Psoriasis affects around 7.5 million Americans, according to the American Academy of Dermatology, but it is often confused with a fungal infection. Psoriasis and fungal infections often share similar symptoms, like redness and itching, making them difficult to tell apart.[1]
This article provides tips to help differentiate between psoriasis and fungal infections, along with information on risk factors, causes, and signs that warrant a visit to your doctor.
Is It Psoriasis or a Fungal Infection?
If you’re seeing red, itchy patches on your skin, determining whether it’s psoriasis or a fungal infection isn’t always straightforward. Look closely at the red patches: if they appear silvery, it’s likely psoriasis; if they resemble circles or rings, it’s more probable to be a fungal infection.[2]
What is Psoriasis?
Psoriasis is an autoimmune disorder causing an accelerated life cycle of the skin. It results in the formation of itchy and scaly patches in parts of the body mostly affected—knees, elbows, trunk, and the scalp.
Normal skin cells develop and shed within a period of about four weeks.[3] In psoriasis, the skin cells are produced more rapidly than usual, and therefore do not have time to shed off normally, causing discomfort.
Is Psoriasis a Fungus?
Psoriasis is not caused by a fungus. It’s an autoimmune condition where the immune system triggers rapid skin cell growth, resulting in thick, red patches with silvery scales.
What is a Fungal Infection?
Ringworm. Getty Images/phanasitti
Fungal infection, also known as mycosis or fungal disease, is a type of disease caused by numerous kinds of fungi, yeasts, and molds.
Fungi mostly infect the skin or the nails, but other possible areas include parts of the mouth, lungs, and throat, even reaching the urinary tract.[4]
Common fungal infections include athlete’s foot, ringworm, nail fungus (onychomycosis), and oral thrush (candidiasis).
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American Academy of Dermatology Association. “Skin Conditions by the Numbers.” Aad.org, 2019, www.aad.org/media/stats-numbers.
Unlike psoriasis, nail fungus doesn't cause pits in the nails. Instead, nails may change shape, becoming thin, thickened, or developing patches over time.
Psoriasis and fungal infections can resemble each other, but they can also coexist. An accurate diagnosis is crucial to determine if you're dealing with one or both conditions.
Psoriasis often affects fingers, while fungal infections typically target toenails, starting with one toe. If only one toenail is affected, it's likely a fungal infection or trauma-related, not psoriasis.
