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HomeKnowledge CenterWellness Library
Yeast Skin Infection

What is a yeast skin infection?

A yeast infection is usually caused by a fungus called Candida albicans. This kind of yeast naturally lives on your skin. When too much yeast grows, it is called a yeast skin infection.

Yeast skin infections tend to happen in skin-to-skin areas. These include the underarms, as well as skin folds under the breasts, neck, belly, or groin.

What causes it?

Things that make it easier for too much yeast to grow include:

• Warm and moist areas on the body.
• Tight-fitting, “nonbreathable” clothing that keeps moisture on the skin.
• Antibiotic use.
• Certain health problems, such as diabetes, that weaken the body’s immune system.

What are the symptoms?

The most common symptoms of a yeast skin infection are:

• Red, scaly, moist patches on the skin.
• Itching or burning.
• Irritation or tenderness.

How is it diagnosed?

A yeast skin infection can often be diagnosed based on how it looks and feels. Sometimes a KOH test or culture is done to be sure that yeast is the cause.

How is a yeast skin infection treated?

A yeast skin infection is treated with an antifungal medicine. Your doctor may give you a prescription for the cream or ointment. Or you may be able to buy it over the counter at a drugstore. Examples of these medicines are miconazole and clotrimazole.

If the infection is severe, your doctor may prescribe antifungal pills.

A yeast infection usually goes away after about a week of treatment. But it’s important to use the medicine for as long as your doctor tells you to.

To help keep yeast growth under control, keep your skin clean and dry. Wear loose clothing. Your doctor may suggest a powder that contains an antifungal medicine. You only need to apply it in problem areas, such as skin folds.

This information does not replace the advice of a doctor. Healthwise, Incorporated, disclaims any warranty or liability for your use of this information. Your use of this information means that you agree to the Terms of Use. Learn how we develop our content.

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Candidiasis in Children

What is candidiasis in children?

Candidiasis is an infection caused by yeast called Candida. Candida normally causes no harm, and is found on the skin, vaginal area, and digestive system. But in some cases, it can overgrow. This can cause a rash, itching, and other symptoms.

What causes candidiasis in a child?

Yeast normally lives on and in the body and causes no harm. It’s found on the skin, in the digestive system (including the mouth and throat), and in the genital area. But it can cause an infection in certain conditions. This can happen when the skin is damaged, when it’s warm and humid, or when a child has a weak immune system. In some very sick children, it can infect deeper tissues or the bloodstream and cause serious illness. Medicine with antibiotics or corticosteroids can also cause the yeast to overgrow. This is because those medicines kill normal bacteria that usually prevent too much yeast to grow.

Which children are at risk for candidiasis?

A child is at risk for candidiasis because of:

• Hot, humid weather
• Too much time between diaper changes
• Poor hygiene
• Taking medicines such as antibiotics or corticosteroids
• Health conditions that weaken the immune system, such as diabetes, cancer, or HIV

What are the symptoms of candidiasis in a child?

Symptoms can occur a bit differently in each child. And they vary depending on where the infection occurs. The most common symptoms include:

The symptoms of candidiasis can be like other health conditions. Make sure your child sees his or her healthcare provider for a diagnosis.

How is candidiasis diagnosed in a child?

The healthcare provider will ask about your child’s symptoms and health history. He or she will give your child a physical exam. And the healthcare provider may scrape off a skin sample to check in a lab.

How is candidiasis treated in a child?

Most cases of candidiasis are mild and respond well to medicine. Treatment depends on where the infection is and how severe it is. For example:

• Candidiasis on the skin is treated with medicines to put on the skin, such as creams or gels.
• Yeast infections in the vagina or anus can be treated with medicated suppositories.
• Thrush may be treated with a medicated mouthwash or lozenges.
• Severe infection or infection in a child with a weak immune system may be treated with oral anti-yeast medicines.

What are possible complications of candidiasis in a child?

In rare cases, it can cause serious and life-threatening illness.  This can happen when a child has a weak immune system and the infection enters the bloodstream.

What can I do to prevent candidiasis in my child?

You can help prevent candidiasis by:

• Keeping your child’s skin as clean and dry as possible
• Changing diapers often
• Allowing your child to have diaper-free time
• Using antibiotics on your child only when needed
• Watching for candidiasis symptoms after the use of antibiotics
• Teaching your child about personal hygiene, such as how to brush their teeth and take a bath
• Talking about prevention with your child’s healthcare provider if your child has a weak immune system

When should I call my child’s healthcare provider?

