Ferri, 2019). Pus-containing lesions may also be present in Candida infection on the groin area.
If you have any of the symptoms of fungal rash, it is important to see a doctor for diagnosis and treatment. Fungal rash can be mistaken for other skin conditions, so it is important to get a professional opinion.
See related: Natural Remedies for Itching Skin
What to put on fungal rash: All-natural treatment salves

Treating fungal rash involves topical antifungal creams and ointments which are available over-the-counter or by prescription. However, severe cases may need systemic therapy taken orally. But these treatments also have adverse effects like irritation (itching, redness, swelling, and burning), hair loss, sensitivity to bright light, nail problems, and allergic reactions. Is there another option?
The answer is yes, there is another option, and that is natural treatment! CANhaveTODAY produces all-natural skin care products packed with essential oils that have powerful antifungal properties. Essential oils are effective in treating skin fungal infections, as this study proves. These plant extracts have been used therapeutically throughout history, and there are evidences to support their use for fungal infections.
CANhaveTODAY has three salves that has potent antifungal properties to help with fungal rash: Soothing Juggernaut, Waters Mist, and Healing Legends. Let’s delve into the details of these products and how they can help.
Soothing Juggernaut

Soothing Juggernaut is an excellent salve for fungal infections. With the essential oils from frankincense, arnica, and cypress, this salve can help provide instant relief to the itch and pain of the affected area! It also helps with the swelling, bumps, redness, scaling, and flaking of the skin.
Science proves the properties of Soothing Juggernaut’s ingredients. This study shows that cinnamon has a strong inhibitory activity against Microsporum and Trichophyton species, while that of frankincense is mild. But these essential oils have strong synergistic effects against T. mentagrophytes and C. albicans, as this study shows.
Arnica essential oil, meanwhile, was proven to be helpful in reducing pain and inflammation. This study shows how it decreased the pain, swelling, and bruising of the skin after surgery. Additionally, this study states that frankincense essential oil increases skin blood flow and transdermal permeability. This might account for the fast effect of Soothing Juggernaut in giving relief to fungal rash symptoms.
Waters Mist

Waters Mist is a soothing salve formulated with lemongrass, tea tree, and cinnamon essential oils. These essential oils soothe the symptoms of fungal rash, especially itchiness, swelling, scaling, and flaking. It also provides a refreshing feeling on the skin, like mist near water! All these are coupled with strong antibacterial properties that protects your skin from further harm.
Waters Mist’s ingredients’ properties are scientifically proven. This study shows that tea tree oil inhibits growth of Candida sp., M. furfur strains, and Trichosporon species.
Meanwhile, lemongrass essential oil works against the growth of Candida species, as this study‘s findings confirm. Cinnamon essential oil also has strong antifungal activities, and this study shows evidence that it can inhibit the growth of fungi that infect the skin. These include Chrysosporium species, M. canis, and Trichophyton species.
Healing Legends

