What causes fungus?
Fungus, also known as fungal infections, are caused by various types of fungi that live on the hair, nails, and outer skin layers. Fungus grows best in warm, moist environments. Some common causes and risk factors for recurrent fungus include:
Hot, humid weather
Fungus thrives in hot, humid conditions. The warm, moist environment allows fungal spores to multiply quickly. Places like public showers, swimming pools, and locker rooms provide ideal conditions for fungal growth. Living in hot, humid climates can increase risk of recurring infections.
Sweaty feet
Excessive sweating, especially on the feet, creates a warm, moist environment that fungus needs to grow. Wearing tight, non-breathable shoes and socks can cause sweaty feet. Changing socks regularly and wearing moisture-wicking shoes and socks can help reduce excessive foot sweating.
Compromised immune system
People with weakened immune systems are more prone to fungal overgrowth. Conditions like HIV/AIDS, cancer treatments, steroids, and other immunosuppressive medications can impair the body’s defenses against fungus. Recurrent infections may signal an underlying immunodeficiency.
Skin damage
Cuts, scrapes, and other breaks in the skin allow fungus to penetrate beneath the surface. Fungus can enter damaged nail beds and lead to difficult-to-treat nail infections. Keeping skin healthy and intact provides a protective barrier against fungal growth.
Diabetes
Elevated blood sugar levels in diabetics promote fungal growth. High glucose levels also impair immune cell function. Carefully managing diabetes through medication, diet, and exercise helps reduce the risk of recurrent fungal infections.
Obesity
Excess weight increases risk of fungus by causing increased sweating in skin folds. Obesity can also impair immune function and wound healing. Losing weight through diet and exercise may help reduce recurrent fungal infections.
Using public showers
Shared public showers, like those at gyms or swimming pools, harbor fungus. The damp conditions allow fungal spores to thrive. Always wear shower shoes in public showers. Thoroughly wash any communal surfaces before use.
Sharing items
Towels, linens, shoes, clothes and other personal items can transmit fungus from an infected person. Never share personal items. Wash and thoroughly dry laundry and bedding to kill fungal spores. Disinfect shoes to prevent reinfection.
Not drying properly after swimming
Sitting in a wet bathing suit after swimming allows fungus to grow. Always shower and thoroughly dry yourself after swimming. Change out of swimwear right away rather than lounging poolside in a wet suit.
Common areas affected by recurring fungus
Fungus can recur in the same or new areas. Some of the most common sites include:
Feet (athlete’s foot)
Athlete’s foot causes flaky, itchy, red rashes between the toes. Fungus thrives in the warm, damp environment created by sweaty feet in shoes. Prevent reinfection by keeping feet clean and dry.
Groin (jock itch)
Jock itch fungal infections cause a red, itchy rash in the groin area. Sweat, friction, and tight clothing promote recurrence. Wear loose, breathable fabrics and keep the area dry.
Nails (onychomycosis)
Toenail fungus turns nails yellow, brown, or green with thickened, brittle debris. Oral medications are often needed to treat stubborn nail bed fungus to prevent regrowth.
Skin folds
Fungus thrives in skin folds where moisture gets trapped. Areas like the underarms, under breasts, and groin are prone to recurrent infection. Keeping folds clean and dry prevents regrowth.
Scalp (tinea capitis)
Scalp ringworm causes round, itchy, scaly patches of hair loss. Fungus living on hairbrushes or hats can reinfect the scalp. Disinfect headwear and hair accessories to prevent recurrence.
Preventing recurrent fungus infections
To reduce the risk of fungus returning, utilize proactive prevention methods:
Practice good hygiene
– Wash hands frequently
– Shower right after exercise or swimming
– Wash clothes, sheets, towels in hot water
– Avoid sharing personal items like towels and razors
Keep skin dry
– Wear moisture-wicking socks and breathable shoes
– Change socks and underwear frequently
– Use powder to absorb sweat
– Dry well after bathing or swimming
Treat predisposing conditions
– Control blood sugar levels if diabetic
– Maintain a healthy weight
– See a doctor if immunocompromised
Use antifungal products
– Over-the-counter antifungal spray, powder, or cream
– Prescription antifungal oral medication for severe infections
– Tea tree oil and garlic have natural antifungal properties
Disinfect surfaces and tools
– Use disinfectant spray on surfaces like showers, sinks, floors
– Wash combs, hair brushes, hats, headbands
– Disinfect nail tools between uses
– Wash bath mats, towels, and sheets regularly
Home remedies to prevent fungal recurrence
Natural home remedies may help prevent fungal overgrowth when used along with medical treatment. Some options include:
Vinegar
White vinegar’s acetic acid acts as a gentle antibacterial and antifungal. Mix equal parts vinegar and water to wipe down surfaces prone to fungus, like shower floors. Use full-strength vinegar directly on skin after bathing and before applying antifungal cream.