Call the healthcare provider if your child has:

• Symptoms that affect a large area
• Symptoms that get worse
• Signs of a skin infection, such as increased redness, warmth, swelling, or fluid
• New symptoms

Key points about candidiasis in children

• Candidiasis is an infection caused by yeast.
• Risk factors for candidiasis include humid weather, too much time between diaper changes, and other factors.
• Candidiasis is easily treated with medicines such as creams, suppositories, or mouthwash.
• Prevention includes keeping the skin dry, changing diapers often, and using antibiotics only when needed.

Next steps

Tips to help you get the most from a visit to your child’s healthcare provider:

• Know the reason for the visit and what you want to happen.
• Before your visit, write down questions you want answered.
• At the visit, write down the name of a new diagnosis, and any new medicines, treatments, or tests. Also write down any new instructions your provider gives you for your child.
• Know why a new medicine or treatment is prescribed and how it will help your child. Also know what the side effects are.
• Ask if your child’s condition can be treated in other ways.
• Know why a test or procedure is recommended and what the results could mean.
• Know what to expect if your child does not take the medicine or have the test or procedure.
• If your child has a follow-up appointment, write down the date, time, and purpose for that visit.
• Know how you can contact your child’s provider after office hours. This is important if your child becomes ill and you have questions or need advice.

Causes of thrush in summer

Thrush is the most common disease faced by almost every woman. A disease of a fungal infection that affects the mucous culture of the vagina. Normally, the yeast fungus of the species Candida albicans is on the mucous membranes and skin, but does not take any discomfort. However, with certain specific fungal infections, the disease multiplies and causes significant discomfort. Especially often the symptoms appear in the summer.

Summary of

The main reason why women suffer from candidiasis is a violation of the microflora of the vagina. This happens for the following reasons:

• hormonal disturbances;
• large amounts of sugar in the diet;
• pregnancy;
• taking antibiotics or other medicines;
• endocrine diseases;
• disease or definitively the genitourinary system;
• frequent wearing of synthetic underwear;
• douching;
• use of spermicides;
• weakening of the immune system.

Thrush can be caused by improperly selected hygiene products (soap or gel, pads).

Why does the disease become more frequent in the summer?

Summer is a particularly favorable period for the reproduction of fungi of the Candida type. The main reasons are hot weather, which contributes to increased sweating and irritation of the external skin organs. Another significant reason is swimming in open waters, pools or the sea. Hot and humid environments are great for mushroom propagation. Gynecologists also note that eating unusual food or acclimatization can lead to thrush in the summer.

During the hot period, the gynecologist recommends that women wear only cotton underwear and finally monitor hygiene. After swimming, it is advisable to put on a dry bathing suit.

Can thrush signal a skin-borne infection?

If candidiasis recurs regularly, this may indicate that the woman has an infection in her body. Thrush is one of the symptoms of such diseases:

• genital herpes;
• chlamydia;
• ureaplasmosis;
• trichomoniasis;
• bocvaginosis;
• gardenellosis;
• nonspecific vaginosis.

It is important to conduct an examination and exclude the presence of infection.

How to identify thrush?

The symptoms of thrush are quite specific, so it is easy to suspect that you have candidiasis. The main signs of thrush are itching of the external skin organs and special compartments, which are characterized as “cheesy” – white, with a characteristic sour smell.

You can also testify about thrush:

• redness or white patches on the intimate area;
• frequent and painful urination;
• discomfort or burning sensation during intercourse;
• soreness on contact with water.

Candidiasis and other diseases can cause such symptoms. Therefore, you should not make a diagnosis on your own – be sure to consult a doctor.

How to treat thrush?

You cannot treat thrush on your own – to confirm the diagnosis, a smear from the woman’s vagina should be analyzed. Also, such a diagnosis will help eliminate the problem with the microflora in the intimate area. For example, you can see the presence of a fungus such as Candida using a microscope. However, sometimes gynecologists prescribe a PCR study or bacpos of the vaginal microflora. This provides relief from fungi and proper treatment.

Medications are prescribed to treat thrush and should be taken by mouth. The doctor can prescribe special suppositories, which is especially good for pregnant women. The gynecologist also advises means of restoring the microflora of the vagina.

If thrush is not treated, complications may occur. This is:

• weakening of the immune system;
• appearance of cracks and ulcers on the genitals;
• development of pathologies of the cervix;
• parts of inflammatory processes of the pelvic organs;
• infection of internal organs.

Timely consultation with a gynecologist will help to avoid unpleasant consequences.

Prophylaxis

Of course, it is impossible to completely protect yourself from thrush, but you can reduce the risk of occurrence to a minimum. For this:

• follow the hygiene of the genitals with special products;
• avoid frequent use of panty liners;
• during critical days, change pads and tampons every three hours;
• wear underwear made from natural fabrics;
• follow proper nutrition;
• avoid hypothermia;
• try to protect yourself with barrier methods of contraception.

