Fungal Skin Infection Treatment in Clovis & Fresno, CA
Fungal skin infections are among the most common skin conditions in the Central Valley — and given the region’s warm climate, high humidity in summer, and active outdoor lifestyle, they are a year-round concern for Clovis and Fresno residents. At Dehesa Dermatology, board-certified dermatologist Dr. Luis A. Dehesa provides accurate diagnosis and effective treatment for all types of fungal skin infections, from tinea infections of the body and feet to nail fungus and scalp conditions, serving patients throughout Clovis, Fresno, and the greater San Joaquin Valley.
Types of Fungal Skin Infections We Treat
Fungal infections of the skin are caused by dermatophytes, yeasts (primarily Candida and Malassezia), or molds that thrive in warm, moist environments. The most common types include:
- Tinea Pedis (Athlete’s Foot): Fungal infection of the feet causing scaling, itching, and cracking between the toes and on the soles. Extremely common in warm climates and spread through public showers, locker rooms, and pool decks.
- Tinea Corporis (Ringworm): Despite the name, ringworm is not caused by a worm — it is a fungal infection that produces ring-shaped, scaly, itchy patches on the skin of the trunk, limbs, or face. Common in athletes and those in close contact with infected individuals or animals.
- Tinea Cruris (Jock Itch): Fungal infection of the groin and inner thighs, producing a red, itchy, ring-shaped rash. More common in men and worsened by heat, sweat, and tight clothing.
- Tinea Unguium (Onychomycosis / Nail Fungus): Fungal infection of the fingernails or toenails, causing thickening, discoloration, brittleness, and separation of the nail from the nail bed. One of the most common nail conditions, often requiring oral antifungal treatment for complete clearance. Dr. Dehesa has particular expertise in nail fungus — it was a focus of his research fellowship at the University of Miami Hospital.
- Tinea Capitis (Scalp Ringworm): Fungal infection of the scalp and hair shaft, primarily affecting children. Causes scaly patches and hair loss on the scalp and requires oral antifungal treatment for clearance.
- Tinea Versicolor (Pityriasis Versicolor): A common yeast infection (Malassezia) that causes small, discolored patches — lighter or darker than surrounding skin — on the chest, back, shoulders, and upper arms. Very common in the Central Valley’s warm summers and not contagious.
- Cutaneous Candidiasis: Yeast infections of skin folds (axillae, groin, beneath the breasts, between fingers) causing red, moist, itchy patches with satellite pustules. More common in patients with diabetes, obesity, or immunosuppression.
Diagnosing Fungal Infections
While many fungal infections have a characteristic clinical appearance, accurate diagnosis is important because fungal rashes can mimic other conditions — including eczema, psoriasis, and contact dermatitis. At Dehesa Dermatology, Dr. Dehesa uses potassium hydroxide (KOH) microscopy — a simple, rapid in-office test in which a skin scraping is examined under a microscope — to confirm the presence of fungal elements in most cases. Nail fungus diagnosis may also involve nail clipping analysis sent to a laboratory for culture and species identification, which guides the choice of oral antifungal medication.
Fungal Infection Treatment at Dehesa Dermatology
- Topical Antifungals: Prescription and over-the-counter topical antifungal creams, gels, and sprays (clotrimazole, miconazole, terbinafine, ketoconazole, ciclopirox) for tinea infections of the skin. Prescription-strength formulations are significantly more effective than generic alternatives for resistant or widespread infections.
- Oral Antifungals: Terbinafine, itraconazole, and fluconazole are prescribed for nail fungus, scalp ringworm, and extensive or resistant skin infections. Oral treatment is significantly more effective than topical therapy for onychomycosis and requires monitoring for potential drug interactions.
- Antifungal Shampoos and Scalp Treatments: Ketoconazole and selenium sulfide shampoos for tinea versicolor and seborrheic dermatitis with fungal component.
- Prevention Guidance: Footwear recommendations, hygiene counseling, management of contributing factors (hyperhidrosis, diabetes), and strategies to reduce recurrence in high-risk patients.
Frequently Asked Questions About Fungal Skin Infections
How do I know if my rash is a fungal infection?
Fungal infections often have characteristic features — ring-shaped borders, fine scaling, and involvement of skin folds, feet, or nails — but they can closely mimic other conditions including eczema and psoriasis. A professional evaluation at Dehesa Dermatology with in-office KOH microscopy provides a definitive diagnosis in most cases during the same visit, allowing you to start the right treatment immediately rather than guessing with over-the-counter products.
Can toenail fungus be cured?
Yes — toenail fungus (onychomycosis) can be cured, but it requires oral antifungal treatment for most cases and takes time. Oral terbinafine taken for 12 weeks achieves cure in approximately 70 to 80% of cases for toenail fungus. Complete nail clearing may take 6 to 12 months after treatment as the nail grows out. Topical treatments alone are rarely sufficient for established onychomycosis. At Dehesa Dermatology, Dr. Dehesa has specific expertise in onychomycosis from his research fellowship and provides effective, evidence-based nail fungus treatment.
Why does my fungal infection keep coming back?
Recurrent fungal infections often result from incomplete treatment, reinfection from a contaminated environment (particularly footwear, socks, and shower surfaces for athlete’s foot), or an underlying predisposing condition such as diabetes, hyperhidrosis, or immunosuppression. At Dehesa Dermatology, we address not just the active infection but the underlying factors contributing to recurrence — including prevention strategies and management of contributing conditions.
Is tinea versicolor contagious?
Tinea versicolor is caused by Malassezia, a yeast that naturally lives on everyone’s skin. It becomes overgrown under certain conditions — warm weather, sweating, and oily skin — producing the characteristic discolored patches. Because it is caused by a normal skin resident rather than an external pathogen, tinea versicolor is not considered contagious from person to person. The discoloration usually improves within weeks of treatment but may take months for full pigment normalization.
Are fungal infections more common in the Central Valley?
Yes. The warm summers, high temperatures, and outdoor lifestyle of the Fresno-Clovis area create ideal conditions for many fungal infections — particularly tinea pedis, tinea cruris, tinea versicolor, and cutaneous candidiasis. Outdoor workers, athletes, and anyone who sweats heavily in the heat are especially susceptible. Our team is experienced in managing fungal infections in the specific environmental context of Central Valley living.
Can children get fungal skin infections?
Yes — children are particularly susceptible to tinea capitis (scalp ringworm), tinea corporis (ringworm of the body), and tinea pedis (athlete’s foot). Scalp ringworm in children requires oral antifungal treatment and can cause significant hair loss if not treated promptly. At Dehesa Dermatology, we treat pediatric fungal infections with age-appropriate medications and dosing. See our general FAQ for more about our pediatric dermatology services.
Does Dehesa Dermatology treat fungal infections for patients from Fresno?
Yes. We treat all types of fungal skin and nail infections for patients from Fresno, Clovis, and throughout the Central Valley. Our office is at 978 N Temperance Ave in Clovis, just minutes from Fresno via Highway 168. Call (559) 951-9000 to schedule your evaluation.