Yeast infection external rash: Candidiasis of the Skin: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment
Candidiasis of the Skin: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment
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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.
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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?
Treatment of atopic dermatitis in Moscow in the department of allergology of the IAKI clinic
Atopic dermatitis is a genetically determined, chronic skin disease of an allergic nature. Typical clinical manifestations of this pathology are eczematous rash, pruritus and dry skin. Fig. A patient diagnosed with atopic dermatitis. Photo from the collection of Academician Sergeev Yu.V. |
If you experience an allergic reaction, be sure to consult a doctor!
It is important to prevent the development of chronic diseases, systemic complications
(Quincke’s edema and anaphylactic shock).
By taking medications (antihistamines), you only eliminate the symptoms!
Combination of atopic dermatitis with other diseases
| 35% – with bronchial asthma | 25% – with rhinitis | 10% – with hay fever |
| 0-6 months | First signs usually associated with the first weaning |
| By 14-17 years old | About 70% – the disease resolves on its own About 30% – passes into adult form |
Symptoms
If these symptoms appear, you should contact an allergist-immunologist !
Acute stage |
Accession of a secondary infection leads to the development of pustular lesions. | