Adult Skin Fungus Treatment (Tinea Corporis, Cruris, Pedis)
MD-only evaluation and topical antifungal treatment by secure online video visit, $49 flat-fee, no insurance required.
Skin fungus infections on the body, groin, and feet are commonly caused by dermatophytes. Typical types include tinea corporis (ringworm of the body), tinea cruris (jock itch), and tinea pedis (athlete’s foot). These often cause itchy, scaly, slowly spreading rashes and usually respond well to topical antifungals when used correctly and long enough. TeleDirectMD physicians evaluate whether your rash pattern fits a dermatophyte infection, help distinguish fungal rash from bacterial infection or eczema, and prescribe topical therapy when telehealth is appropriate. If you have fever, rapidly spreading redness, severe pain, pus drainage, facial or scalp involvement, or nail involvement, in-person care is required.
- $49 flat-fee adult visit
- MD-only care (no mid-levels)
- No insurance required
- Secure video visits in 25+ states
- Adults 18+ only, video visits only
Last reviewed on January 21, 2026 by Parth Bhavsar, MD
Online MD-Only Skin Fungus Care
- Adults 18+ with localized ringworm, jock itch, or athlete’s foot
- Topical antifungal treatment when appropriate
- Guidance to avoid steroid misuse that can worsen fungus
- Clear red flag triage for bacterial infection or complex sites
Adults 18+ only. TeleDirectMD does not prescribe controlled substances. This page is for topical treatment of dermatophyte skin fungus. Suspected bacterial infection, fever, severe pain, rapid spread, face scalp beard nail involvement, or immune compromise needs in-person care.
What Is Skin Fungus?
Dermatophyte skin fungus is a superficial infection of the outer skin layer. It thrives in warm, moist environments and spreads through direct skin contact, shared surfaces (locker rooms, mats), and contaminated clothing or towels. Common patterns include:
- Tinea corporis: ring-shaped, scaly plaques on the trunk, arms, or legs
- Tinea cruris: itchy, scaly groin rash, often sparing the scrotum
- Tinea pedis: scaling, cracking, or itching of the feet, often between toes
Most uncomplicated cases can be treated with topical antifungal medication. Correct diagnosis matters because eczema, contact dermatitis, psoriasis, Candida intertrigo, and bacterial infections can look similar.
Symptoms and Red Flags
| Symptom | What it suggests | Telehealth appropriate? | Red flag requiring urgent in-person care |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ring-shaped, scaly rash with a more active border | Tinea corporis | Yes, often | No |
| Itchy groin rash with scaling edge, often sparing the scrotum | Tinea cruris | Yes, often | No |
| Scaling or cracking between toes, foot itch, mild burning | Tinea pedis | Yes, often | No |
| Rapid spread over 24 to 48 hours, warmth, swelling | Possible bacterial infection | No | Urgent care same day |
| Pus drainage, honey-colored crusting, red streaking | Possible bacterial superinfection | No | Urgent care |
| Severe pain, fever, chills, feeling very ill | Serious infection | No | Emergency evaluation |
| Face, eyelids, scalp, beard area, or nails involved | Different diagnosis or needs in-person exam | No | In-person evaluation |
| Thick widespread scaling, significant skin breakdown, ulcers | Complex infection or alternate diagnosis | No | In-person evaluation |
| Immunocompromised state or poorly controlled diabetes with foot wounds | Higher risk complications | No for this page | In-person evaluation |
TeleDirectMD can treat uncomplicated dermatophyte infections with topical therapy when clinically appropriate. If signs suggest bacterial infection, urgent care is required.
Differential Diagnosis
Several rashes can resemble dermatophyte fungus. TeleDirectMD evaluates distribution, scaling pattern, itch versus pain, exposures, and response history to help decide whether fungal treatment is appropriate or whether an alternate diagnosis is more likely.
Common Look-Alikes
- Contact dermatitis from soaps, deodorants, fabrics
- Atopic dermatitis (eczema)
- Psoriasis
- Candida intertrigo in skin folds
- Bacterial infection or cellulitis
Clues Supporting Dermatophyte Fungus
- Annular rash with a more active scaly border
- Slow outward expansion over days to weeks
- Itch more than pain
- Moisture and friction triggers
- Exposure to shared surfaces or contact sports
If the rash is not clearly fungal by history and exam, TeleDirectMD may recommend in-person evaluation rather than trialing medication that could delay correct diagnosis.
Telehealth Eligibility
When a Video Visit Is Appropriate
- Adult 18+ with localized rash on body, groin, or feet
- Itching or scaling without severe pain
- No fever or systemic symptoms
- No face, scalp, beard, or nail involvement
- No rapidly spreading redness or pus
- Able to show rash clearly on video or provide photos
Red Flags Requiring In-Person or ER Care
- Fever, chills, severe pain, or feeling very ill
- Rapidly spreading redness, warmth, swelling, pus drainage
- Face or eye involvement
- Scalp or beard involvement
- Nail fungus as the main complaint
- Immunocompromised state or diabetic foot wounds
If any red-flag symptoms are present, seek urgent in-person or emergency care. TeleDirectMD is not an emergency service.