Healing Legends contains frankincense, myrrh, and bergamot essential oils. These essential oils are strong anti-inflammatory agents, which will reduce the swelling, itch, and bumps of your fungal rash. They are also moisturizing, especially myrrh and frankincense combined, and can help restore the scaly and flaky skin.
We know that frankincense is a good essential oil against dermatophytes, but it also acts with myrrh essential oil to produce a greater antifungal activity, as this study shows. The study also shows that myrrh acts with lavender and tea tree essential oils to produce an even stronger antifungal activity. Lavender and tea tree essential oils are present in all CANhaveTODAY salves, with the highest concentration in Waters Mist.
Myrrh is an excellent antifungal, and this study shows that it effectively acts against T. mentagrophytes, T. rubrum, M. canis, M. gypseum, and T. verrucosum all of which cause tinea infections. The study also proves that myrrh essential oil reduces inflammation, thanks to its activity against elastase. Bergamot essential oil also helps, having moderate inhibitory properties and acting with lavender oil to produce a stronger activity against dermatophytes, this study shows.
Learn more about the salves and their properties that can help you using this table.
Waters Mist | Soothing Juggernaut | Healing Legends (with Frankincense) | |||||||||
Lemongrass (Cymbopogon citratus) | Cinnamon (Cinnamomum zeylanicum) | Tea Tree (Melaleuca alternifolia) | Arnica (Arnica montana) | Frankincense (Boswellia carteri) | Cypress (Cupressus sempervirens) | Myrrh (Commiphora myrrha) | Bergamot (Citrus bergamia) | ||||
Antibacterial | Mild to Strong [1,2] | Strong [25] | Strong [42] | Mild to Strong [53,54,55] | Moderate [64] | Moderate to Strong [77] | Mild to Strong [90] | Mild to Strong [102] | |||
– Acne | Mild to Moderate [3] | Strong [26] | Strong [42] | Mild to Strong [53,54,55] | Moderate [65] | Moderate [42] | Moderate [90] | Mild to Strong [102] | |||
– Cellulitis | Mild to Strong [1,2,4] | – | Strong [42] | – | – | Moderate to Strong [42] | – | – | |||
– Itch | Mild to Strong [1,2,3] | – | Strong [42] | Mild to Strong [53,54,55] | Moderate [64] | – | Strong [91] | Strong [103] | |||
– Skin infections | Mild to Strong [1,2,3] | Mild to Strong [27] | Strong [42] | Mild to Strong [53,54,55] | Moderate | Strong [78] | Strong [90] | Mild to Strong [104] | |||
Anti-inflammatory | Strong [5] | Strong [28] | Moderate to Strong [43] | Strong [56] | Strong [65] | Strong [79] | Strong [92] | Strong [105] | |||
– Acne | Mild to Moderate [3] | Strong [26] | Strong [42] | – | Strong [65] | Moderate to Strong [42] | Moderate [90] | Strong [106] | |||
– Swelling | Strong [5] | Strong [28] | Strong [118] | Strong [56] | Strong [65] | Strong [79] | Strong [92] | Strong [105] | |||
Antifungal | Strong [5,6] | Mild to Strong [29] | Moderate to Strong [44] | Mild to Moderate [55] | Moderate to Strong [42] | Moderate [80] | Moderate to Strong [93] | Moderate to Strong [107] | |||
– Athlete’s foot (Foot itch) | Strong [7,8] | Strong [29] | Moderate to Strong [45] | – | Moderate to Strong [42] | Strong [81,82] | Moderate to Strong [94] | Strong [108] | |||
– Itch | Strong [9,10] | – | Moderate to Strong [42] | – | Moderate to Strong [42] | Moderate [81] | Moderate [90] | – | |||
Antimicrobial | Mild to Strong [1,2] | Strong [30,25,31] | Strong [42] | Mild to Moderate [53,57,58] | Moderate to Strong [64, 42] | Strong [83,84] | Mild to Strong [90,93] | Mild to Strong [102,107] | |||
Antioxidant (fights skin damage and aging) | Strong [11,2] | Strong [32,33,25] | Moderate to Strong [46] | Strong [59] | Mild to Strong [66] | Strong [80] | Mild to Strong [90] | Mild to Strong [109] | |||
Antiparasitic | Strong [12,13] | Mild to Moderate [34] | Strong [47] | – | Mild to Strong [67,68] | Strong [80] | Mild to Strong [95] | ||||
Antispasmodic (relieves muscle spasms) | Strong [14] | Mild to Moderate [35] | – | Moderate to Strong [57] | Moderate to Strong [69,70] | Strong – Muscle spasms – Menstrual cramps – Restless leg syndrome | Strong [96] – Intestinal spasms | Strong [110] – Intestinal spasms | |||
Insecticidal (Kills insects) | Strong [15] | Strong [36] | Strong [48] | Mild to Moderate [60] | Strong [71] | Strong [80] | Moderate to Strong [97] | – | |||
Moisturizing (for dry and/or cracked skin) | Moderate to Strong [16] | – | Moderate to Strong [49] | – | Strong [72] | Moderate to Strong [85] | Strong (Very Strong with Frankincense) [98] | Strong [111] | |||
Reduces bruising | Moderate to Strong [17] | Strong | Strong [50] | Moderate to Strong [61,62] | Strong [73] | Strong | Moderate | Moderate to Strong | |||
Very Strong | |||||||||||
Reduces cellulite | Strong [18] | – | – | – | – | Moderate to Strong [42] | – | – | |||
Reduces hyperpigmentation | Moderate to Strong [19] | Mild to Moderate [37] | Strong [51] | Strong [63] | Strong [74,65] | Moderate [86] | Moderate [63] | Strong [112] | |||
Very Strong | |||||||||||
Reduces or relieves pain | Strong [20] | Strong [28,38] | – | Strong [56] | Strong [75] | Moderate to Strong [87] – Joint pain – Arthritic pain – Muscle pain | Moderate [99] | Strong [113] | |||
Repels Insects | Strong [21,22,23] | Moderate to Strong [39,40] | Strong [48] | – | Strong [76] | Strong [88] | Strong [100] | Mild to Moderate [114,115] | |||
Treats cramps | – | – | – | Strong [57] | – | Strong [89] | – | – | |||
Wound Healing | Strong [24] | Strong [41] | Moderate to Strong [52] | Strong [56] | Strong [65] | Strong [42] | Strong [101] | Moderate to Strong [116,117] |
Treat fungal rash symptoms with CANhaveTODAY
Equipped with the necessary knowledge, you now know the causes, symptoms, and treatments to fungal rash. We hope this blog article helped you find a suitable treatment for your skin infection. You can try Soothing Juggernaut, Waters Mist, and Healing Legends alone or in combination for maximum effect in relieving symptoms and eliminating the causative fungus. Remember to do a patch test before applying the products generously!
FAQ
Fungal skin rashes are caused by a various types of fungi that can infect the outer layer of the skin, including yeasts and molds. Certain factors increase the risk of getting a fungal skin infection, including having a warm, moist environment, a weakened immune system, and exposure to things, animals, and people with fungal skin infection.
A fungal rash’s appearance can differ considerably depending on the specific type of fungus causing the infection. Some common features include a bright red rash that can spread across a large area, with an intensified color at the border, discolored patches with thickened skin, and, in the case of athlete’s foot, an itchy scaly rash between the toes.
Treating a fungal rash involves topical treatments, but in more severe cases, prescription medications may be necessary. You can usually treat fungal rashes effectively with over-the-counter antifungal creams. But if the rash continues to worsen or is severe, you may need prescription medication, which can include topical medications or oral drugs.
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