Candidiasis of the Skin: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment

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Candidiasis is a fungal skin infection. Home remedies and lifestyle changes often help, but antifungal cream or powder may be necessary.

Different types of bacteria and fungi live and grow on your skin. Most of them aren’t dangerous. Your body requires the majority of them to carry out normal functions. However, some can cause infections when they begin to multiply uncontrollably.

The Candida fungus is one of these potentially harmful organisms. When an overgrowth of Candida develops on the skin, an infection can occur. This condition is known as candidiasis of the skin, or cutaneous candidiasis.

Candidiasis of the skin often causes a red, itchy rash to form, most commonly in the folds of the skin. This rash may also spread to other areas of the body. While the symptoms are often bothersome, they can usually be treated with improved hygiene and antifungal creams or powders.

The main symptom of candidiasis of the skin is a rash. The rash often causes redness and intense itching. In some cases, the infection can cause the skin to become cracked and sore. Blisters and pustules may also occur.

The rash can affect various parts the body, but it’s most likely to develop in the folds of the skin. This includes areas in the armpits, in the groin, between the fingers, and under the breasts. Candida can also cause infections in the nails, edges of the nails, and corners of the mouth.

Other conditions that may resemble candidiasis of the skin include:

• ringworm
• hives
• herpes
• diabetes-related skin conditions
• contact dermatitis
• seborrheic dermatitis
• eczema
• psoriasis

Candidiasis of the skin develops when the skin becomes infected with Candida. A small amount of Candida fungi naturally live on the skin. When this type of fungus begins to multiply uncontrollably, however, it can cause an infection. This may occur because of:

• warm weather
• tight clothing
• poor hygiene
• infrequent undergarment changes
• obesity
• the use of antibiotics that kill harmless bacteria that keep Candida under control
• the use of corticosteroids or other medications that affect the immune system
• a weakened immune system as a result of diabetes, pregnancy, or another medical condition
• incomplete drying of damp or wet skin

Candida fungi thrive and grow in warm, moist areas. This is why the condition often affects areas where there are folds of skin.

Babies can also develop candidiasis of the skin, especially on the buttocks. A diaper tends to provide an ideal environment for Candida.

Candidiasis of the skin usually isn’t contagious. However, people with weakened immune systems may develop the condition after touching the skin of an infected person. Those with compromised immune systems are also more likely to develop a severe infection as a result of candidiasis.

Your doctor will likely be able to make a diagnosis simply by performing a physical examination. During the exam, they’ll inspect the location of your rash and the appearance of your skin.

Your doctor may also want to perform a skin culture before making a diagnosis of candidiasis of the skin. During a skin culture, your doctor will rub a cotton swab over the affected area and collect a skin sample. The sample will then be sent to a laboratory to be tested for the presence of Candida.

Candidiasis of the skin can usually be prevented with home remedies, the most important of which is proper hygiene. Washing the skin regularly and drying the skin thoroughly can prevent the skin from becoming too moist. This is vital to keeping Candida infections at bay.

There are many lifestyle changes you can make to both prevent and treat a candidiasis infection.

Helpful tips

• Quickly change out of damp clothing, such as swimsuits or sweaty workout clothes.
• Change your socks and undergarments regularly.
• Wear loose-fitting clothing.
• Use gentle and scent-free soap on affected areas.
• Add probiotics to your diet.
• Reduce the amount of sugar in your diet.

Was this helpful?

Since abnormal blood sugar levels can contribute to the development of Candida infections, keeping your blood sugar under control may also help relieve symptoms. You may be able to lower your blood sugar by reducing the amount of sugar in your diet and by exercising for 30 minutes at least three times per week. If you have diabetes, it’s important to continue following your doctor’s instructions as you may need to start receiving oral medications or an increased amount of insulin.

In severe or persistent cases of candidiasis, your doctor may recommend using an antifungal cream or powder that can be applied to your skin. Over-the-counter antifungal creams that are often recommended include clotrimazole (Mycelex), miconazole (Monistat), and tioconazole (Vagistat). This type of treatment can kill Candida and reduce the spread of the infection.

Your doctor may prescribe an antifungal cream such as nystatin or ketoconazole if the over-the-counter treatments aren’t effective. If the infection has already spread to areas inside your body, such as your throat or mouth, you may need to take an oral antifungal to get rid of it.

Cutaneous candidiasis (or candidiasis present on skin, nails, or hair) is a common occurrence in infants and babies.

Candidiasis-related diaper rash is one of the most frequently occurring candidiasis infections in babies. This rash is typically red with a well-defined border, and normally lasts more than three days. Treatment includes changing the infant’s diaper frequently and allowing them to wear loose-fitting clothes on top of the diaper. The antifungal nystatin may be prescribed.

