Dermatology & Skin Care
Fungal Skin Infections, Folliculitis, Warts & Molluscum
Itchy, scaly patches? A rash that keeps coming back? Bumps around hair follicles that won't resolve? A licensed provider can assess the likely cause of what you're dealing with — fungal infections, folliculitis, warts, molluscum — and recommend appropriate treatment, including prescription options when clinically appropriate. Convenient telehealth evaluation for selected skin conditions.
Start a VisitAbout this condition
🧫 Fungal infections, folliculitis, molluscum, and warts — what they are and why they linger
The skin conditions covered on this page are different from the kind that appear suddenly and spread fast. These are the ones that tend to linger, recur, or slowly expand over weeks — often because they are caused by fungi, viruses, or pattern-based conditions rather than a single acute bacterial event. People living with these conditions frequently go months without an accurate assessment, using the wrong products, or assuming a rash "just keeps coming back" when the underlying cause has never been properly addressed.
This page covers four main categories: fungal skin infections (including ringworm, athlete's foot, jock itch, and tinea versicolor), folliculitis (recurring inflammation of hair follicles), molluscum contagiosum (a viral skin infection common in children and adults), and warts (HPV-related growths on the skin). Many typical presentations of these conditions can be assessed through telehealth when clear photographs and a detailed history are available. When in-person examination, testing, or specialist care is more appropriate, your provider will tell you clearly.
What we assess and treat on this page
Fungal infections (tinea corporis/ringworm, tinea pedis/athlete's foot, tinea cruris/jock itch, tinea versicolor), folliculitis (superficial and recurring), molluscum contagiosum, and common warts. A licensed provider reviews your symptoms and medical history to assess the likely cause and recommend appropriate treatment. In-person examination, KOH testing, fungal or bacterial culture, dermoscopy, or biopsy may be needed when the appearance is atypical, treatment has failed, or the likely cause is uncertain.
Why these conditions are often misdiagnosed or undertreated:
- →Fungal infections are frequently mistaken for eczema, psoriasis, or other inflammatory conditions. Ringworm, tinea versicolor, and tinea pedis can closely resemble non-infectious skin conditions. Using a topical steroid alone on a fungal infection — a very common mistake — can temporarily suppress inflammation while the fungus spreads, producing a modified and harder-to-recognize presentation sometimes called "tinea incognito." Unusually widespread, severe, or treatment-resistant ringworm may require fungal testing and specialist consultation, including due to emerging antifungal-resistant dermatophytes such as Trichophyton indotineae. Avoid combination steroid-antifungal products unless a clinician has directed their use for a specific reason.
- →Folliculitis is often confused with acne. The follicular papules and pustules of folliculitis look similar to acne, but the triggers, location patterns, and treatments differ. Bacterial folliculitis may respond to topical or oral antibiotics when clinically appropriate; fungal folliculitis (Malassezia folliculitis) requires antifungal treatment and can worsen with antibiotic use.
- →Molluscum and warts are often left unaddressed. Both are viral infections that the immune system will eventually clear. Treatment may be considered to remove bothersome lesions, reduce scratching or spread to other areas, or address lesions in sensitive locations — but many patients do well with observation alone. Both conditions often clear spontaneously, though resolution may take many months and occasionally several years.
- →Recurrence is the pattern, not the exception. Tinea pedis and tinea cruris in particular tend to recur because the environment constantly re-exposes skin to the same fungi. Addressing the infection and modifying the conditions that allow it to return are both part of effective management.
When to seek urgent or in-person care instead
This page covers dermatology-category skin conditions. If you have rapidly spreading redness, significant swelling, warmth, streaking, fever, or a wound that may be acutely infected, you may be dealing with cellulitis, impetigo, or another acute bacterial skin infection that needs urgent evaluation. See our Skin & Minor Infections page for time-sensitive skin conditions.
