Yeast infection is a condition in which a naturally existing candida on the skin with a species referred to candida albicans grow beyond normal conditions due to some circumstances that compromise its normal state. When it affects the skin, yeast infection is commonly referred to as candidiasis. Yeast infection is a very common condition and it can affect any one regardless of the skin type or color so long as the conditions that support the overgrowth of naturally existing yeast are present.
Yeast Infection on Skin Types
There are many species of candida that exists on the skin. Some of these candida yeast infections can be explained as follows:
- Perleche or angular cheilitis
This is the softening of the skin that has deep creases around the angles of your mouth
- Oral thrush
This is a candida infection that takes place either in the mouth or throat. It is usually seen as white patches in the mouth or in the throat. Conditions that make people to be exposed to oral thrush may include having chronic diseases such as diabetes, HIV/AIDS, and cancer. Also, if you use systemic corticosteroids or any other medications that can suppress your immune system, you are at risk of thrush.
- Intertrigo
This is a yeast infection that involves the irritation of the skin folds. It usually appears in areas that are moist, warm and dark such as underarm, under breasts or in the groin. Also, folds of the skin are at risk of these types of yeast infection. This is why people who are obese are known to be the most affected by this candida in their folds. Also, any break down, cut or cracks on the skin can allow the infection to take place in the area.
- Candida diaper rash
This usually affects children who are still using diapers. It is usually seen in areas where the diaper covers on the skin. This is because of the moisture that is brought about by diapers.
- Candida body rash
It usually result from excessive sweating, or use of antibiotics or failure to hover around which may result in skin occlusion. It may be seen mostly in people with diabetes and are not moving around.
- Candida vulvovaginitis
This is a candida infection that takes place in the vaginal tract. Candida albicans fungus is a common cause of this infection and may be identified by itchiness and burning after urination or sex. It can also be referred to as feminine yeast infection.
There is many other more yeast infection species that we have not talked about by you can find them on the links we have given at the end of this post. In case you want to know about this, just click on the links and they will direct you effectively.
Yeast Infection on Skin Causes
As we have said above, candida is a strain of fungus that may result in an infection on your skin and some other areas of the body. Yeast normally exists on your skin in a harmless state and it is being put in control by good bacteria that also naturally exist on the skin.
When the good bacteria are no longer good or problems arise with your immune system, the yeast may begin to multiply and therefore result in an overgrowth. Researchers have found that there are more than 150 species of candida that exist. However, most of the candida infections are caused by a candida albicans species.
Factors that facilitate yeast infection on skin
- Poor hygiene
Usually, if you do not practice good hygiene such as cleaning your mouth every time you have finished eating or taking a bathe daily or after a sweaty work you are at risk of getting yeast infection on your skin. This is because, yeast infection likes taking place in moist areas that are warm. When you don’t wash your skin always so that you reduce the warmth and remove the moisture you may end up promoting yeast infection on the skin.
- Diabetes
Usually, diabetes is a condition that affects the balance of blood sugar levels in the body and therefore it can sometimes cause an overgrowth of candida. When someone is diabetic, he/she may sometimes see yeast infection on different areas of the body especially in areas which are always warm and moist.
- Obesity
Obesity is also referred to as being overweight. This condition usually increases the rate at which a person develops skin folds on the body and as we discussed above in this con text, skin folds are the best sights for yeast infection. This is because, these areas are mostly moist and warm thereby allowing a good condition that facilitates yeast infection.
- Breast feeding mothers
While breast feeding there are higher chances that some moisture or milk may spill under your breast. When this happen, a mother can get yeast infection in this areas.
- Poor diet
When you do not consider observing your diet, or maintaining healthy living, you may be on the verge of developing yeast infection on the skin. for example, when you increase the use of foods that are highly rich in glucose or sugar, this means that you provide candida with enough food to overgrow. Also junk foods are not always good when used frequently.
- Weak immune system.
Yeast infection on the skin is usually very common in people who have defenseless immune system may be due to diseases such as HIV/AIDS, diabetes, or TB. When you have a weak immune system, it means your body cannot protect itself from any opportunistic attack such as candida infection.
- Over use of drugs
Other conditions that facilitate the spread of candida very easily include the use of oral contraceptives, steroids and over use of antibiotics. In case any use of drug is causing you other side effects, you can talk to your doctor to find out if you will change the drug or stop the use of the said drug.
- Change in hormone levels
It is revealed that women are mostly at risk of developing yeast infection on skin during menopause or perimenopause. This is because during this time there is increased decline in the hormone level in the body which thins their vaginal wall, therefore causing vaginal yeast infection.
Yeast Infection on Skin Pictures
Below, we have discussed about the signs and symptoms that are usually common when it comes to yeast infection the skin. However, we have provided pictures of this condition that in some of the areas of the body. You may have a look at them so that you are able to know how severe your condition or your loved one condition is and therefore choose one of the treatments you can use as we have outlined them below.
Fungal Infection on Skin Symptoms
Yeast infection on the skin may be identified differently according to the area of the body that it has formed. There are many symptoms that yeast infection on skin can cause and recognizing the symptoms may help to know that you are under an infection. Some of the signs and symptoms of yeast infection that can be seen are as follows:
- Rashes on the affected area
- White or red patches in areas that have altered surface
- You may realize a white flaky substance falling off from the affected area
- Scaling or shedding of the skin with flakes from the affected area
- The red rash may start turning black to appear as a burn
- A cracked skin
- Soreness, itchiness, irritation and burning from the area
- Erythema, that may cause the area to appear red
- Maceration, also known as the appearance of a white soft skin
- Formation of creamy satellite pustules on the margins or the affected area. They may be filled with pus or clear fluid in some cases
- For oral thrush, you may be seen with red or white lesions in the affected areas of the mouth
These symptoms are very important as they are used by a doctor in the examination room while diagnosing yeast infection to ascertain that you are suffering from candida. Also, the symptoms may worsen as the condition is not treated in type. Therefore make sure you find out the best treatment available for you in time so that your condition is brought under control.
