Yeast infection crease of leg: Causes, symptoms, pictures, and treatment

05.07.202127.07.2023 by alexxlab

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Causes, symptoms, pictures, and treatment

Intertrigo is a skin condition that causes a rash in skin folds, such as under the breasts, in the groin, or in stomach folds. The rash may be sore or itchy.

It happens when areas of moist skin rub together. Bacteria and yeast can grow in this environment, leading to an infection.

In this article, we describe what intertrigo is, what it looks like, and what causes it. We also cover diagnosis, treatment, and prevention.

Intertrigo is a skin condition that happens when folds of skin chafe against each other.

It usually develops in the inner thighs or armpits, or under the breasts or tummy fold.

Some people may experience yeast or bacterial infections in the folds of skin.

Areas of moist skin rubbing together cause intertrigo. The warm, damp environment makes the skin conducive to irritation and the growth of yeast and bacteria, which can lead to an infection.

While it can happen at any age, intertrigo tends to affect infants, older people, and those with a reduced ability to move around. In babies, it is often called diaper rash. Most cases occur in hot or humid environments and during the summer.

Intertrigo is also more common in adults with incontinence, obesity, diabetes, or a weakened immune system.

Specific health conditions that can contribute to the development of intertrigo include:

Inverse psoriasis

Also known as intertriginous psoriasis, this form of psoriasis develops in the folds of the skin. It can look red and shiny.

Hailey-Hailey disease

Hailey-Hailey disease is a rare genetic disorder that causes skin cells to stick together and breaks down the layers of the skin.

People with Hailey-Hailey disease usually experience blisters and irritations on the neck, armpits, and genitals and in the folds of the skin.

Pemphigus

There are different types of pemphigus, but they all happen when the body’s immune system attacks the healthy cells in the top layer of the skin.

It typically causes blisters in the mouth, nose, throat, eyes, or genitals.

Bullous pemphigoid

A fault in the immune system causes bullous pemphigoid. People with the condition can develop mild, itchy welts or more severe blisters on the skin. These tend to appear on areas of the skin that flex or move.

Intertrigo looks like a red, raw rash on the skin. It may feel sore or itchy, and it can sometimes ooze.

It can develop in any fold of the skin. The most commonly affected areas of the body include:

the inner thighs
under the breasts
in the fold of skin underneath a protruding belly
the groin
between the buttocks
in the webs of the fingers
in the webs of the toes

Intertrigo may develop in one or more of these places.

It will often be a specialist skin doctor, or dermatologist, who diagnoses intertrigo. They will do this by inspecting the skin and asking a series of questions about the person’s symptoms.

If the dermatologist suspects that a yeast or bacterial infection has developed in the skin fold, they may take a swab and send it to a laboratory for analysis.

An article in the Journal of the Dermatology Nurses’ Association offers the following advice on treating intertrigo:

Wash the affected area with ketoconazole 1% shampoo, which is available from most drugstores. People should leave it on for 2–5 minutes and then rinse it off.
Use a hairdryer on a low setting to ensure that the area is completely dry.
Mix equal amounts of clotrimazole 1% cream (or miconazole 1% cream) and hydrocortisone 1% cream and apply a thin layer to the affected area. People should do this twice a day until the rash is clear, which may take 3–8 weeks.
Once the rash has cleared, continue to use the ketoconazole 1% shampoo as soap in the affected area at least once a week.
Dry the skin with a hairdryer after every bath or shower, or whenever it feels particularly damp.

The best way to prevent intertrigo is to keep the area dry. People who experience the condition due to obesity can speak to a doctor about ways to lose weight and reduce the risk of skin complications.

The American Osteopathic College of Dermatology suggest that people prevent intertrigo by:

placing a wad of absorbent material, such as cotton, in the affected fold to absorb sweat
using antiperspirants
washing daily with an antibacterial soap
dusting the affected area with an absorbent antifungal powder once it is clean and dry

Anyone who finds that the problem keeps coming back should speak to a doctor.

Intertrigo is a skin condition that happens when areas of moist skin rub against each other. It causes a red, raw-looking rash and can lead to yeast and bacterial infections.

It can happen to anyone, but it is most common in babies, older people, individuals with mobility problems, and those with obesity.