Signs you may need treatment
📋 Recognizing your skin condition
The appearance, location, and pattern of a skin condition are key diagnostic clues. Here is what each of the conditions covered on this page typically looks like — and how to tell them apart. A provider will assess the likely cause based on your full symptom picture; some presentations require in-person examination or testing to differentiate.
| Condition | What it typically looks like | Where it commonly appears |
|---|---|---|
| Tinea corporis (Ringworm) | Ring-shaped or circular red, scaly patch with a raised, advancing border that may clear in the center. Not caused by a worm — caused by a fungus. Presentation can be altered significantly by prior steroid application. | Trunk, arms, legs, face. Common in children, athletes, and those with close contact with infected individuals or animals. |
| Tinea pedis (Athlete's foot) | Scaling, peeling, itching, or cracking skin between the toes or on the soles and sides of the foot. May blister. Very common and very prone to recurrence. | Feet, especially between the toes and along the soles. Spread through shared surfaces. |
| Tinea cruris (Jock itch) | Red, itchy, ring-shaped rash with a distinct border. May have small blisters along the edge. Often co-occurs with tinea pedis in the same patient. | Inner thighs, groin, and upper buttocks. More common in men. |
| Tinea versicolor | Patches of skin that are lighter or darker than surrounding skin, often with a fine scale. Sun exposure may make the color difference more visible because affected areas may not tan the same way as surrounding skin — but sun is not the cause of recurrence. | Trunk, upper back, shoulders, upper arms. Common in teens and young adults. |
| Folliculitis | Small red bumps or pustules clustered around hair follicles. May be itchy or tender. Can look very similar to acne. Cause may be bacterial, fungal, irritant, friction-related, or associated with hot-tub exposure — these require different treatments. | Anywhere with hair. Common on the scalp, face, neck, chest, back, armpits, groin, and legs. |
| Molluscum contagiosum | Small, flesh-colored, dome-shaped bumps with a dimple (umbilication) in the center. Usually 2–5 mm. Not painful but may itch. Widespread or unusually large molluscum in an adult may warrant in-person evaluation and immune-status consideration. | Trunk, arms, legs, face, neck. In adults, may appear in the genital area — genital molluscum warrants STI assessment and in-person evaluation. |
| Common warts (Verruca vulgaris) | Rough, grainy, skin-colored growths with small black dots (clotted blood vessels). Firm to the touch. Plantar warts appear on the soles and may be painful under pressure. Flat warts appear in clusters. Any lesion that bleeds without injury, changes color, has an irregular border, grows rapidly, or cannot confidently be identified as a wart should be evaluated in person. | Hands, fingers, around nails, soles of feet. Flat warts: face, hands, shins. |
Key pattern differences that help narrow the assessment:
| Feature | Points toward fungal infection | Points toward folliculitis | Points toward viral (molluscum/warts) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Border | Distinct, raised, advancing border; may clear in center | No clear border; clustered around follicles | Discrete, individual lesions; no spreading border |
| Location | Skin folds, feet, groin, trunk; follows sweat and moisture | Follows hair-bearing areas; may be post-shave or friction-related | Hands, face, trunk; areas of skin-to-skin contact |
| Itch pattern | Persistent itch, especially between toes or in folds | Itchy or tender individual bumps | Mild itch or none; often noticed visually first |
| What makes it worse | Heat, sweating, tight clothing, topical steroids used alone | Shaving, waxing, friction, sweating, hot tubs, certain medications | Scratching spreads lesions; skin-to-skin contact |
⚠️ Seek in-person evaluation if you have:
Rapidly spreading redness, warmth, or swelling; fever with skin symptoms; a skin lesion that bleeds without being picked, is changing color or shape, or does not match the typical appearance of a wart or molluscum; infection on the eyelid or close to the eye; a boggy, painful, or draining scalp lesion or unexplained hair loss (possible tinea capitis or kerion); or any infection that is not improving or is worsening despite appropriate treatment. Patients with significant immune suppression, poorly controlled diabetes, neuropathy, or impaired circulation — particularly affecting the feet — should receive prompt individualized assessment, and in-person care may be needed depending on severity and location.
Not sure what you're dealing with? A licensed provider can review your symptoms and photos to assess the likely cause.
Start a VisitHow online care can help
💻 Skin condition assessment online — what telehealth can and cannot do
Many typical presentations of fungal infections, folliculitis, molluscum, and warts can be assessed through telehealth when clear photographs and a detailed history are available. Your exposure history, symptom timeline, location pattern, and prior treatments are often as informative as the appearance alone. A provider will consistently assess the likely cause — not guarantee a definitive diagnosis — and will tell you clearly when in-person evaluation, testing, or specialist care is the better path.
