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What does a skin yeast infection look like: Pictures, Symptoms, What It Looks Like, Treatment

by alexxlab

How to Tell If It’s Jock Itch or a Yeast Infection

Itching down there is no laughing matter. It can be uncomfortable and worrisome. 

But don’t panic just yet. Depending on where your itching is occurring – either on your genitals or the skin surrounding it – it could very well be caused by a yeast or fungal infection. 

Yeast infections are often thought of as a health problem affecting people with vaginas, but they can affect anyone, including people with penises. Yeast infections are unpleasant, but the good news is that they are highly treatable. 

If you have a penis, and you’re dealing with an itchy region downstairs, here’s how to rule out jock itch, a penile yeast infection, or something else. 

What are male yeast infections?

This type of yeast infection occurs when a fungal infection develops on the penis or in the warm, moist areas of the groin (or crotch). 

“If it occurs on the skin surrounding the genitals, it is called tinea cruris (AKA jock itch), and if it occurs on the skin of the penis, it is often called balanitis or a penile yeast infection,” said Randy Gelow, MD, a family medicine physician with Banner Health in Phoenix, AZ. “Both are caused by fungal strains.”

Generally, when people talk about yeast infections, they’re talking about the fungal strain known as Candida albicans. Candida hangs out in and on your body naturally. There may be some in your mouth, digestive tract and, you guessed it, in your nether regions.

“While it doesn’t cause issues most of the time, if too much grow in any place, it can lead to a yeast infection,” Dr. Gelow said.

On the other hand, Trichophyton rubrumis the fungus that causes jock itch. It can sometimes cause infections such as athlete’s foot, nail fungal infections and ringworm.

Who is at higher risk for getting a yeast infection?

“Fungus loves moisture (and sugar). People who sweat a lot can be at an increased risk of the normal fungus (or bacteria) that lives on our bodies to then overgrow and cause symptoms,” Dr. Gelow said.

Some other factors can make it more likely to develop a yeast infection than others. These include having diabetes, being uncircumcised, having a weakened immune system, and being overweight.

Sugar levels are often higher in those with diabetes (especially in the urine) and any urine that isn’t cleaned after someone uses the bathroom, specifically in those that are uncircumcised, can increase the growth of fungus,” Dr. Gelow said. 

If you have sex with a person who has a vaginal yeast infection, that overgrowth of fungus can spread to you as well. However, Dr. Gelow noted the environment has to be just right for this to happen.

“It’s possible to get a yeast infection from vaginal or oral intercourse but these aren’t considered STIs (sexually transmitted infections) and are generally only possible under certain circumstances, like having uncontrolled diabetes or not cleansing after intercourse,” he said

What are the symptoms of a male yeast infection?

The symptoms of a yeast infection are pretty hard to miss. 

Symptoms of jock itch:
  • Itchy and/or painful rash that affects the groin area, inner thighs and buttocks.
  • Scaly, crusty patch with white or yellow discharge
  • Foul smell
Symptoms of penile yeast infection:
  • Itchy rash on the head or shaft of the penis
  • Shiny white patches on the penis
  • Smelly substance coming from the area or under the foreskin
  • Clumpy thick white discharge that looks like cottage cheese

What should you do if you think you have a yeast infection or jock itch?

Home remedies won’t do you any good for yeast infections. So put down the apple cider vinegar and yogurt. You’ll need antifungal medications to get rid of the overgrowth.

Most yeast infections are highly treatable and respond well to antifungal creams, such as Lotrimin or Micatin. 

“Topical ointments and creams can often be purchased over-the-counter to treat mild cases,” Dr. Gelow said. “For severe disease, an oral medication like fluconazole may be prescribed along with stronger topical medications.”

You can treat jock itch with over-the-counter antifungal creams, sprays, or powders that are specifically designed for fungal infections. It is important to follow the instructions provided and continue the treatment for the recommended duration, even if symptoms improve. For severe or long-lasting cases, a doctor may prescribe stronger antifungal drugs or suggest additional medical treatments.

Could my symptoms be caused by an STI or worse, cancer?

Yeast infections can look very much like other health problems, such as STIs, chronic skin conditions like inverse psoriasis (a form that occurs in the folds of the skin), and, rarely, penile cancer.  