People can easily treat the rash at home with over-the-counter creams and lotions. They can also prevent it from coming back by keeping the area clean and dry.

Anyone who experiences multiple incidences of intertrigo should speak to a doctor.

Treatment, Signs, Pictures, and Prevention

Intertrigo: Treatment, Signs, Pictures, and Prevention

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Medically reviewed by Raechele Cochran Gathers, MD — By Marjorie Hecht — Updated on September 19, 2022

Intertrigo is a skin condition that can occur anywhere on the body where skin touches skin. Medical treatment and at home prevention can help clear the rash and reduce irritation.

Skin conditions commonly affect the folds of the skin, especially when the skin is wet or sweaty. This can lead to irritation, inflammation, and even infection. Intertrigo, a common skin condition that can occur in the folds of the skin, is characterized by red, inflamed skin that may be itchy or painful.

The good news? With some know-how, you can often treat it at home and prevent it from returning. Here’s how to spot an intertrigo rash and what you can do about it at home and with a doctor’s help.

Intertrigo is a reddish rash that appears in skin folds, where your skin surfaces rub against each other. The rash can be itchy or painful, but it’s not contagious.

Bacteria, fungus, and viruses can easily grow in this warm and moist environment and worsen the rash.

The skin areas most often affected include your:

armpits
underneath and between breasts
groin
buttocks
between toes

Friction from skin rubbing on skin, moisture, and higher temperature in flexural areas are the main factors in the development of intertrigo.

These areas are often moist, warm, and lack air exposure. This makes them perfect breeding areas for microorganisms. These bacteria or fungi worsen the rash and its symptoms.

Secondary intertrigo infections could include:

Fungi

Candida (a yeast) is the fungus group that’s most commonly associated with intertrigo. About 80% to 90% of all skin yeast infections are caused by Candida albicans (also called thrush).

Most people normally have some Candida albicans present on their skin, so the yeast can easily take advantage of skin breaks to proliferate. A Candida rash is very bright red and raw looking. It may have plaques, which are raised, scaly lesions. Papules and pustules (pimple-like bumps) may be present as well.

Bacteria

Bacteria associated with intertrigo include:

staphylococci
streptococci
Pseudomonas
Corynebacterium

Viruses

The most common virus families associated with intertrigo are:

Poxviridae
Papillomaviridae (human papilloma virus or HPV)
Picornaviridae
Retroviridae (HIV)
Herpesviridae
Togaviridae
Parvoviridae

In some cases, intertrigo occurs as a side effect of chemotherapy treatment.

Intertrigo starts as redness or small bumps or spots in skin folds. The rash can feel:

itchy
uncomfortable
burning
prickly
painful

The intertrigo often appears on both sides of the skin fold, almost like a mirror image. Infections are more likely to be unilateral and asymmetrical, while inflammatory disorders tend to be symmetrical, appearing, for example, under both arms or both breasts.

The reddish area can quickly become inflamed and raw. The skin may crack, bleed, ooze, and crust over. The surrounding area may become scaly.

If you have a secondary infection from bacteria, fungus, or a virus, the intertrigo becomes more inflamed and can develop a bad smell. Intertrigo with a secondary infection is often asymmetrical (not even or present on both sides).

You may have intertrigo in more than one skin area. Also, smaller skin fold areas, such as behind your ears, around your chin, or on your eyelids, can be affected.

Intertrigo symptoms often get worse when the area comes in contact with your bodily secretions, such as sweat, urine, or feces.

Intertrigo is common and can occur at any age, but according to a 2014 article, it’s more common in the very young and in older people. In babies, intertrigo most often appears as diaper rash.

People with a weakened immune system or who are incontinent or immobile are more likely to have intertrigo. It’s also more common in hot and humid weather.

Treatment for intertrigo is usually a skin cream and a good home hygiene regimen to keep the area clean and dry. The type of topical drug depends on whether bacteria or yeast are involved. In more severe cases, you may need to take oral medication.

When intertrigo is inflammatory only, with no infection, treatment is straightforward: Keep the area clean and dry and follow some of the home remedy suggestions below.