| What telehealth assessment can do | What it cannot replace |
|---|---|
| Assess symptom pattern, location, duration, exposure history, and prior treatments to identify the likely cause | KOH microscopy or fungal culture for atypical or treatment-resistant presentations |
| Prescribe prescription-strength topical antifungals (ciclopirox, ketoconazole, econazole, clotrimazole, terbinafine) when appropriate | In-office procedures for warts (cryotherapy, electrosurgery, laser) or provider-applied cantharidin for molluscum |
| Evaluate and prescribe for oral antifungal therapy when indicated, after appropriate clinical screening | Laboratory testing sometimes required before oral antifungal treatment (liver function, drug interactions) |
| Recommend topical or antiseptic approaches for mild folliculitis or prescribe antibiotics when a bacterial cause and severity support it | Incision and drainage for deep, fluctuant folliculitis lesions or abscesses |
| Help identify when a rash is more likely fungal than eczema or psoriasis — reducing inappropriate steroid-only treatment | Skin biopsy, dermoscopy, bacterial or fungal culture for uncertain, atypical, or treatment-resistant cases |
| Discuss observation vs. treatment options for molluscum and warts, and refer for in-office procedures when appropriate | Evaluation of extensive, spreading, or atypical molluscum in adults (may indicate immune suppression) or warts with atypical features |
| Coordinate referral to dermatology or infectious disease when specialist evaluation is needed | In-person evaluation for suspected tinea capitis (scalp ringworm), which typically requires oral treatment and may need diagnostic testing |
- →⏰ Convenient same-day assessment. Describe your symptoms today and hear from a licensed provider today — without a long specialist waitlist for typical presentations.
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- →💡 Correct assessment matters. The wrong treatment can make some skin conditions worse. Using a topical steroid on a fungal infection, or treating fungal folliculitis with bacterial antibiotics, are common errors that a clinical assessment can help you avoid.
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★★★★★ Patient review
"I had a recurring itchy rash on my torso for months. I kept using hydrocortisone and it would improve a little and then come back worse. My provider assessed it as likely ringworm and prescribed an antifungal. It was gone within two weeks. The whole visit took 20 minutes."
Patient, MyPhysician360 — Individual diagnoses, treatment recommendations, pharmacy timing, and results vary.
Treatment options
💊 How these conditions are treated
Treatment depends on the type and severity of the condition and is determined by a licensed provider based on your individual clinical picture. Fungal infections require antifungal agents. Bacterial folliculitis may require antibiotics when a bacterial cause and clinical severity support it. Fungal folliculitis requires antifungals. Molluscum and warts have distinct, evidence-based approaches. The following is for educational purposes; a licensed provider will determine what is appropriate for your specific situation.
The most important principle in treating these skin conditions
Using the wrong treatment class — especially applying topical corticosteroids to a fungal infection — can suppress symptoms while the infection spreads and makes accurate assessment harder ("tinea incognito"). Getting an accurate clinical picture before starting treatment is always worth the extra step. Combination steroid-antifungal products should not be used without specific clinician direction.
Fungal infections (tinea species and tinea versicolor)
- →Topical antifungals — first-line for most localized tinea infections. Azole antifungals (clotrimazole, miconazole, ketoconazole, econazole) and allylamines (terbinafine, butenafine) are the standard starting point. Available both OTC and in stronger prescription formulations. Applied once or twice daily; treatment duration varies from 1 to 4 weeks depending on the agent and site. The most common mistake: stopping too early. Treatment should continue for the full recommended course even after the rash visibly clears.
- →Ciclopirox — prescription topical antifungal. Broad-spectrum prescription antifungal available as a cream, gel, or lotion. Effective against dermatophytes and yeast. May be used for tinea versicolor and other tinea infections.
- →Selenium sulfide and ketoconazole shampoo (for tinea versicolor). Applied to affected areas, left on briefly, then rinsed. Selenium sulfide 2.5% (prescription) or 1% (OTC) and ketoconazole 2% shampoo are commonly used first-line options. Tinea versicolor usually responds well to topical therapy alone.
- →Oral antifungals — for extensive, resistant, or recurrent infections when appropriate. Oral antifungal treatment is not appropriate for everyone. Before prescribing, a licensed provider will review pregnancy status, liver health, cardiac conditions, kidney function, current medications, and whether laboratory testing is needed. Oral terbinafine is contraindicated in chronic or active liver disease, and its FDA label directs prescribers to assess liver function before treatment. Persistent or recurrent disease may require diagnostic confirmation before systemic treatment is started. Oral treatment may be considered for tinea pedis, tinea corporis, or tinea cruris that is extensive, resistant to topical therapy, or frequently recurring. Tinea versicolor is usually managed with topical therapy; oral treatment (fluconazole or itraconazole) may be considered in selected extensive or recurrent cases after reviewing risks and interactions.
