Candida is an yeast type of fungus that occurs on the skin and cavities of the body but will not cause an infection in most cases. A candida infection, known as candidiasis, is more likely to occur on the skin although it can also infect the vagina, mouth or intestines. Infection of the latter two sites is usually limited to immunocompromised patients like in HIV/AIDS.
While candida tends to live on the skin without causing a fungal infection of the skin, if the conditions are favorable, it will become pathogenic. Like other skin fungi, it needs the ideal conditions like warmth, moisture and darkness to thrive and if the body’s immune defenses are lowered, this harmless yeast will quickly infect the skin and body.
What Causes a Skin Yeast Infection?
Causes of Skin Candidiasis
Candida albicans is the most common species of yeast that lives on the skin. It tends to infect the folds of the skin, especially if there are any breaks or cuts. In cases where body movement or clothing may cause chaffing of these skin folds (intertrigo), the yeast will quickly infect the skin. The most common areas are under the breast (submammary candidiasis), armpit, scrotum, vulva and anus. In an obese person, a skin yeast infection may occur between the ‘fat folds’.
Skin yeast infections are not isolated to these areas and another common yeast skin infection is that on the face which is known as tinea versicolor. This condition is caused by the skin fungus known as Pityriasis versicolor. Despite the fact that the face is exposed, an yeast infection is still possible especially if there is damage to the skin of the face – as in contact dermatitis often caused by chlorine in swimming pool water or oily skin with acne.
Another common site for an yeast infection is the fingernail, especially in women who use false acrylic nails for long periods of time. This condition is known as candidal paronychia.
How Does a Skin Yeast Infection Look and Feel?
Signs and Symptoms of Skin Candidiasis
The presentation of a skin yeast infection may vary. In tinea versicolor, it often appears like white patches on the cheeks. In Candida albicans infection, it may appear as a red skin rash that is slightly raised and becomes dark (hyperpigmented) over time.
Other signs and symptoms of a skin yeast infection includes :
- Itchy skin rash.
- Rough, peeling skin which may also crack or ulcerate.
- Oozing or discharge from the affected site.
- Deformity of the nail in candidal paronychia.
Candida skin infections are commonly seen in cases of nappy rash where Candida albicans infect a preexisting skin rash like seborrheic dermatitis. It is also a common infection that complicates other skin conditions like exfoliative dermatitis.
How is a Skin Yeast Infection Treated and Prevented?
Treatment of Skin Candidiasis
Topical antifungals, specifically those that are effective against yeasts, are usually sufficient to resolve the infection. In severe cases, oral antifungal drugs may be necessary but this will depend on your individual case. A skin yeast infection is persistent since many of these yeasts naturally occur on the skin. If the skin rash is severe, a corticosteroid cream may be necessary to first settle the rash and itching before starting the antifungal cream.
Prevention of a Skin Candidiasis
Good hygiene, attending to cuts and other skin rashes at an early stage and avoiding any clothing, underwear or accessories that may cause chaffing should be the main approach to preventing a skin yeast infection. Other preventative measures should include keeping the affected area dry by proper ventilation and using antifungal drying powders.
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