Treatment Options
First-line treatment for uncomplicated dermatophyte skin fungus is topical antifungal therapy used correctly and for long enough. Many treatment failures happen because medication is stopped too early or applied only to the visible rash without treating the edge.
Supportive Care
- Keep the area clean and dry
- Change socks and underwear daily
- Use breathable fabrics and avoid tight friction in affected areas
- Avoid sharing towels, razors, clothing, or athletic gear
Medication Principles
- Apply topical antifungal to the rash and 2 cm beyond the border
- Continue treatment for 7 days after the rash looks clear
- Avoid steroid creams unless your physician specifically instructs, since steroids can mask and worsen fungus
TeleDirectMD does not prescribe oral antifungals on this dermatophyte page. If the rash is extensive, involves scalp or nails, or does not improve with correct topical therapy, in-person evaluation is required.
Medication Options
| Medication | Dose | Duration | When used |
|---|---|---|---|
| Terbinafine 1% cream | Apply 1 time daily | 14 days | Tinea corporis, tinea cruris, tinea pedis |
| Clotrimazole 1% cream | Apply 2 times daily | 28 days | Tinea corporis or tinea cruris, often used when terbinafine is not preferred |
| Ketoconazole 2% cream | Apply 1 time daily | 28 days | Alternative topical azole option for body or groin |
| Aluminum acetate soaks OTC | Soak 15 minutes 1 time daily | 7 days | Adjunct for very moist, macerated athlete’s foot to reduce wetness |
If you have worsening pain, pus, fever, rapidly expanding redness, or red streaking, this may be bacterial infection and needs urgent in-person evaluation.
Home Care and Return to Work
Most adults can continue normal activities during treatment, but reducing spread is important.
- Do not share towels, clothing, shoes, or athletic equipment
- Wash towels, socks, underwear, and workout clothes after use
- Keep skin folds dry, consider an antifungal powder if sweating is frequent
- For athlete’s foot, rotate shoes and allow them to dry fully between uses
- If you participate in close-contact sports, cover the rash and follow league guidance
TeleDirectMD Telehealth Disclaimer
TeleDirectMD provides MD-only virtual care for adults using secure video visits to evaluate uncomplicated dermatophyte skin fungus and prescribe topical treatment when clinically appropriate. Visits are $49 flat-fee with no insurance required and are available in 25+ states. TeleDirectMD is not an emergency service and does not replace in-person care for severe, extensive, or complicated skin conditions.
Adult Skin Fungus FAQs
Can TeleDirectMD treat ringworm, jock itch, or athlete’s foot online?
Yes, for many adults 18+ with a localized rash consistent with tinea corporis, tinea cruris, or tinea pedis and no red flags. Your MD reviews the rash pattern and symptoms and prescribes topical treatment when appropriate.
How can I tell if my rash is fungal?
Fungal rashes often itch, have scaling, and slowly expand. Ringworm commonly has a more active scaly edge. Jock itch often affects the upper inner thighs and groin folds and frequently spares the scrotum. Athlete’s foot often affects toe webs or the sole.
Why do steroid creams sometimes make fungus worse?
Steroids reduce inflammation but do not kill fungus. They can mask the rash and allow fungus to spread, leading to tinea incognito. Use steroids only if your physician specifically instructs.
How should I apply topical antifungal cream?
Apply a thin layer to the rash and 2 cm beyond the edge. Continue for the full course and for 7 days after the rash looks clear to reduce recurrence.
How long does it take to improve?
Many adults notice improvement within 7 days, but complete treatment usually requires 14 to 28 days depending on location and medication. Stopping too early is a common reason for recurrence.
Do I need to treat my household or partner?
Not always, but fungus can spread through shared towels, clothing, bedding, or close contact. Avoid sharing personal items and consider evaluation for close contacts with similar symptoms.
What should I do to prevent athlete’s foot from coming back?
Keep feet dry, change socks daily, rotate shoes to allow full drying, use shower sandals in shared areas, and treat between toes thoroughly. Consider drying toe webs after bathing.
When do I need in-person care instead of telehealth?
Seek in-person care for fever, severe pain, pus drainage, rapidly spreading redness, face or eye involvement, scalp or beard involvement, nail fungus as the main issue, immune compromise, or lack of improvement with correct topical use.
Does TeleDirectMD prescribe oral antifungals for tinea corporis, cruris, or pedis?
No, TeleDirectMD treats these dermatophyte skin fungus infections with topical therapy on this page. If you need oral therapy due to extensive disease or special sites, in-person evaluation is required.
What makes TeleDirectMD different for skin fungus care?
TeleDirectMD offers MD-only video visits for adults at a $49 flat fee in 25+ states. We focus on correct diagnosis logic, evidence-based topical treatment, steroid-avoidance guidance, and clear triage for bacterial infection or complicated cases.
Could this be something other than fungus?
Yes. Eczema, contact dermatitis, psoriasis, Candida intertrigo, and bacterial infections can resemble fungus. If the pattern is not clearly fungal, TeleDirectMD may recommend in-person evaluation rather than trialing treatment.
Need help with a persistent itchy, scaly rash?
$49 flat fee. Adult-only video visits. MD-only care. Topical antifungal treatment when appropriate, with clear guidance on red flags and next steps.