“If over-the-counter treatments aren’t doing the trick, it’s important to speak with your health care provider as it might not be fungal after all,” Dr. Gelow said. 

Can I prevent yeast infections?

Since moisture is a driving factor, there are some things you can do to help ward off an overgrowth. This includes changing out of sweaty clothes, showering after you work out, and washing or cleaning yourself off downstairs after sex (keep the area clean and dry). Over-the-counter powders are effective to keep you dry, but you must use them regularly.

Since yeast infections can be contagious (under the right circumstances), here are some other ways to avoid transmitting, spreading or catching it:

  • Don’t have sex if you have a yeast infection (avoid skin-to-skin contact).
  • Never share personal items like towels, jock straps (athletic supporters) or protective padding.
  • Always wear sandals in moist environments like the shower, sauna or public swimming pools.
  • Wipe down shared exercise equipment.
  • Try to keep yourself dry if you tend to be sweaty.

Takeaway 

Yeast infections can happen to anyone with a penis or a vagina. Jock itch is a fungal infection that causes a red, itchy rash in the groin area. The good news is that they are highly treatable. 

If you believe you have a jock itch or a penile yeast infection, talk to your health care provider. They can evaluate your symptoms, rule out other possibilities and start treatment.

To find a Banner Health specialist near you, visit bannerhealth.com. 

Related articles:

  • 6 Myths and Facts: What Men Need to Know About HPV
  • All the Facts About Erectile Dysfunction
  • What is Oral Thrush in Babies and How Can I Prevent It?



Women’s Health
Men’s Health
Wellness

Cutaneous Candidiasis / Candida Skin Infection

  • Candida

  • Causes of candidiasis

  • Signs and symptoms of candidiasis

  • Oropharyngeal / oesophageal candidiasis (oral thrush)

  • Genital Candidiasis / vulvovaginal candidiasis (VVC) / Candidal vulvovaginitis

  • Cutaneous Candidiasis / Candida Skin Infection

  • Invasive candidiasis

  • What is Candida die-off?

  • Candida Diet and Outlook for the infection

Cutaneous candidiasis is the medical term for a fungal yeast infection of the skin, commonly referred to as a candida skin infection. It is estimated that 20 to 25% of the global population are affected by fungal skin infections, making these a rather current occurrence1.

The body is usually able to keep skin infections at bay when a person is healthy. If, however, the immune system is compromised for some reason, an upset in the natural balance of fungi that normally reside on the skin without causing any issues may occur. When this happens, opportunistic species (including candida) multiply and penetrate the skin’s barrier, causing infection. Of the over 200 known candida species, just a few that are commonly found on the skin cause infection. These include:

  • Candida tropicalis

  • Candida parapsilosis

  • Candida orthopsilosis

  • Candida albicans – which most commonly causes symptomatic skin infections2

Yeast infections of the skin can occur anywhere on the body but are most common in warm, moist skinfold and creases such as those found:

  • In the armpits

  • In the groin

  • Under the breasts

  • In the folds of the buttocks (in infants, cutaneous candida infection can cause diaper / nappy rash).

  • In the webbing between the fingers and toes

  • Around the edges or corners of the mouth

  • In the creases of joints

Infections may also occur in the area around the anus (this is referred to as perianal candidiasis) and on or around the nails (referred to as paronychial and onychial infections).

In overweight individuals, candida infections may spread to various areas where fat rolls have accumulated.

Candida-related skin infections are also common in those with ill-managed diabetes3. This is due to the fact that diabetes interferes with the body’s immune system and suppresses it. This, coupled with blood sugar level spikes in those whose diabetes is not under control, facilitates the overgrowth of yeast which feeds on the excess sugar.

Lactating women who experience nipple injuries due to breastfeeding may also be at increased risk of developing skin or breast-related candida infections. In some but not all lactating women, candida infections may cause sore nipples and a deep, sharp, shooting and/or burning pain in the breasts. When candida infects the breasts, this is referred to as mammary candidiasis.

Candidal infections may also commonly affect those being treated for psoriasis as the treatments for this condition may increase the risk of developing fungal infections4.