There are also several solutions that may help to control intertrigo. A doctor may suggest:

antiperspirants
triple paste with zinc oxide, aluminum acetate, and petrolatum
petroleum jelly (Vaseline)
talcum powder

If you have an infection with the intertrigo, the doctor will prescribe specific topical creams.

Your treatment for intertrigo will depend on the cause and the type of infection you have. We’ll go over bacterial and yeast infections below.

In extreme cases, some women have undergone breast reduction surgery to reduce chronic intertrigo.

Keep it clean and dry

The number one rule is to keep the area clean and dry.

If you exercise, shower afterward and pat yourself dry. Don’t rub your skin, as this can cause increased irritation and damage to the skin.

Use anti-chafing or barrier gels

If the intertrigo is inflammatory only, without an infection, use over-the-counter (OTC) creams to create a barrier between the skin folds. Creams or ointments with zinc oxide or petrolatum can be useful. There are also anti-chafing balms that come in stick form.

Block the sweat

Use a mild antiperspirant to stop sweating, including under your breasts.

OTC antifungal creams

If you have a fungal infection, try using use an OTC antifungal cream on the affected area for 2 to 4 weeks.

Create a physical barrier

Depending on the affected area, use a thin cotton or gauze barrier to separate the skin folds.

Wear loose clothing and breathable fabrics

Wear loose cotton clothing next to your skin and avoid synthetic materials that can be irritating.

Topical antifungals used for intertrigo are nystatin (for Candida) and azole drugs, including miconazole (Mitrazol), ketoconazole (Nizoral topical), or clotrimazole (Lotrimin AF cream).

You usually use the cream twice a day for 2 to 4 weeks.

If your rash is very itchy, the doctor may also prescribe an antifungal combined with a low dose corticosteroid.

Depending on the severity of the infection, a doctor may prescribe a systemic antifungal drug that you’d take by mouth.

Topical antibiotics are used for bacterial infections. These include bacitracin or mupirocin (Bactroban).

If the infection is more severe, the doctor may prescribe an oral antibiotic, such as flucloxacillin or erythromycin (Erythrocin).

The doctor may also prescribe a low potency corticosteroid and advise you to use an antibiotic soap.

Intertrigo in babies requires special care because the affected skin area is so delicate. Keep the area clean, wash it gently with mild soap, and pat it dry.

Use an absorbent diaper and wrap it loosely. Consider changing diapers on a schedule to decrease the amount of time your baby is in a wet diaper. OTC creams, such as those with zinc oxide or petrolatum, may be useful.

If the diaper rash looks infected or doesn’t go away in a few days, see a doctor.

If you or your child have a skin rash that doesn’t go away or rapidly gets worse, it’s important to see a doctor. Skin rashes can have many causes and the treatment is often very specific. You should also see a doctor if the rash isn’t getting better with treatment.

Red rashes can have many different causes. The doctor will want to rule out other possibilities, such as psoriasis or allergic reactions.

If they suspect it’s intertrigo and infection, they’ll likely test for a fungal, bacterial, or viral cause. A doctor may take a skin scraping or swab of the rash to send to a lab for a culture. They may also look at it under a microscope or special lamp.

Few scientific studies of intertrigo have measured what preventive care works and what doesn’t. But there are measures you can take that may work for you:

Keep the skin area clean, dry, and aerated.
Maintain a skin care routine of cleaning, moisturizing, and applying a skin barrier to protect the area.
Use fragrance-free soaps and other skin products to minimize irritation.
Use a powder, such as Zeasorb AF, on the area once or twice a day.
Minimize exposure to sweat, urine, or feces. If you’re incontinent, use special products to absorb moisture.
Use a dehumidifier if you live in humid conditions.
Use an air conditioner to avoid being in high heat.
If you have diabetes, keep it under control.
Shower after exercise and dry off completely before dressing.
Don’t wear tight clothing or shoes that can constrict the affected area. If your toes are affected, wear open-toe shoes.
Wear loose clothing and breathable fabrics such as cotton.

Intertrigo doesn’t usually cause any complications, but it can lead to more serious infections if it isn’t treated properly.

Bacterial intertrigo can lead to cellulitis, which is a skin infection that can spread to the deeper layers of the skin and the lymph nodes. Cellulitis can be serious and may require hospitalization.

