Why Do Fungal Infections Itch so Much?

A fungus is a microorganism found in air, water and soil. It is also found on the human's body. Over half of the known fungi are harmful, and when on the skin for a prolonged period and under the appropriate environment can develop into an infection. A fungal infection, therefore, is characterized by a rash, redness and itchiness.

Who is at an increased risk of developing fungal infections?


The following people are at an increased risk of having a fungal infection. These are primarily people who:

  • Are under a high dose of antibiotics for a prolonged time

  • Trying new skin products

  • Having diabetes

  • Having a weak immune system

  • Heavily sweating

  • Observing incontinence

  • Overweight

  • Pregnancy


A fungal infection aside from the redness may also have intense colour at the border in addition to scales and may even have lesions or pustules.


There are different types of fungal infections, such as:

  1. Athlete's foot

  2. Nail fungus

  3. Jock itch

  4. Scalp ringworm

  5. Ringworm


Why do fungal infections itch?


Fungal infections are often closely correlated with itching, although the exact molecular mechanism has not been characterized even until now. The fungal infection types like the athlete's foot may also accompany a burning sensation. But on the outset, the itch caused during the fungal infection like many other infections is related to the nociceptor neurons that participate actively in detecting the pathogen, the modulation of inflammation, and swelling in the body. In addition to the nociceptor neurons, the puriceptor neurons, too, can detect the pathogen causing the body to itch as a defence mechanism. 

The defence mechanism displayed in the body helps remove the pathogen, fungus in this case. Both these receptors are activated upon an increase in temperature and other chemicals at the infection site. Once activated, the immune system begins acting at the site in warding off the pathogen from the skin. Therefore, treatment of fungal infection by an antifungal ointment or an itching powder aims to reduce the temperature and the oxidation at the infection site, thereby reducing the swelling and inflammation, in turn reducing the itch. 

This then progresses to scarring and healing of the skin. The complete detail of the mechanism is currently still under research.


Concluding remarks


Fungal infection is generally accompanied by itching and pain aside from swelling and redness. Over-the-counter itching powders and antifungal creams often treat this. The fungal infection activates the body's nociceptor and puriceptor neurons that induce a defence mechanism of 'scratch-removal of pathogen'. Application of the itching powder kills the fungus at the site and the inflammation and the redness, resulting in a reduced amount of itching and eventually, the skin's healing.

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