Symptoms of candida skin infections (cutaneous candidiasis)

A candidal infection of the skin can cause the following symptoms:

  • Intense itching and/or burning sensation in the affected area

  • A spreading, red, crusted skin rash (generally starting in the folds of the skin) which may include satellite pustules (little bumps that look like pimples) and overlaying white plaques (hardened areas of skin).

  • Sore, cracked skin

  • When affecting the breasts, the nipples may appear shiny or flaky

A candidal infection affecting the toenails or fingernails may cause:

  • Nail discolouration (greenish-yellow, ochre, or whitish discoloration)

  • Nail thickening

  • Detachment of the nail from the nailbed

What do candida skin infections look like?

When candida affects the skin, well-defined, red and sometimes itchy patches of lesions in various shapes and sizes appear, generally in the folds of the skin, this is referred to as candidal intertrigo. While the infection generally starts in the folds of the skin, it can spread to the face, trunk or fingertips. On the scalp, crusts may form and can cause hair loss in these areas, infection of the hair follicles may look like pimples.

What do candida foot and nail infections look like?

When candida infects the nails the most noticeable symptom is discoloration and thickening. The images below illustrate what candida skin infections of the feet and nails may look like.

Diagnosing a candida skin infection

If you have any of the above-mentioned symptoms, make an appointment with your doctor. He or she will generally be able to diagnose the condition by looking at the skin or nails in the affected area during a physical examination. A sample may be taken for testing.

Adolescents and adults with candida skin infections will generally also be tested for diabetes as these are commonly seen in those with high blood sugar levels. A diabetes test may involve giving a blood and/or urine sample.

Candida skin infection treatment

If it is determined that a skin infection is caused by candida, a doctor may prescribe5:

  • An antifungal skin cream, ointment or powder to be used for between two and four weeks. Common first-line therapy includes imidazole (either clotrimazole 1% or miconazole 2% applied twice daily). In those who are allergic to imidazole, nystatin cream may be prescribed.

  • For severe symptoms, a single dose of oral antifungal medication (fluconazole – 150mg) or a combination antifungal and cortisone cream may be prescribed.

  • For acute lesions: Domeboro®solution, Castellani paint or vinegar–water solutions may be applied twice daily for 5–10 minutes. After these dry a mixture of zinc oxide, talc, and glycerine may be applied twice daily.

  • For less serious lesions cleansing with benzoyl peroxide, Castellani stain, or vinegar may be recommended followed by the application of the above-mentioned topical antifungal creams, ointments or powders.

  • Chronic lesions may be treated with a rinsing lotion comprised of zinc-talc applied twice a day. Applying an antifungal and corticosteroid combination ointment at night may also be recommended.

Home remedies for candida skin infection

Practicing good hygiene is key when treating a candida infection of the skin. It is vital to keep the skin dry and exposed to air as much as possible. Absorbent powders may assist in keeping moist areas that are prone to perspiration dry.

If a person is overweight, weight loss may aid in the elimination of the issues associated with candida infection. In those with diabetes, getting blood sugar under control and continuing to manage it may also help to clear candida infection and prevent recurrences.

Consuming lactobacillus-containing yogurt has proven to be effective in reducing the candida colonisation of the rectum and vagina in women, as such, there is theoretical evidence that it may be useful in treating various types of candidal infections, including those of the skin.

Plant-based alternative therapies that include the use of garlic, calendula, and the goldenseal herb to treat candida are not usually recommended by medical doctors as there is no reliable data the proves their effectiveness in treating candida at present.

Prognosis (outlook) for those suffering from candida skin infection

While cutaneous candidiasis often resolves with treatment, especially when the underlying cause is addressed, repeat infections are common. In those with weakened immune systems, widespread candidiasis may occur. For this reason, the symptoms of any type of skin infection should never be ignored and rather examined and treated by a medical doctor as soon as possible.

Chronic mucocutaneous candidiasis

Chronic mucocutaneous candidiasis (CMCC) refers to a group of rare syndromes that usually develop in childhood but may only be diagnosed in adulthood. In some sufferers, these syndromes are caused by hereditary genetic defects as a result of the mutation of specific genes that affect the immune system.

These defects affect the ability of the immune system’s lymphocytes / T-cells (i.e. the white blood cells that fight off infection) to defend against candida infections. If the immune system’s antibodies (other immune system cells involved in fighting off foreign bodies) are functioning the body may still be able to fight off infections. However, in some individuals both T-cells and antibodies are compromised, making it difficult for them to resist infection.