Yeast Imbalance on Skin
Usually, candida is a normal resident of the mouth, digestive tract, vagina and some areas of the outer skin in a harmless state. Also, there exist good bacteria on the skin that helps in keeping the yeast and control hence preventing it from overgrowing. Candida can overgrow in on the mucous membrane and moist areas of the skin. As we stated above, some of these areas include the mouth lining groin in between toes or fingers, and the armpits. Also folds of the skin more so in people who are obese may be potential areas for yeast infection.
The imbalance of the naturally existing yeast in the body is caused by the imbalance of the naturally existing good bacteria. This is because, yeast balance on the skin is controlled by these good bacteria. There are numerous conditions in the body that result to this imbalance most of which we have talked about above. These include weak immune system, diabetes, HIV/AIDS, and many more.
Yeast Infection on Skin Home Remedy
Yeast infection on the skin is not usually a condition that calls for an emergency attention and therefore it can be treated successively at the comfort of your home. The first thing you should do at home is making sure that all factors that increase the risk of getting yeast infection on skin are brought under control. There are many home treatments that can be used while dealing with candida infection on the skin as we are going to discuss below.
Home remedies for yeast infection on skin
- Natural yogurt
This remedy is said to contain lactobacillus acidophilus that is useful when it comes to straining bacteria that is present in yogurt and this can help in controlling the growth of yeast infection in your body. It is only advised to use a natural yogurt that does not have sugar and flavors. You can drink a glass of yogurt daily while you apply some directly on the affected area for the better results.
- Coconut oil
Coconut oil is said to contain antifungal properties that are very effective when it comes to dealing with fungi that is responsible for yeast infection on skin. You can use coconut oil by applying it directly on the affected area twice a day after you clean the area and pat it clean.
On the other hand you can mix coconut oil with cinnamon oil in equal portions and apply on the affected area of the skin where there is yeast overgrowth. In case you have oral thrush, you are advised to swish the oil in the mouth for about 1 minute with teat tree oil before you spit it out.
- Apple cider vinegar
This remedy is said to contain some properties that are very effective when it comes to dealing with yeast infection on the skin. it has been proved to do great job when it comes to dealing with fungal infections on the skin. you just have to mix two spoonful of organic apple cider vinegar with warm water and drink daily for a period of one week.
- Garlic
This is a herb that is well-known when it comes to dealing with numerous conditions in the body. It contains antifungal and antibacterial properties that make it useful when it comes to dealing with bacterial and fungal infections in the body. Therefore, you can use it when dealing with yeast infection on skin.
When dealing with skin yeast infection, you just have to crush a few cloves of garlic to make a paste and apply it directly on the affected area.
- Boric acid
This is a chemical substance that contains a little content of antiseptic and antifungal properties that are very essential when dealing with infections such as yeast infection on the skin. however, this home remedy is not recommended to women who are pregnant. You have to dilute this acid with some water before applying on the affected area.
- Tea tree oil
This is a well-known antifungal agent that is very helpful when it comes to dealing with fungal related infection on the body. Also, pregnant women are not advised to use this remedy as it may be harmful to the unborn baby. Dilute the oil with some water before applying it directly on the affected area.
Yeast Infection on Skin Treatment
Treatment of candida infection on the skin is normally very simple. It may be presented according to the area that is affected. For example, treatment that is carried in the mouth is normally not the same as treatment carried on the skin for the same condition.
This condition may not lead you to be hospitalized unless it is caused by other underlying conditions such as diabetes and weak immune system or it has spread into your bloodstreams.
You may be advised by your medical provider to use some drying anti-fungal agents that are available in creams, ointments and lotions which you can apply on the skin specifically on the affected area. Also you may use suppositories and oral medications that may help.
There is a class of topical anti-fungal drugs that is commonly known as azoles that can be applied on top of the skin. They are usually available in form of ointments, tablets and creams. Tablets may be used in case you have a skin that is very sensitive to allergy. These types of antifungals are said not to have serious side effects as compared to nystatin or amphotericin B.
Different drugs may be used according to the affected area on the skin. It is very important to get advice from your medical provider after he/she has examined your condition. Some of the treatments may be as follows:
- You may be advised on vaginal gels and creams such as miconazole in case you are suffering from vaginal candida infection
- Oral thrush on the other hand is treated by use of antifungal drugs that are in form of lozenges, tablets or liquid mouth wash.
- For athlete’s foot, you may be advised on the use of antifungal sprays, powders and ointments
- If you have a serious condition of yeast infection, you may be treated by use of oral drugs or intravenous medications.
You may be advised to use the medication either once or twice every day. In case you are pregnant, there are some medications such as miconazole and clotrimazole that can be effectively be used by a woman who is on her third trimester of pregnancy. However, it is important to makes sure that your clinical officer is aware about this.
More references
- Yeast infection skin rash treatment: http://www.webmd.com/first-aid/yeast-infection-skin-rash-treatment#1
- Yeast infection skin rash: http://www.emedicinehealth.com/yeast_infection_skin_rash/page7_em.htm
- Candida fungus infection: http://www.healthline.com/health/skin/candida-fungus#overview1