- →Suspected scalp ringworm (tinea capitis) — referral and testing guidance. Tinea capitis primarily affects children and generally requires oral antifungal treatment because topical agents do not penetrate infected hair follicles adequately. It can cause hair loss, and an inflammatory kerion can scar. Suspected tinea capitis — particularly when there is hair loss, broken hairs, tenderness, drainage, or a boggy swollen area on the scalp — generally warrants oral treatment and may need fungal testing or in-person evaluation.
Antifungal-resistant ringworm
Unusually widespread ringworm, infection that has failed an appropriate antifungal course, or disease that worsened after a steroid-containing cream may require fungal testing and dermatology or infectious-disease consultation. Antifungal-resistant dermatophytes, including Trichophyton indotineae, have been identified in the United States. Combination steroid-antifungal products have contributed to resistant and difficult-to-recognize disease.
When to expect improvement
Most tinea infections: visible improvement within 1 to 2 weeks with an appropriate topical antifungal; full clearance by 2 to 4 weeks. Tinea versicolor: the discoloration may persist for weeks to months after the yeast is cleared — the skin pigmentation takes time to normalize. Sun exposure may make the remaining color difference more visible because affected areas may not tan the same way as surrounding skin. Oral antifungals typically act more quickly than topicals for extensive or resistant infections.
Folliculitis
Folliculitis has multiple causes — and the right treatment depends on which one applies
Folliculitis can result from bacteria, yeast, shaving, friction, occlusion, medications, or hot-tub exposure. Identifying the likely cause is essential because bacterial and fungal folliculitis require different treatments, and antibiotics can worsen fungal folliculitis. Medication is selected based on the likely cause, severity, and clinical picture — not automatically.
- →Mild folliculitis — conservative measures first. Many mild, superficial cases of folliculitis improve with warm compresses, gentle cleansing, reduced friction, and avoidance of shaving over the affected area. Removing or modifying the trigger (tight clothing, certain skincare products, shaving technique) is often sufficient for mild cases.
- →Topical antibiotics — for persistent or spreading bacterial folliculitis when warranted. Topical mupirocin or clindamycin may be used when a bacterial cause is clinically supported and conservative measures have not been sufficient. Routine topical antibiotic use for mild folliculitis contributes to resistance and is not always indicated.
- →Oral antibiotics — for more extensive bacterial folliculitis when clinically appropriate. When folliculitis is more widespread, painful, persistent, or associated with deeper involvement, oral antibiotic therapy may be warranted. Antibiotic selection depends on the appearance, suspected organism, MRSA risk factors, allergy history, pregnancy status, local resistance patterns, and clinical judgment — not a standard formula. Deep, fluctuant, recurrent, or treatment-resistant lesions may need culture or drainage in person.
- →Topical antifungals — for Malassezia (fungal) folliculitis. Fungal folliculitis caused by Malassezia yeast overgrowth looks like uniform itchy bumps on the upper back, chest, and shoulders — often mistaken for acne. It does not respond to antibiotics and may worsen with them. Ketoconazole shampoo or cream applied to the affected area is a common first-line approach. Oral antifungals may be considered for resistant or widespread cases after appropriate clinical screening.
- →Benzoyl peroxide wash — useful adjunct for bacterial folliculitis. Reduces bacterial load on skin surface in friction- and sweat-prone areas. Often used alongside or instead of topical antibiotics in mild cases.
- →Hot-tub folliculitis (Pseudomonas aeruginosa). Usually self-limited in healthy individuals and resolves within 7 to 10 days without antibiotics. Stop hot-tub exposure, use gentle skin care, and seek evaluation if symptoms are severe, persistent, associated with fever, or occurring in someone who is immunocompromised. Antibiotics are rarely needed and should be selected only after clinical assessment — not assumed or self-directed.
Molluscum contagiosum
Observation is a valid and commonly appropriate choice
Molluscum usually clears without treatment in healthy children and adults, though resolution may take many months. Observation is a reasonable option when lesions are not painful, irritated, in a sensitive location, or spreading rapidly. Treatment may be considered for bothersome lesions, significant eczema around lesions, genital involvement, or extensive disease. New lesions may still appear for a period after treatment — treatment removes selected lesions and does not prevent new ones from emerging during the incubation period.