Oral thrush is another common occurrence in newborns and infants under 6 months old. Symptoms can include cracked skin in the corners of the mouth and whitish patches on the lips, tongue, or inside of the cheeks. Your doctor can prescribe an antifungal medication that’s applied to the infant’s mouth several times a day.

If candidiasis infection is left untreated, it can enter the bloodstream and spread. See your doctor if you believe your baby has candidiasis.

Learn more: Oral thrush »

Although healthy children have strong immune systems, a 2010 study found that the rate of topical fungal infections among children is increasing rapidly. Children sometimes develop candidiasis infections after receiving antibiotics that treat another condition. Children who suck their thumbs may be prone to developing candidiasis infections in or around their nail beds.

If your child is 9 months or older and has reoccurring thrush or skin infections, this could point to an underlying health concern, such as HIV or another problem with the immune system. Older children with frequent or severe skin infections should also be tested for diabetes.

Candidiasis of the skin usually goes away with treatment, and most people fully recover without complications. If treated, the candidiasis typically resolves within one to two weeks. Without prescription treatment, recovery can take anywhere from a few days to a few weeks, depending on the severity of the infection.

Even with treatment, it is possible for the infection to return in the future. People with compromised immune systems, especially those undergoing chemotherapy and those with HIV or AIDS, are at a much higher risk of severe or life threatening Candida infections. If you’re undergoing chemotherapy or you have HIV or AIDs and you develop severe throat pain, headache, or high fevers, you should see your doctor immediately.

A:

Answers represent the opinions of our medical experts. All content is strictly informational and should not be considered medical advice.

Was this helpful?

Candidiasis of the Skin: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment

We include products we think are useful for our readers. If you buy through links on this page, we may earn a small commission Here’s our process.

Healthline only shows you brands and products that we stand behind.

Our team thoroughly researches and evaluates the recommendations we make on our site. To establish that the product manufacturers addressed safety and efficacy standards, we:

• Evaluate ingredients and composition: Do they have the potential to cause harm?
• Fact-check all health claims: Do they align with the current body of scientific evidence?
• Assess the brand: Does it operate with integrity and adhere to industry best practices?

We do the research so you can find trusted products for your health and wellness.

Read more about our vetting process.

Was this helpful?

Candidiasis is a fungal skin infection. Home remedies and lifestyle changes often help, but antifungal cream or powder may be necessary.

Different types of bacteria and fungi live and grow on your skin. Most of them aren’t dangerous. Your body requires the majority of them to carry out normal functions. However, some can cause infections when they begin to multiply uncontrollably.

The Candida fungus is one of these potentially harmful organisms. When an overgrowth of Candida develops on the skin, an infection can occur. This condition is known as candidiasis of the skin, or cutaneous candidiasis.

Candidiasis of the skin often causes a red, itchy rash to form, most commonly in the folds of the skin. This rash may also spread to other areas of the body. While the symptoms are often bothersome, they can usually be treated with improved hygiene and antifungal creams or powders.

The main symptom of candidiasis of the skin is a rash. The rash often causes redness and intense itching. In some cases, the infection can cause the skin to become cracked and sore. Blisters and pustules may also occur.

The rash can affect various parts the body, but it’s most likely to develop in the folds of the skin. This includes areas in the armpits, in the groin, between the fingers, and under the breasts. Candida can also cause infections in the nails, edges of the nails, and corners of the mouth.

Other conditions that may resemble candidiasis of the skin include:

• ringworm
• hives
• herpes
• diabetes-related skin conditions
• contact dermatitis
• seborrheic dermatitis
• eczema
• psoriasis

Candidiasis of the skin develops when the skin becomes infected with Candida. A small amount of Candida fungi naturally live on the skin. When this type of fungus begins to multiply uncontrollably, however, it can cause an infection. This may occur because of:

• warm weather
• tight clothing
• poor hygiene
• infrequent undergarment changes
• obesity
• the use of antibiotics that kill harmless bacteria that keep Candida under control
• the use of corticosteroids or other medications that affect the immune system
• a weakened immune system as a result of diabetes, pregnancy, or another medical condition
• incomplete drying of damp or wet skin

Candida fungi thrive and grow in warm, moist areas. This is why the condition often affects areas where there are folds of skin.

Babies can also develop candidiasis of the skin, especially on the buttocks. A diaper tends to provide an ideal environment for Candida.

Candidiasis of the skin usually isn’t contagious. However, people with weakened immune systems may develop the condition after touching the skin of an infected person. Those with compromised immune systems are also more likely to develop a severe infection as a result of candidiasis.