Fungal intertrigo can lead to a more serious infection such as candidemia, a condition in which the yeast infection spreads through the bloodstream. Candidemia can be life threatening.

Intertrigo can also worsen other skin conditions such as psoriasis, eczema, and dermatitis.

Anyone can get intertrigo, but some conditions can increase your risk. You’re more at risk if:

you have a weakened immune system
you have excess skin
you have diabetes
you have poor hygiene habits
you’re immobile
you’re incontinent
you wear a splint, brace, or an artificial limb that rubs your skin
you live or work in high heat and humidity
you sweat excessively (hyperhidrosis)
your clothing or shoes are too tight
you have an inflammatory skin condition

Infants are also at a higher risk because their skin is more sensitive. They also tend to have skin rolling (like the folds of the neck) and are more likely to have damp skin from drooling and from wearing diapers.

Below are some frequently asked questions about intertrigo.

Does poor hygiene cause intertrigo?

Poor hygiene can cause or worsen intertrigo, but you can get intertrigo even if you practice good hygiene habits. It’s important to clean the affected area, but you also need to be careful not to irritate the skin.

What does intertrigo look like?

Intertrigo usually looks like a rash. The affected skin is usually red, inflamed, and moist. It can also be scaly, crusted, or have blisters. The rash often has well defined edges where it meets the surrounding skin.

Can tight clothing cause intertrigo?

Tight clothing can rub the skin and cause or worsen intertrigo. It’s best to wear loose fitting, breathable clothing made from natural fabrics, such as cotton.

Can I use over-the-counter (OTC) treatments for intertrigo?

OTC treatments, such as barrier creams and powders, can help treat intertrigo. But if the rash doesn’t go away after a week or two, or if it gets worse, you should see a doctor. You should also see a doctor if you have any symptoms of a skin infection, such as redness, swelling, pain, pus, or fever.

Intertrigo is a common and treatable condition. People with intertrigo who are otherwise healthy have a good outlook. If a secondary infection is involved, it’s important to treat the cause until the symptoms are gone.

In some cases, intertrigo can become chronic. Maintaining a good skin cleaning and moisturizing routine can help prevent intertrigo from coming back. Talk with a doctor if you have questions about your skin or if the rash doesn’t go away with self-care.

Medically reviewed by Raechele Cochran Gathers, MD — By Marjorie Hecht — Updated on September 19, 2022

Insidious thrush – Useful articles

Three quarters of women experience thrush, half of them more than once.

It is difficult not to notice it: abundant cheesy or white discharge, itching and burning do not give rest. Many women consider it absolutely harmless, and advertising of modern drugs, as it were, even frees us from the need to go to the gynecologist. Lovely ladies on the TV screen themselves diagnose themselves and prescribe a course of treatment. “Three days, and the thrush is gone!” they gossip over a cup of tea. Thrush (scientifically “candidiasis”) is really not a dangerous disease. Unless you treat it in the way described above.

Yeast-like fungi of the genus Candida are to blame for this, which for the time being quietly – peacefully live in the female genital tract and do not manifest themselves in any way. Yeast-like fungi live in our body from the moment of birth. Getting on the skin of a newborn at the time of its passage through the birth canal of the mother, fungi soon spread throughout the body: they live on the skin and nails, mucous membranes of the mouth, intestines, respiratory and birth canals, and even in the internal organs of a healthy person. Until one day the body fails. Anything can weaken it: stress, hypothermia, illness, a strict diet, hormonal contraceptives, antibiotics. And then the fungi, which calmly coexisted with other microflora of the vaginal mucosa, begin to multiply intensively – candidiasis develops, or simply thrush. Candidiasis does not pose a serious threat to human life and health, however, it leads to unpleasant symptoms. They, in turn, can significantly reduce the quality of life, including intimate relationships. The occurrence of candidiasis may indicate the presence of serious diseases (diabetes mellitus, HIV infection, etc.)

A number of factors contribute to the development of candidiasis:

Self-prescribed antibiotics
When immunity is weakened (including during pregnancy),
For oncological diseases and severe infections (HIV – infection and other infections characterized by suppression of the immune system),
Diabetes mellitus,
Wearing tight synthetic underwear,
Irrational douching,
As an occupational disease in workers in the processing of fruits, vegetables, production of antibiotics, protein-vitamin concentrates and other biologically active substances.