Be sure to take probiotics when taking antibiotics to prevent problems with the intestinal and vaginal microflora. Be sure to visit the gynecologist regularly and treat all gynecological diseases in a timely manner.

Treatment of thrush is a simple and inexpensive procedure. If you suspect candidiasis, contact one of the specialists at the Good Doctor clinic. Give us a call and we will schedule an appointment for you at any time. You will find friendly and highly qualified staff who will provide the necessary assistance at affordable prices.

Author: Administrator

How does thrush occur in women. Causes, symptoms and treatment

Vaginal candidiasis or thrush is a fungal infection of the vaginal mucosa. The disease usually occurs in young and sexually active women. But the appearance of symptoms of thrush and in postmenopause is possible. Candida is the causative agent of thrush. They belong to the conditionally pathogenic flora, which is characteristic of the female vagina. Under the influence of various adverse factors, fungi begin to actively multiply, causing signs of thrush in women.

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Causes of thrush

It is believed that candidiasis is not sexually transmitted. But after intimate contact with a woman who has acute symptoms of thrush, a man may experience short-term signs of inflammation of the head of the penis. They are manifested by redness, the appearance of white particles on the skin of the penis, resembling discharge from thrush. Usually, such manifestations disappear on their own after a few days, since Candida fungi cannot live on a man’s genitals for a long time.

Predisposing factors for the development of the disease are:

• hyperhidrosis;
• damage to the epithelial barrier of the vagina;
• diabetes mellitus;
• endocrine disorders;
• long-term use of broad-spectrum antibiotics;
• conditions of reduced immunity;
• cancers;
• venereal infections;
• genital surgery, abortion, diagnostic curettage of the uterus;
• general and local use of corticosteroids.

The development of vaginal candidiasis is promoted by malnutrition, a high content of sweets in a woman’s diet: simple carbohydrates help create a favorable environment for yeast-like fungi. Provoking factors include deficiency of vitamins A, B1, B2 or iron, alcoholism and blood diseases, the use of hormonal contraceptives, lack of healthy hygiene, early onset of sexual activity, frequent change of partners.

Pregnant women are especially prone to fungal infections due to hormonal changes, reduced immunity, and disruption of the natural microflora of the vagina. The fungus multiplies rapidly on the moist, warm, and nutrient-rich vaginal mucosa. Even a slight influence of adverse factors can cause an active build-up of Candida colonies on the mucosa and the appearance of acute symptoms of thrush, which can be quite difficult to get rid of.

Thrush symptoms

Vaginal candidiasis can cause symptoms such as persistent itching, burning, and soreness of the vulva (especially during intercourse or urination) and a foul-smelling vaginal discharge. Some patients have elevated body temperature. But hyperthermia is characteristic of the combined course of a fungal infection with other diseases (cystitis, ureaplasmosis, syphilis, cervicitis). Other characteristic symptoms are redness, swelling, white lumpy mucous deposits and dark red erythema on the mucous membrane of the labia.

Symptoms of thrush can be acute, when a woman notes abundant curdled discharge from the genital tract with a sour smell, combined with severe itching, and chronic – without obvious manifestations. Long-term vaginal candidiasis of the external genital organs is dangerous for women’s health, as it disrupts the internal microflora, increases the risk of progression of a secondary infection, and can cause problems with conception in the future.

Diagnosis

An accurate diagnosis of a woman with external signs of thrush can be made using a microscopic examination of smears. Tank inoculation shows a large number of colonies of yeast-like fungi Candida. They must be differentiated from other pathogens by ELISA, PCR.

If it is necessary to identify concomitant diseases and obtain a complete picture of the condition of the genitourinary organs of the patient, gynecologists prescribe an ultrasound scan of the pelvic organs and the bladder. Hormonal disorders can be detected using laboratory blood tests.

Medical treatment

Therapeutic options in the treatment of thrush in women have increased significantly in recent years. Treatment of vaginal candidiasis is prescribed by a gynecologist. It is necessary to consult a doctor even with minor manifestations of the disease. Against the background of symptoms of thrush, more serious diseases of the genital organs, diseases of the endocrine system can progress. A fungal infection with a long course should be especially alarming. She often speaks of a predisposition to diabetes mellitus or already developing endocrine diseases.

Modern antifungal agents are used for topical treatment. They may be in the form of suppositories, vaginal tablets, ointments or creams. If there is no effect, antifungal treatment of thrush in women with systemic drugs is introduced. Some medicines can be taken once a day. They act immediately and do not require repeated use.

It is useful for the treatment of vaginal candidiasis to use products containing probiotic bacteria that restore balance in the biocenosis of the vaginal microflora.