Your doctor will likely be able to make a diagnosis simply by performing a physical examination. During the exam, they’ll inspect the location of your rash and the appearance of your skin.

Your doctor may also want to perform a skin culture before making a diagnosis of candidiasis of the skin. During a skin culture, your doctor will rub a cotton swab over the affected area and collect a skin sample. The sample will then be sent to a laboratory to be tested for the presence of Candida.

Candidiasis of the skin can usually be prevented with home remedies, the most important of which is proper hygiene. Washing the skin regularly and drying the skin thoroughly can prevent the skin from becoming too moist. This is vital to keeping Candida infections at bay.

There are many lifestyle changes you can make to both prevent and treat a candidiasis infection.

Helpful tips

• Quickly change out of damp clothing, such as swimsuits or sweaty workout clothes.
• Change your socks and undergarments regularly.
• Wear loose-fitting clothing.
• Use gentle and scent-free soap on affected areas.
• Add probiotics to your diet.
• Reduce the amount of sugar in your diet.

Was this helpful?

Since abnormal blood sugar levels can contribute to the development of Candida infections, keeping your blood sugar under control may also help relieve symptoms. You may be able to lower your blood sugar by reducing the amount of sugar in your diet and by exercising for 30 minutes at least three times per week. If you have diabetes, it’s important to continue following your doctor’s instructions as you may need to start receiving oral medications or an increased amount of insulin.

In severe or persistent cases of candidiasis, your doctor may recommend using an antifungal cream or powder that can be applied to your skin. Over-the-counter antifungal creams that are often recommended include clotrimazole (Mycelex), miconazole (Monistat), and tioconazole (Vagistat). This type of treatment can kill Candida and reduce the spread of the infection.

Your doctor may prescribe an antifungal cream such as nystatin or ketoconazole if the over-the-counter treatments aren’t effective. If the infection has already spread to areas inside your body, such as your throat or mouth, you may need to take an oral antifungal to get rid of it.

Cutaneous candidiasis (or candidiasis present on skin, nails, or hair) is a common occurrence in infants and babies.

Candidiasis-related diaper rash is one of the most frequently occurring candidiasis infections in babies. This rash is typically red with a well-defined border, and normally lasts more than three days. Treatment includes changing the infant’s diaper frequently and allowing them to wear loose-fitting clothes on top of the diaper. The antifungal nystatin may be prescribed.

Oral thrush is another common occurrence in newborns and infants under 6 months old. Symptoms can include cracked skin in the corners of the mouth and whitish patches on the lips, tongue, or inside of the cheeks. Your doctor can prescribe an antifungal medication that’s applied to the infant’s mouth several times a day.

If candidiasis infection is left untreated, it can enter the bloodstream and spread. See your doctor if you believe your baby has candidiasis.

Learn more: Oral thrush »

Although healthy children have strong immune systems, a 2010 study found that the rate of topical fungal infections among children is increasing rapidly. Children sometimes develop candidiasis infections after receiving antibiotics that treat another condition. Children who suck their thumbs may be prone to developing candidiasis infections in or around their nail beds.

If your child is 9 months or older and has reoccurring thrush or skin infections, this could point to an underlying health concern, such as HIV or another problem with the immune system. Older children with frequent or severe skin infections should also be tested for diabetes.

Candidiasis of the skin usually goes away with treatment, and most people fully recover without complications. If treated, the candidiasis typically resolves within one to two weeks. Without prescription treatment, recovery can take anywhere from a few days to a few weeks, depending on the severity of the infection.

Even with treatment, it is possible for the infection to return in the future. People with compromised immune systems, especially those undergoing chemotherapy and those with HIV or AIDS, are at a much higher risk of severe or life threatening Candida infections. If you’re undergoing chemotherapy or you have HIV or AIDs and you develop severe throat pain, headache, or high fevers, you should see your doctor immediately.

A:

Answers represent the opinions of our medical experts. All content is strictly informational and should not be considered medical advice.

Was this helpful?

effective treatment of candidiasis in women at the GMC clinic in St. Petersburg

Thrush or candidiasis is a common disease of the genital area. She has been asymptomatic for a long time. It can be both an independent disease and accompany other, more severe ones. The General Medical Center clinic will conduct a comprehensive examination and treatment of patients with thrush and other diseases of the urogenital area. We have at our disposal a modern laboratory, the latest equipment, comfortable examination and treatment rooms.

Thrush is a disease not only of the female, but also of the male genital area. In men, it is quite rare, but women have a direct predisposition to it – the fungus Candida Albicans lives in the vagina and is part of the normal microflora of the female genital organs. Normally, it is small in number. The disease begins when candida begins to multiply uncontrollably due to certain reasons.