How does candidiasis manifest itself?

Newborns and seriously ill patients usually develop candidiasis of the oral mucosa. In women whose hands are many and often in the water, candidiasis of the nail folds is usually found. In children and obese people, Candida fungi, like mold, can inhabit skin folds in the groin, under the breasts, and between the fingers. In gynecology, the vaginal form of candidiasis, notoriously known to most women, is treated.

The first symptom is usually a sharp, rapidly increasing and almost constant itching in the perineum and vagina. Nature has endowed a woman with a particularly large number of nerve endings in this part of the body, so vaginal candidiasis is the most intolerable and causing the most problems.

Then there is a white coating on the vaginal mucosa and grayish “curdled” discharge. However, you may simply not notice the discharge, because severe itching calls for enhanced hygiene measures. A gynecologist will be able to assess the overall picture, so you should not make a diagnosis on your own, only on the basis of already familiar sensations. Especially to prescribe treatment for yourself, as energetic ladies from TV advertising do.

THE ROOT OF TROUBLE IS IN THE WEAKENING OF IMMUNE AND CANDIDIOSIS IS ITS EXTERNAL MANIFESTATION.

In men, candidiasis is extremely rare: with a decrease in immunity and secondary infections, as part of the general process, when the oral cavity and intestines are affected. They need to be treated, because. the fungus can be transmitted through sexual contact (treatment according to the same scheme as in women). Just like in women, in men, candidiasis of the genital organs is manifested by itching, burning, redness and cheesy discharge. “Immaculate” infection with vaginal thrush is not the only option. Militant Candida fungi can get into the vagina in the traditional way for many sexually transmitted diseases, in the way – during unprotected intercourse.

Is there a mushroom?

Once having gone to the doctor and received instructions on how to overcome thrush, many women follow them again as needed. This course of action will help once, twice, third, but sooner or later the wand will break. After all, the root of the trouble is in the weakening of the immune system, and candidiasis is its external manifestation. Therefore, simultaneously with the treatment of thrush, it is necessary to look for and eliminate the cause of immunodeficiency. Without this, candidiasis will appear again and again. In addition, discharge, itching and burning may not be so harmless. The same symptoms are typical for gonorrhea, trichomoniasis, gardnerellosis, genital herpes, chlamydia, mycoplasmosis and other infections. And for their treatment, completely different drugs are required. Most often, swabs are taken to diagnose vaginal candidiasis and, after special staining, they are examined under a microscope. In addition to fungi, these studies help to identify Trichomonas, gonococci and gardnerella. If necessary, sowing on the medium is done – an extremely accurate analysis that allows you to determine the genus and species of fungi, and most importantly, their sensitivity to antifungal drugs.

DON’T FORGET, NO PILLS ARE A SUBSTITUTE FOR A HEALTHY LIFESTYLE.

Some gynecologists still prescribe boric acid (borax in glycerin), Castelliani liquid or gentian violet for thrush. These drugs prevent the fungus from attaching to the wall of the vagina, inhibit its reproduction, but that’s all. These drugs do not have an antifungal effect, therefore, today they are considered ineffective.

There are a lot of modern drugs for the treatment of candidiasis, but you can only trust your doctor to choose the right one, and not your girlfriend or advertising. With a mild course of the disease, as a rule, local treatment is dispensed with, for which preparations of the imidazole group (clotrimazole, isoconazole, econazole, miconazole) and antifungal antibiotics (natamycin, pimafucort, levorin, amphotericin B, nystatin) are selected.

How to alleviate your plight?