- →Watchful waiting (observation without treatment). A legitimate, guideline-supported option for most healthy children and adults with limited, non-bothersome lesions. Particularly appropriate for children with few lesions not in sensitive areas.
- →Cantharidin — FDA-approved, provider-applied treatment. Cantharidin is FDA-approved for the treatment of molluscum in adults and children age 2 and older. It intentionally causes a controlled blistering reaction that removes lesions and must be applied by a trained healthcare professional. It must not be applied at home, used near the eyes, mouth, or other mucosal areas, or applied by the patient. A referral for in-office application is appropriate for patients who are candidates for this treatment.
- →Salicylic acid — with provider guidance and precautions. Salicylic acid may be used in selected patients for molluscum, but it can irritate or burn normal skin. Use it only when a healthcare provider recommends the appropriate product, location, and schedule. It should not be applied near the eyes, genitals, mucosal tissue, or widespread pediatric lesions without direct guidance.
- →Imiquimod — not recommended for molluscum in children. CDC does not recommend imiquimod for children with molluscum because evidence has not demonstrated reliable effectiveness and adverse skin reactions can occur. Imiquimod is FDA-labeled for external genital and perianal warts in eligible patients, not for molluscum. Its use for molluscum in adults may be discussed with a provider; it is not a standard first-line approach.
Molluscum that warrants in-person evaluation
Genital molluscum in adults often warrants STI assessment and in-person evaluation. Widespread molluscum in an adult, unusually large or persistent lesions, or molluscum that is not responding as expected may indicate immune suppression and should be evaluated in person. New genital lesions, regardless of how they appear, should be evaluated in person.
Warts (verruca vulgaris, plantar warts, flat warts)
- →Watchful waiting. Common warts in healthy individuals will often resolve on their own as the immune system clears the HPV infection. Treatment is indicated when warts are painful, rapidly growing, spreading, or cosmetically bothersome. Not all warts need treatment.
- →Salicylic acid — first-line at-home treatment with important precautions. Applied daily to softened wart tissue after soaking, followed by gentle removal of loose, dead surface skin using a disposable emery board or pumice stone used only on that lesion. Do not cut the wart, cause bleeding, or share the tool. Salicylic acid is available in different strengths and formulations; the appropriate strength depends on the wart's location and skin thickness. Stronger products can damage normal skin and should not be used on the face, genitals, irritated skin, or areas with poor circulation unless specifically directed. Patients with diabetes, neuropathy, or impaired circulation should not self-treat foot lesions without medical guidance.
- →Imiquimod for warts — off-label use with limited evidence. Imiquimod is FDA-approved for certain external genital and perianal warts in eligible patients. Its use for common or flat warts is off-label and may be considered only in selected cases after clinical evaluation. It is not a standard first-line treatment for common or plantar warts, and immunocompromised patients with unusual or extensive warts need in-person evaluation rather than home imiquimod treatment.
- →In-office procedures — for warts not responding to topical therapy. Cryotherapy (liquid nitrogen), electrosurgery, pulsed-dye laser, and intralesional treatments are in-office options that typically produce higher cure rates than topical therapy alone for stubborn warts. Your provider can coordinate a referral if these approaches are appropriate.
Warts and molluscum on or near the genitals
Warts on or near the genitals or anus should be evaluated as possible anogenital HPV rather than treated using home remedies for common hand or foot warts. Genital warts should be assessed through our STI Testing & Treatment page. Appearance and location — not patient self-classification — should determine the care pathway.
A licensed provider can review your symptoms and help determine the right approach for your situation.