Causes of Candidiasis:

There are many causes of this unpleasant disease:

• eating fast food, a small amount of vegetables and fruits in the diet;

• reduced immunity;

• long-term antibiotic treatment;

• hormonal failures;

• stress, overwork;

• poor hygiene of the genitals, wearing tight synthetic underwear.

Symptoms of thrush:

Candidiasis can accompany many gynecological diseases, or it may not manifest itself at all. In other cases, the symptoms are quite characteristic, so it is difficult to confuse thrush with something else:

• Burning and itching in the vagina (also on the glans penis in men).

The woman can do the following test – sit down and cross her legs. In this position, burning and itching intensify.

• White cheesy discharge, odorless or with a sour smell.

Their number increases at night, after bathing or sexual intercourse.

• Redness and swelling of the labia minora, labia majora down to the anus.

• Pain during intercourse and urination.

• The onset of menstruation with a mild course of the disease destroys the fungus due to the fact that the environment in the vagina becomes more alkaline, unsuitable for their reproduction.

The chronic course of the disease is characterized by multiple exacerbations during the year. Nearby organs are involved in the process – the bladder, intestines and others.

Symptoms of thrush can accompany infectious and sexually transmitted diseases – ureaplasmosis, chlamydia, genital herpes, gonorrhea and others.

Diagnosis and treatment of thrush:

Diagnosis of the disease begins with a detailed questioning of the doctor. The patient should describe to him all the symptoms that disturb him. Next, the cervix is ​​examined, a smear is taken. Be sure to do bakposev to identify the environments where fungi live. According to these analyzes, further antifungal therapy is prescribed.

Since thrush in most cases accompanies infectious and venereal diseases, it is necessary to pass:

• PCR for STIs;

• Blood by RIF and ELISA rapid tests;

• Blood sugar test;

• Ultrasound of the abdominal organs;

• Tests for possible intestinal dysbacteriosis;

• Feces for coprogram.

If there are problems with the urinary tract, a urinalysis according to Zemnitsky, a smear from the urethra, an ultrasound of the kidneys and bladder is given.

After receiving the results of all tests, the gynecologist will make a complete picture of the disease and select a treatment program. Preparations can be either vaginal (cream, suppositories/tablets) or oral (capsules/tablets). For men, creams are applied that are applied to the glans penis and foreskin twice a day.

Specific treatment can be supplemented with immune boosting drugs, vitamins and physiotherapy.

Our clinic accepts:

Doctor of the highest category, Ph.D. ologist

All types of gynecological operations, management of pregnant women, overcoming female infertility. Owns all methods of instrumental diagnostics.

Cost of admission 3200 rubles

Muzychenko Anna Yuryevna aginosis, vaginitis, selection of contraception, ultrasound of the pelvic organs, colposcopy, treatment of cervical erosion , endometritis, ovarian cysts, fibroids. Plasmolifting of intimate zones

Admission fee – 1500 rubles0010

Make an appointment

Thrush: in women, in men, symptoms, causes, treatment

Contents

• Thrush symptoms
• Provoking factors
• Forms of thrush
• Diagnosis and treatment: how to treat thrush correctly

A rare woman can boast that she has never suffered from the symptoms of thrush in her life. What is the reason for this prevalence, how serious is it, and how to treat thrush?

Symptoms of thrush

¹

“Thrush” is a popular name for vulvovaginal candidiasis, an inflammatory disease of the external genitalia and vagina caused by fungi of the genus Candida. Although thrush is not always accompanied by pronounced symptoms, and often occurs in a latent form, the onset of the disease can be recognized by characteristic signs:

• Curd-like discharge from the genital tract with or without sour smell
• Swelling and redness of the mucous membrane of the vagina and labia
• Itching and burning of the vulva
• Fissures of the mucous membranes of the vagina and vulva (female external genitalia)
• Irritation of the skin in the groin

The volume of secretions often increases during sleep, after sexual intercourse and hygiene procedures. Itching and burning become more intense in the cross-legged position. Thrush can cause painful urination and discomfort during intercourse.

The disease in women often disappears during menstruation, when the acidity of the vagina decreases. The disappearance of the symptoms of thrush does not mean at all that you can refuse the prescribed treatment, since there is a possibility of a latent course of the disease.

In some women, thrush becomes chronic, which makes treatment difficult and leads to complications. The pathological process extends to nearby organs (bladder, intestines). Most often, relapses of candidiasis occur before menstruation.