Alas, the easiest way to do this does not suit you – doctors urgently demand a cessation of sexual activity for ten days. Harmful fungi, like cockroaches, temporarily emigrate to your partner’s “living space”, where they will wait quietly (without causing him noticeable problems) the entire course of treatment, and then again celebrate their return to their native land. It is necessary to observe intimate hygiene as often as possible by adding a furacilin tablet or a spoonful of baking soda to the water. But you should not use a solution of potassium permanganate and soap – with their frequent use, the mucosa dries out. After the procedure, you can use talcum powder or baby powder – this will temporarily protect you from haunting itching. Eliminate spicy, spicy and pickled foods from the diet – everything that makes urine too “caustic” and can additionally provoke itching (already of an allergic origin). Better lean on fresh vegetables, fruits, dairy products, cereals. And yes, it’s better for your health. Moreover, the post is in the yard. Give up for a while from prolonged physical exertion, plentiful feasts and a long stay in the heat – everything that leads to profuse sweating, diaper rash and skin irritation.

During your period, change your pads more often – every 4-6 hours, regardless of the amount of flow. Menstrual flow is a suitable breeding ground for pathogenic bacteria, and the immune system is weakened these days. It is better not to use tampons this time.

If thrush is difficult to treat and constantly recurs, then they talk about chronic (recurrent) candidiasis and change the scheme. Simultaneously with thrush, it is necessary to treat diseases that weaken the body, and it is imperative to strengthen the immune system (if necessary, the doctor prescribes immunomodulators).

But do not forget that no pills can replace a healthy lifestyle: 8-10 hours of sleep, fresh air, fruits – vegetables, vitamins and regular good rest.

Author: Gynecologist L.D. Melekhina

Candidiasis – causes, symptoms, diagnosis and treatment – St. Petersburg State Budgetary Institution of Health “Dermatovenerological Dispensary No. 4”

Candidiasis is an infectious disease affecting the skin, mucous membranes and / or internal organs, caused by yeast-like fungi of the genus Candida. The term “candidiasis” implies a pathological process, which is based on the overgrowth of Candida, primarily in the gastrointestinal tract and secondarily in other areas (on the mucous membrane of the genitals, bronchi, in parenchymal organs).

Causes

Candidiasis (thrush) affects not only external but also internal organs. The cause of the disease are yeast-like fungi that live in the body of every person.

Many factors can provoke intensive reproduction of the fungus. For example, hypothermia, illness, stress, hormonal changes (during pregnancy or taking hormonal drugs).
When taking antibiotics, along with pathogenic bacteria, the beneficial microflora of the intestine and vagina, which controls the growth and development of Candida fungi, also dies. The presence of a chronic disease that reduces the activity of the immune system (HIV, sexually transmitted diseases, infections) very often causes candidiasis.
Candidiasis may be accompanied by endocrine diseases (diabetes, obesity, thyroid dysfunction).
Finally, hot climates or wearing uncomfortable, tight or synthetic underwear can be causes of candidiasis.

The source of infection with candidiasis, as a rule, is the body’s own flora (autoinfection), but infection from the outside can occur. Causing a disease, the fungus does not change its properties – the body changes its properties (local protection decreases). Attaching to the cells of the epithelium, the pathogenic fungus begins to parasitize in them, penetrating deep into the tissues.

In the body’s struggle with candidiasis, a dynamic balance often occurs when the fungus seeks to penetrate deeper into the tissues, but cannot, and the body tries to reject it and also cannot. In this case, the process can last for years, a shift in the balance in one direction or another will either lead to recovery or exacerbate the process.

Candidiasis occurs in several forms, depending on certain features.

The person is a carrier of the disease. Symptoms of candidiasis are absent, there is no need to treat.
Sharp. Accompanied by itching, rashes, discharge. It is necessary to treat comprehensively and qualitatively. Most often, young children are susceptible to infection.
Chronic. Characterized by remission and manifestation of symptoms, relapses are possible. It develops if it is incorrect to treat with antibiotics for a long time, use hormonal contraceptives.

This disease has several varieties, since it does not have an exact localization in the body:

Urogenital candidiasis
- female.
- male.
Oral candidiasis
- Lip thrush
- Thrush of the tongue
- Stomatitis, as well as oropharyngeal candidiasis – thrush of the oral mucosa, tonsils, gums.
Skin and nail candidiasis
- On the folds of the skin (armpits, area between the buttocks, inguinal folds).
- Candidiasis of exposed (or smooth) parts of the skin. Occurs rarely.
- Candidiasis on the palms.
- Candidiasis on the nail plates.
- Candidiasis of the feet.
Candidiasis of internal organs
- GIT (stomach, esophagus, intestines, anus).
- Lungs and bronchi.
- Hearts.
- Meninges.
- Eyes and ears.
Neonatal candidiasis (e.g. pseudomembranous)

Symptoms of candidiasis

The disease is ubiquitous. The causative agents of candidiasis are found in the air, soil, vegetables, fruits, confectionery products. Yeast-like fungi are found as saprophytes on healthy skin and mucous membranes.