In the chronic course of vaginal candidiasis, antifungal drugs are prescribed in courses. Thrush of the vaginal type can be combined with damage to the oral mucosa. This indicates a serious decrease in immunity, the development of hormonal disorders. In this case, specialists prescribe an additional intake of antibiotics and drug therapy for the identified pathologies.

Drug treatment of vaginal candidiasis can be supplemented with topical application of anti-inflammatory compounds and disinfectants. Experts prescribe douching and baths using potassium permanganate, silver nitrate. To increase the protective properties of the vaginal mucosa and maintain the constancy of the internal microflora, drugs with an immunostimulating effect are used. It is possible to prescribe probiotics and prebiotics: thrush often progresses against the background of intestinal dysbacteriosis. Sometimes it is enough to normalize the work of the gastrointestinal tract to get rid of frequent exacerbations of thrush.

Antibiotics for vaginal candidiasis are prescribed only for special indications. The use of antibacterial drugs can increase the symptoms of thrush in a woman. Practice good personal hygiene, including changing your underwear frequently and washing your genitals with warm soapy water. For intimate places, you need to use a separate towel. For regular personal hygiene, products containing lactic acid sticks have proven themselves well.

During the period of exacerbation, it is best to refuse to use sponges, hard towels: additional damage to the irritated mucosa can aggravate the course of candidiasis. The mucosa in the acute period is edematous, easily injured and may begin to bleed. It is recommended to wear cotton underwear. Do not visit the pool or sauna for the period of treatment. During menstruation, it is better to use sanitary pads instead of tampons or vaginal cups.

It is worth following an antifungal diet, which includes the elimination of simple sugars. The high carbohydrate content found in sugary sodas, baked goods, candy, and other sweets maintain conditions favorable for yeast growth.

For sitz baths, infusions of calendula, chamomile, and sage are suitable. In the home treatment of vaginal candidiasis, you can combine the remedies prescribed by the doctor with external use of a decoction or infusions of herbs that have an anti-inflammatory effect on the vaginal mucosa.

Thrush in pregnancy

Against the background of hormonal changes, many women experience symptoms of thrush during pregnancy. Candidiasis can persist throughout the entire period of bearing a child. The high concentration of progesterone, characteristic of pregnant women, the release of substances that prevent rejection of the fetus, contribute to the long course of thrush.

Often, vaginal candidiasis is combined with bacterial vaginosis. Therefore, even minor manifestations of thrush during pregnancy require additional consultation with a gynecologist and a clarifying diagnosis. It is enough to carry out a smear on the flora or a PCR study. If, in addition to yeast-like fungi, potentially dangerous microorganisms enter the vaginal flora, appropriate treatment should be carried out to avoid complications in the future.

Treatment of thrush during pregnancy

Many gynecologists do not carry out serious treatment for thrush, as they consider it useless. Due to certain changes in the hormonal background and local immunity, antifungal drugs will not give a complete recovery. Systemic antimycotics during pregnancy are not recommended due to possible harm to the unborn child.

Local preparations in the form of vaginal suppositories contribute to the disappearance of the symptoms of thrush for a certain period of time. But in most women, vaginal candidiasis persists until the very birth. This refers to the variant of the norm, if, according to the results of smears, a woman does not have microorganisms that are unusual for the normal microflora of the vagina. To prevent infectious complications, including in the fetus, a few weeks before childbirth, specialists prescribe vaginal suppositories for the sanitation of the genital tract.

Additionally, it is recommended to wear comfortable underwear made from natural fabrics throughout pregnancy. Contributes to the development of pregnancy constant moist environment in the genital area due to the use of panty liners. Linen must be breathable. It is better to refuse panty liners, even if the manufacturer claims that they are made from natural fabrics.

Hygiene of the external genital organs is also extremely important during pregnancy. Due to a decrease in local immunity, the risk of infectious diseases and allergic reactions increases. Hygiene products should have the most natural composition. It is better to use gels that contain uric acid. It inhibits the active reproduction of yeast-like fungi, prevents frequent relapses of vaginal candidiasis in women.

If a sexual partner shows signs of balanoposthitis provoked by fungi, it is necessary to conduct a course of treatment with antimycotics and antibiotics. Otherwise, the woman will be re-infected from the man.

You also need to make adjustments to your diet. During pregnancy, it is not recommended to consume a large number of sweets. Sugar should be replaced with honey if there is no allergic reaction. With severe symptoms of vaginal candidiasis during pregnancy, it is recommended to additionally check the level of glucose in the blood. By the appearance of thrush are women prone to the development of diabetes. During pregnancy, it can occur in a latent form.