Start a VisitWhat to expect
🗓️ Your visit, start to finish
Here is what happens from the moment you start your visit to when you have a clinical assessment and next steps in hand.
|
1
Describe your symptoms
Complete a short intake covering what your skin looks like, where it appears, how long it has been present, what makes it better or worse, what you have already tried, any relevant exposures (gym, pool, hot tub, contact with animals or affected individuals), current medications, and relevant health history. About 5 to 7 minutes. Photos help significantly — a clear photo of the affected area in good lighting helps your provider assess pattern and distribution. |
2
Meet with your provider
A licensed provider reviews your intake, asks follow-up questions as needed, and assesses the most likely cause. They will also determine whether your case is appropriate for telehealth management or whether in-person evaluation, laboratory testing, or specialist referral is the more appropriate path for your situation. |
3
Receive your assessment and plan
Your provider explains their assessment and recommended approach — including whether prescription or OTC treatment is appropriate, how to use it correctly, what to expect during treatment, and what to watch for. If prescription treatment is appropriate, it may be sent electronically to your preferred pharmacy. Availability, insurance requirements, cost, and dispensing time vary. |
4
Follow up as needed
If your condition has not cleared within the expected treatment window, is spreading despite treatment, or new lesions appear, follow up with your provider. Recurring fungal infections may benefit from a longer or oral course of therapy, and some conditions that don't respond as expected benefit from testing or in-person evaluation. |
A note on photos during your visit
For skin conditions, photos are one of the most useful things you can provide. A clear photo of the affected area — taken in good lighting, close enough to show the texture and border of the lesion — helps your provider assess the pattern, note severity, and consider alternative explanations. If you can submit a photo with your intake, do so.
Supporting your treatment
🏠 What to do alongside treatment
These habits support your treatment and — critically — reduce the chance of the condition returning. Follow your provider's specific guidance; the information below is general educational support.
For fungal skin infections:
- →Complete the full course of antifungal treatment even after symptoms resolve. Stopping early is the most common reason fungal infections return.
- →Keep affected areas clean and dry. Fungi thrive in warm, moist environments. After showering, dry the feet, groin, and skin folds thoroughly — including between the toes.
- →Wear breathable, moisture-wicking fabrics. Tight, synthetic clothing that traps heat and sweat creates favorable conditions for fungal growth.
- →Wear footwear in shared spaces such as gym locker rooms, pool decks, and communal showers. Tinea pedis spreads readily through contact with contaminated surfaces.
- →Do not share personal items like towels, razors, or clothing while you have an active fungal infection.
- →Treat shoes with antifungal powder if you have persistent athlete's foot. The fungus can survive in footwear and re-infect the skin after treatment clears the active infection.
- →For tinea versicolor: expect the discolored skin patches to persist even after successful treatment. The pigmentation takes time to normalize. Sun exposure may make the color difference more visible until skin tone evens out; sunscreen can reduce this contrast.
For folliculitis:
- →Avoid shaving over actively inflamed folliculitis. If shaving is necessary, use a sharp single-blade razor, shave in the direction of hair growth, and use a gentle shaving cream. Electric clippers are an alternative during flares.
- →Shower promptly after sweating or exercising. Prolonged exposure to sweat and friction promotes folliculitis.
- →If you have had hot-tub folliculitis, avoid the suspected hot tub until the rash resolves and the facility confirms appropriate water maintenance. Shower after use, remove wet swimwear promptly, and avoid poorly maintained facilities. A past episode does not require permanent avoidance of well-maintained hot tubs.
- →Wear loose-fitting clothing in areas prone to folliculitis. Friction from tight waistbands or athletic wear in follicle-dense areas is a common trigger.
For molluscum and warts:
- →Avoid picking, scratching, or shaving over molluscum or wart lesions. This spreads the virus to adjacent skin and delays resolution.
- →Cover lesions during contact sports or activities where skin-to-skin contact is likely. Molluscum in particular spreads readily through direct skin contact.
- →Wash hands after touching affected areas. Do not share towels, washcloths, or clothing while you have active molluscum or warts.
- →When using salicylic acid for warts, apply it only to the wart itself. After soaking, gently remove only loose, dead surface skin with a disposable emery board or pumice stone used only on that lesion. Do not cut the wart, cause bleeding, or share the tool. If you have diabetes, neuropathy, or poor circulation, do not self-treat foot warts without specific medical guidance.
⚠️ Contact your provider or seek care if:
- Your skin condition has not improved at all after the expected treatment window (typically 2 to 4 weeks for most fungal infections with appropriate treatment)
- Symptoms are spreading despite appropriate treatment
- New signs of bacterial infection develop: increasing warmth, redness, swelling, pain, or fever
- Folliculitis lesions become large, deep, or fluctuant, suggesting an abscess may be forming
- You have significant immune suppression, poorly controlled diabetes, neuropathy, or impaired circulation, and any skin condition is not improving as expected
- A wart or other lesion bleeds without being picked, changes in color or appearance, has an irregular border, or does not behave like a typical wart
- Scalp lesions are associated with hair loss, tenderness, drainage, or a boggy swollen area
Care connected to your pharmacy
🏪 Your prescription. Your pharmacy.
