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Itchy and ugly: Fungal infections impact quality of life

fungal infections treatment from Illinois Dermatologist Fungal infections, also known as mycosis, are caused by microorganisms that live off organic compounds, resulting in certain skin diseases. While most surface fungal infections are not life threatening, they can be very itchy, disfiguring, and contagious. It is important to immediately seek the help of a dermatologist if you think you might have a fungal infection. Experienced diagnosis and effective treatment of fungal infections is available in Algonquin and Woodstock at Dermatology Specialists of Illinois.

Common types of fungal infections

There are 1.5 million species of fungi on earth. Fortunately, only about 300 of them are known to cause concern in humans. The most common types that affect the skin are:
  • Ringworm (tinea corporis) – This fungal infection usually starts as a red, itchy, and scaly rash, forming a partial or full red ring over a period of time. It is typically found on the body or scalp. Ringworm is not actually a worm; it is a fungal infection generally originating from contact with animals, infected persons, or environmental sources. Ringworm is especially common in wrestlers.
  • Jock itch (tinea cruris) – This type of itchy fungal infection affects the groin. The warmth and moisture of this area makes a good breeding ground for fungus.
  • Athlete’s foot (tinea pedis) – Typically found between the toes or in a moccasin-like distribution on the soles, athlete’s foot causes itching, peeling, or scaling of the skin. It is often acquired from locker room floors or shared footwear.
  • Tinea versicolor – These light or dark colored spots, often resembling a rash, can form all over the body. This is a yeast (which is a type of fungus) infection, especially common in young adults on the chest, shoulders, and upper back.
  • Toenail Fungus (Onychomycosis) – This common fungal infection causes nails to become discolored and misshapen. Toenail fungus is often recurring and painful.
Call (844) 307-7546 for relief of fungal infection symptoms.

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Dermatologist Specialists of Illinois Dr. Vikram
Dr. Lauren Boshnick Dr. Lauren

Dermatologist Specialists of Illinois
Connect with Dr. Vikram Khanna on Linkedin.

With over 20 years of experience in dermatology, Dr. Vikram "Vic" Khanna began his education and training at Feinberg School of Medicine Northwestern University. He was the chief resident at the dermatology department at Case Western Reserve University and continues to update and refine his extensive skills with daily advances in the industry.

As a board-certified dermatologist, he continues to dedicate his time to serving his patients of all ages and provides general, cosmetic, and medical solutions for the skin, hair, nails, and body. He was also recently certified for Mohs Micrographic Dermatologic Surgery by the American Board of Dermatology.

Dr. Lauren Boshnick is committed to providing her patients the highest-quality medical, surgical, and cosmetic dermatologic care. She is passionate about cosmetic dermatology and is also interested in diagnosing and treating skin cancer, acne, psoriasis, and atopic dermatitis.

She earned her undergraduate degree from the University of Western Ontario, Canada and her medical degree from the American University of the Caribbean. She pursued specialized training in dermatology at top medical centers worldwide, including Mayo Clinic, Cleveland Clinic, Mt. Sinai, and Oxford before completing her residency at Florida State University, where she served as chief resident.

After training, Dr. Boshnick worked in a private practice in Florida, performing complex skin cancer surgeries and providing cosmetic dermatology services. She is a member of the AAD.