A fungal infection is caused by a type of fungus called a dermatophyte that infects the top layer of the skin, hair or nails. Fungal infections of the skin are known as ringworm (tinea). There are many types of ringworm including body (tinea corporis), jock itch (tinea cruris), athlete’s foot (tinea pedis), scalp (tinea capitis), nail (tinea unguium), and beard (tinea barbae), which is rare. In most cases, these infections are not life threatening. Fungal infections are caused by types of fungi that like warm, moist areas of the skin, such as between the toes or fingers, in the groin, and on other parts of the body where there are folds of skin. Treatments of fungal infection include topical antifungal cream applied to the affected area or oral antifungal medication as directed by our doctors.