We built MyPhysician360 to connect care directly to the pharmacy you already trust. When prescription treatment is clinically appropriate, it may be sent electronically to your pharmacy. Availability, insurance requirements, cost, and dispensing time vary by medication and pharmacy.
Already at the pharmacy and asking about a recurring skin issue? Many of our partner pharmacies have a MyPhysician360 QR code right at the counter. Start your visit from the aisle and connect with a licensed provider the same day.
- ✓Prescription may be sent electronically to your pharmacy when clinically appropriate
- ✓Pick up at your neighborhood pharmacy or any major chain
- ✓Home delivery available by request at many local pharmacies
- ✓No required membership to access our telehealth services
- ✓If we cannot help you online, you will not be charged
Frequently asked questions
❓ Questions about skin condition assessment online
Straight answers to what patients ask most before their first visit.
Can I get a prescription for a fungal infection through telehealth?
When a fungal infection is the likely cause and prescription treatment is appropriate, a licensed provider can prescribe both topical and oral antifungal medications through a telehealth visit. Prescription-strength topical antifungals (ketoconazole, ciclopirox, econazole, oxiconazole) and oral antifungals (terbinafine, fluconazole, itraconazole) are available by prescription when clinically indicated. Oral antifungal treatment is not appropriate for everyone — a provider will review your health history, medications, liver and kidney health, pregnancy status, and whether laboratory testing is needed before prescribing systemic antifungals. OTC antifungals may also be recommended if they are appropriate and sufficient for your situation.
How do I know if I have ringworm, eczema, or psoriasis? They look similar.
This is one of the most common sources of misdiagnosis in skin care. Tinea corporis (ringworm) typically has a distinct, raised, advancing border with clearing in the center — which eczema and psoriasis do not. However, ringworm that has been treated with a topical steroid may lose its classic ring shape ("tinea incognito"), making it much harder to identify. Eczema tends to be symmetrically distributed in flexural areas (inner elbows, behind the knees), intensely itchy, and associated with dry or atopic skin. Psoriasis has well-defined plaques with a silvery scale, most commonly on elbows, knees, and scalp. A telehealth provider can often assess the likely cause based on a detailed description and photos — but when the presentation is atypical, or the condition is not responding to initial treatment, in-person examination or a KOH test (a quick test that looks for fungal elements under a microscope) may be needed.
I've been treating athlete's foot for months and it keeps coming back. Why?
Recurring tinea pedis usually has one of a few explanations: the initial treatment course was not long enough or was stopped too early (the most common reason); the footwear or environment is re-exposing the feet to the fungus; the infection has spread to the toenails (onychomycosis), which acts as a reservoir that re-seeds the skin; or there may be a concurrent hand or groin infection contributing to re-infection. Resolving chronic tinea pedis often requires a longer treatment course, treating footwear with antifungal powder, addressing any nail involvement, and modifying environmental factors. A clinical assessment can help identify which of these applies to your situation.
What is the difference between bacterial and fungal folliculitis, and does it matter for treatment?
Yes — it matters significantly. Bacterial folliculitis (most commonly caused by Staphylococcus aureus) may respond to topical or oral antibiotics when a bacterial cause is confirmed and severity warrants it. Malassezia folliculitis (also called fungal acne or pityrosporum folliculitis) is caused by yeast overgrowth and requires antifungal treatment. Antibiotics do not help Malassezia folliculitis and can worsen it by disrupting the bacterial balance that keeps yeast in check. Malassezia folliculitis typically appears as uniform, itchy bumps on the upper back, chest, and shoulders, often in young adults, and is frequently mistaken for acne. If folliculitis on the trunk is not responding to standard acne or antibiotic treatment, fungal folliculitis is worth considering. A provider can assess the pattern and recommend appropriate treatment.
My child has molluscum contagiosum. Do they need treatment, or will it go away on its own?
Most healthy children do not need prescription treatment for molluscum because it usually clears over time without intervention, though this may take many months. Observation is a legitimate, guideline-supported option for children with few lesions not causing discomfort or rapid spread. When treatment is appropriate — because lesions are bothersome, widespread, in sensitive areas, or causing significant eczema around them — options are determined by age, lesion location, symptoms, and medical judgment. FDA-approved provider-applied cantharidin is available for children age 2 and older and must be applied by a trained healthcare professional. Imiquimod is not recommended for children with molluscum because evidence has not demonstrated reliable benefit and adverse skin reactions can occur.