Tea tree oil
Tea tree oil’s terpinen-4-ol compound has antifungal properties. Add a few drops of tea tree oil to coconut or olive carrier oil and apply to affected skin 2-3 times a day. Never use full strength on skin.
Garlic
Garlic’s ajoene compound may inhibit fungal growth. Crush raw garlic and rub it on athlete’s foot. Combine minced garlic with coconut oil to apply to ringworm patches. Use carefully as garlic can cause burns.
Apple cider vinegar
Apple cider vinegar creates an acidic environment to prevent fungal overgrowth. Add 2 cups to bath water or dilute with water for a foot soak. Use a cotton ball to dab undiluted vinegar on skin tags or warts caused by fungus. Rinse after 10 minutes.
Coconut oil
Coconut oil’s lauric acid gives it antifungal properties. Rub extra virgin coconut oil on feet after showering or onto affected skin 2-3 times per day. Combine with tea tree oil for added effect.
Probiotics
Probiotic foods and supplements support gut health and a strong immune response against fungus. Eat probiotic yogurt, kefir, kimchi, kombucha, and take probiotic capsules daily. A diverse microbiome inhibits fungal overgrowth.
Medical treatments for recurring fungal infections
For moderate to severe cases, prescription oral or topical antifungal medications may be needed to treat recurring fungus and prevent regrowth.
Oral antifungals
Oral antifungal medications like terbinafine or itraconazole are taken for 1-3 months to treat stubborn nail or scalp fungal infections from the inside out. Blood tests monitor for liver toxicity. Common oral antifungals include:
| Medication | Dosage | Length of Treatment |
| Terbinafine | 250 mg per day | Toenail: 12 weeks |
| Itraconazole | 200 mg 2x per day | Fingernail: 6 weeks |
| Fluconazole | 150 mg per week | Ringworm: 4-8 weeks |
Topical antifungals
Creams, sprays, powders, and nail polish help treat fungal skin infections and prevent recurrence when applied daily. Some topical antifungal brand names include Lotrimin, Lamisil, Naftin, and Tinactin. Apply according to package directions. See a doctor if symptoms don’t improve within one week.
Medicated body wash
Antifungal body washes like selenium sulfide (Selsun Blue, Head & Shoulders) help treat and prevent fungal growth by removing dead skin and reducing yeast on the skin. Lather on affected areas and rinse after 5 minutes.
Prescription nail lacquer
Medicated nail polish like ciclopirox (Penlac) or tavaborole (Kerydin) suffocates fungal spores under an antifungal coating. Brush on affected nails and surrounding skin daily for 48 weeks. Remove residue with alcohol weekly.
Laser therapy
Laser treatments like PinPointe FootLaser use light energy to kill fungus inside toenails. Multiple sessions every few weeks combined with oral medication provide longer term results.
Photodynamic therapy
Photodynamic therapy applies a photosensitizing agent like aminolevulinic acid followed by light to destroy fungi. Two treatment sessions provided one week apart help kill fungi and prevent recurrence.
When to see a doctor
Consult a dermatologist or podiatrist if:
– Fungal infection does not improve with over-the-counter treatment after 1-2 weeks
– Infection worsens or spreads
– Diabetes, immunosuppression, or other risk factors are present
– Debris, discoloration, or thickening of multiple toenails or fingernails
– Scalp ringworm does not respond to shampoo
A doctor can properly diagnose the type of fungus through skin scrapings or nail clippings. Prescription oral or topical medications are stronger than over-the-counter options and may be needed for severe, recurring, or resistant fungal infections. Seeking professional treatment can help prevent fungus from returning and spreading.
Conclusion
Fungus often recurs because spores remain in one’s environment or shoes even after treatment. Preventing the growth and spread of fungus involves maintaining good hygiene, keeping skin dry, disinfecting surfaces, treating underlying conditions, using antifungal products, and seeing a doctor for stubborn infections. With diligent prevention and treatment measures, recurrent fungal infections can be avoided. Consistent application of antifungal creams, sprays, and oral medications helps kill fungal spores on the skin, nails, and scalp to stop fungus from coming back.