Symptoms of chronic mucocutaneous candidiasis

Chronic mucocutaneous candidiasis symptoms include those experienced with non-invasive Candida infections of the skin, nails, and mucous membranes6. These include:

  • Severe, recurrent oral thrush

  • Onychomycosis (nail infections that may cause one or more nails to thicken, crack, and become discoloured)

  • Vaginitis (vaginal yeast infection also referred to as vaginal thrush that is often associated with an abnormal, itchy vaginal discharge)

  • Chronic skin lesions (including a thick, crusted rash that may develop over the face and scalp, often causing hair loss)

The above can be experienced along with autoimmune manifestations, often associated with diseases of the endocrine glands (i. e. the glands that secrete hormones). The most common of which include:

Other non-endocrine related autoimmune manifestations include:

  • Autoimmune haemolytic anaemia (a condition that occurs when the sufferer’s antibodies attack their own red blood cells (RBCs) cause them to burst, resulting in a deficiency of oxygen-carrying red blood cells in the body).

  • Immune thrombocytopenia purpura

  • Autoimmune neutropenia

  • Rheumatoid arthritis

Chronic mucocutaneous candidiasis diagnosis

A doctor will usually diagnose a candida infection by looking at the infected area during a physical examination. He/she may take a sample of the infected area for examination under a microscope in order to confirm that Candida is, in fact, causing the infection.

Due to the fact that people without underlying immune system disorders can also develop candida infections, risk factors for these will be explored such as recent antibiotic use or whether a person is diabetic.

If a person with chronic, recurrent candida infections that have not become invasive (i.e. they have not spread to the internal organs) has no evident risk factors, a doctor may suspect that he/she has chronic mucocutaneous candidiasis7 and will order blood tests to check for various genetic mutations in order to confirm the diagnosis.

Chronic mucocutaneous candidiasis treatment

Mucocutaneous candidiasis is treated with antifungal therapy. Fluconazole is often the preferred form of treatment as it is effective, has few side effects and is affordable.

The underlying autoimmune or endocrine disorders associated with the condition will also be treated with replacement therapies (i.e. treatments aimed at making up the deficit of a hormone or substance naturally present in the body).

Prognosis (outlook) for those with chronic mucocutaneous candidiasis

While mucocutaneous candidiasis is a chronic disorder, it can be effectively managed and does not affect a person’s lifespan.

 

References

1. Kühbacher A, Burger-Kentischer A, Rupp S. Interaction of Candida Species with the Skin. Microorganisms. 2017;5(2):32. doi:10.3390/microorganisms5020032
2. Palese E, Nudo M, Zino G et al. Cutaneous candidiasis caused by Candida albicans in a young non-immunosuppressed patient: an unusual presentation. Int J Immunopathol Pharmacol. 2018;32:205873841878136. doi:10.1177/2058738418781368
3. Rodrigues C, Rodrigues M, Henriques M. Candida sp. Infections in Patients with Diabetes Mellitus. J Clin Med. 2019;8(1):76. doi:10.3390/jcm8010076
4. Pietrzak A, Grywalska E, Socha M et al. Prevalence and Possible Role of Candida Species in Patients with Psoriasis: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis. Mediators Inflamm. 2018;2018:1-7. doi:10.1155/2018/9602362
5. Metin A, Genç Dilek N, Gunes Bilgili S. Recurrent candidal intertrigo: challenges and solutions.  Clin Cosmet Investig Dermatol. 2018;Volume 11:175-185. doi:10.2147/ccid.s127841
6. Firinu, D., Massidda, O., Lorrai, M., Serusi, L., Peralta, M., Barca, M., Serra, P. and Manconi, P. (2011). Successful Treatment of Chronic Mucocutaneous Candidiasis Caused by Azole-ResistantCandida albicanswith Posaconazole. Clinical and Developmental Immunology, 2011, pp.1-4.
7. Khalsa, K., Yang, Q., Shen, X., Pasha, M. and Celestin, J. (2018). Immunologic characterization of patients with chronic mucocutaneous candidiasis disease. Clinical Case Reports, 7(1), pp.180-185.

 

 

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