Manifestations of candidiasis, and therefore symptoms and signs, depend on the localization of the focus of the disease.

Oral candidiasis (oral candidiasis, childhood thrush) is most common in children, usually they become infected from the mother through the birth canal. Symptoms:

buccal mucosa, pharynx, tongue and gums become red,
puffiness appears,
then foci of white cheesy plaque appear on the oral mucosa.

With candidiasis of the skin and its appendages, most often the foci are located in large folds:

inguinal-femoral,
intergluteal,
armpits,
under the mammary glands.

The skin in the interdigital folds may be affected, more often in children and adults suffering from serious diseases – on the skin of the palms, feet, smooth skin of the trunk and extremities. Foci in large folds look like small 1-2 mm bubbles, which soon open with the formation of erosion. Erosions increase in size, merge, forming large areas of damage.

Foci of candidiasis are irregular in shape, dark red in color, around the focus there is a strip of exfoliating epidermis. Outside the folds, the lesions look like red spots with peeling in the center; occasionally, small bubbles may appear around the focus.

Vaginal candidiasis (candidiasis, thrush) is an infectious disease of the vaginal mucosa that often spreads to the cervix and vulva. Almost every woman has experienced such a disease, and some signs of candidiasis are constantly disturbing. Most common in women of reproductive age, but can occur in girls

Intestinal candidiasis (dysbacteriosis) often accompanies vaginal candidiasis or develops in isolation. Usually intestinal candidiasis appears after taking antibiotics or past intestinal infections. Fungi of the genus Candida live in the small intestine. Symptoms characteristic of this type of candidiasis: in the stool of a patient suffering from intestinal candidiasis, white cheesy flakes are often found.

Esophageal candidiasis is a disease that is very difficult to define among all those available in the field of gastroenterology. The disease is characterized by a discrepancy between the severity of the disease, the level of damage and the condition of the patient himself.

Complication

With timely treatment, candidiasis does not cause any particular harm to health. But the symptoms of candidiasis can cause a lot of discomfort. Long-term, it can lead to damage to other organs, most often the urethra, bladder and kidneys. In particularly severe cases, the progressive disease can affect the reproductive organs, leading to infertility in both men and women. But the greatest danger of candidiasis is for pregnant women, because. very high risk of fetal harm.

How the disease is diagnosed

Visual methods for diagnosing candidiasis. On examination, inflammation of the skin areas is revealed, limited by a border of exfoliating, macerated epidermis, a whitish coating on the mucous membranes.

Laboratory diagnostics. Contrary to popular belief, the main method for diagnosing candidiasis is still smear microscopy from the affected areas of the mucosa. PCR (DNA – diagnostics), popular recently, as a rule, is poorly suited for the diagnosis of candidiasis.

Laboratory diagnosis of the disease includes:

smear microscopy of secretions
cultural diagnosis (inoculation)
enzyme immunoassay (ELISA)
polymerase chain reaction (PCR).

Treatment of candidiasis

Treatment of candidiasis is aimed at eliminating the factors that contribute to the development of candidiasis. When the skin is affected, local treatment is carried out in an open way with the use of antifungal ointments.

The attending physician prescribes systemic and local medications for this ailment. Local agents are not absorbed into the blood – they act only on the mucous membrane affected by the Candida fungus. They stop the reproduction and growth of fungi, relieve discomfort and restore affected tissues.

Prevention

Since candidiasis is a recurrent infectious process that occurs very often, there are some methods of prevention that lead to a decrease in the frequency of recurrence of the disease, and also prevent primary infection.

Of the generally accepted means of preventing candidiasis, the following should be noted:

hardening of the body,
intake of vitamins and microelements in spring and autumn,
regular standard hygiene practices;
particular importance should be given to the type of clothing and underwear.