The high prevalence of thrush is explained by the fact that yeast fungi of the genus Candida are inhabitants of the normal flora of most healthy people. They pass into the category of harmful ones with a decrease in immunity and the development of an infection in the vagina. The increased colonization of the vagina by microorganisms causes discomfort and discharge.

Although thrush is not considered a sexually transmitted disease, its danger to women’s health is great: during pregnancy, it increases the risk of miscarriage and complications, so the treatment of thrush should not be postponed until later.

Triggers

¹

Representatives of pathogenic microflora, present in the body in small quantities, get the opportunity to multiply when there is a decrease in general or local immunity. Therefore, the cause of thrush, in fact, is not the fungi themselves, but the state of the body in which it loses the ability to resist their attack.

Symptoms of candidiasis in women often appear after hypothermia, alcohol abuse, prolonged wearing of synthetic underwear. Thrush can occur against the background of stress and when changing intimate hygiene products.

Among the reasons that cause the growth of fungi, several groups can be distinguished:

1. Mechanical, that is, traumatic. These include wearing synthetic underwear, first sexual contact, trauma to the tissues of the vagina.
2. Conditions accompanied by a decrease in immunity: oncological diseases, infections, poisoning, blood diseases.
3. Hormonal, including disorders of the sex glands, adrenal glands, thyroid problems and diabetes mellitus.
4. Physiological – pregnancy, menstruation, menopause.
5. Antibiotics, corticosteroids (human hormone-based anti-inflammatory drugs), radiation and chemotherapy, birth control pills.

Pathological processes in the gastrointestinal tract, sexual infections, malnutrition with vitamin deficiency also contribute to the development of thrush. In some women, the disease appears after visiting the pool, using local contraceptives and eating a lot of sweets. Thrush can be triggered by a change in sexual partner and climate zone.

Thrush forms

¹

Before wondering how to treat thrush, it is necessary to take tests to accurately determine the form of the disease. There are three forms in total:

• Candidacy, when a person is a carrier of fungi, but the body suppresses their activity. It proceeds without symptoms, the number of fungi does not exceed the norm, lactic acid (beneficial) bacteria predominate in the composition of the microflora.
• True candidiasis, characterized by a high number of yeast-like fungi and lactobacilli (lactic bacteria) in the absence of other pathogens.
• Combination of thrush and bacterial vaginosis (violations of the vaginal microflora): yeast-like fungi act as the causative agent of infection in the presence of other pathogens and a small number of lactobacilli (lactic bacteria).

The carriage of fungi is not a pathology and does not require treatment. In other cases, the decision to take drugs should be made by the doctor, based on the results of the tests and the manifestation of symptoms of the disease.

Diagnosis and treatment: how to treat thrush correctly

²

To diagnose thrush, a swab is taken from the vagina. Its study under a microscope allows you to determine the number of microorganisms and the composition of the flora. The type of fungus is determined by bakposev smear in a nutrient medium. These studies are a prerequisite for the choice of drug and treatment strategy for thrush.

How to treat thrush is not an idle question and requires specialist advice. Some popular drugs can be ineffective because certain strains (microorganisms of the same species, isolated from the same source) of fungi are resistant to common drugs. In the worst case, self-treatment of thrush will aggravate the situation, which is especially critical for the combination of candidiasis with a bacterial infection of the vagina.

With a mild course of the disease, the doctor may prescribe local preparations (suppositories, creams, vaginal tablets). In especially serious cases, the treatment of thrush may require systemic therapy.

If there is no problem in how to treat thrush, then the number of courses of treatment is not so unambiguous. Some women have recurrent, that is, repeated several times a year, candidiasis. In this situation, research plays an important role in identifying the resistance of fungi to certain types of drugs and choosing the most effective treatment.

In chronic thrush, antimycotic drugs for internal use are prescribed. The duration of treatment depends on the severity of the disease and can last several months. The final stage of antifungal therapy is the restoration of the normal microflora of the vagina. For the period of treatment of thrush, it is necessary to abandon sexual intercourse and perfumed intimate hygiene products.

You should not rely on materials in the spirit of “we treat thrush with folk remedies”, trying to eliminate the symptoms of thrush on your own, using a spoonful of soda dissolved in a liter of water for douching, or drugs widely advertised in the media (candles, tablets).

Such methods of treatment can lead to undesirable consequences and provoke a chronic course of thrush. Entrust your health to a specialist in order to cure candidiasis in the most gentle way, as well as to avoid a recurrence of the disease.

• Tyutyunnik VL, Karapetyan TE, Balushkina AA Modern principles of diagnosis and therapy of vulvovaginal candidiasis // Russian Medical Journal.