Can I treat my wart at home, or do I need a prescription?
Many common warts respond to consistent at-home treatment with OTC salicylic acid. The key is consistency — daily application after soaking the wart, followed by gentle removal of loose, dead surface skin with a disposable emery board or pumice stone used only on that lesion. Do not cut the wart or cause bleeding. Salicylic acid comes in different strengths; the appropriate strength depends on wart location and skin thickness. Do not use stronger products on the face, genitals, irritated skin, or areas with poor circulation without medical guidance. If you have diabetes, neuropathy, or impaired circulation, do not self-treat foot warts without medical guidance. For warts that are not responding to topical therapy, are painful, or are rapidly spreading, in-office procedures (cryotherapy, electrosurgery, laser) at a dermatologist's office typically produce higher cure rates than topical treatment alone.
What is tinea versicolor and will my skin color go back to normal?
Tinea versicolor is a common superficial fungal infection caused by overgrowth of Malassezia yeast — a fungus that normally lives on everyone's skin. When it overgrows, it disrupts the skin's melanin production, resulting in patches of skin that are lighter or darker than surrounding skin, usually on the chest, back, and upper arms. The discoloration is not permanent and is not caused by scarring. Even after the fungus is successfully cleared, the pigmentation can take weeks to months to normalize. Sun exposure may make the color difference more visible because affected areas may not tan the same way as surrounding skin — but this is not what causes the infection or its recurrence. Recurrence is common, especially in warm, humid conditions or in people prone to Malassezia overgrowth. Some patients use periodic antifungal treatment during warm months as prevention.
Is jock itch related to athlete's foot? Can I catch it from myself?
Yes — directly. Tinea cruris (jock itch) and tinea pedis (athlete's foot) are caused by the same group of dermatophyte fungi and are frequently found together in the same patient. The most common route of self-infection: fungi from infected feet transfer to the groin area when stepping into underwear or pants. This is why treating tinea pedis is often necessary to achieve lasting resolution of tinea cruris. Putting on socks before underwear is a practical step to reduce self-transfer. Both conditions are treated with antifungals, though treatment courses may differ by site.
Is this visit HSA or FSA eligible?
Yes. MyPhysician360 consultations are HSA and FSA eligible. Your visit cost is reimbursable through your Health Savings Account or Flexible Spending Account, making it accessible through your existing health benefits even without insurance.
Helpful resources
📚 Learn more
Your provider may reference these educational materials during your visit. Links go straight to the source.
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🔬 Clinical guidelines Tinea Infections: Diagnosis and Treatment American Academy of Family Physicians (AAFP) Read the guideline → |
📖 Patient education Ringworm, Athlete's Foot & Jock Itch — Overview Mayo Clinic Visit Mayo Clinic → |
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🏥 Patient overview Tinea Infections: Overview, Treatment and Prevention American Academy of Dermatology (AAD) Visit AAD → |
📊 Molluscum contagiosum Molluscum Contagiosum — Overview and Treatment Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) Visit CDC → |
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Medical disclaimer & sources: The information on this page is for general educational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. A licensed provider will assess the likely cause of your condition and recommend appropriate treatment based on your individual clinical picture; this page does not provide or imply a diagnosis. Not all conditions are appropriate for telehealth management. Patients with significant immune suppression, poorly controlled diabetes, neuropathy, impaired circulation, rapidly spreading infection, systemic symptoms, or atypical or treatment-resistant presentations should seek in-person evaluation. Oral antifungal treatment requires clinical review of health history, medications, liver and kidney function, pregnancy status, and potentially laboratory testing before prescribing; suitability is determined on a case-by-case basis. Imiquimod is not recommended for molluscum in children per CDC guidance. Cantharidin for molluscum is FDA-approved for adults and children age 2 and older and must be applied by a trained healthcare professional. Genital warts should be evaluated as possible anogenital HPV through appropriate STI assessment rather than home wart treatment. Content is informed by current guidance from the American Academy of Dermatology, American Academy of Family Physicians, and Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. MyPhysician360 services are available in most states. Services are not currently available in Mississippi or Alaska.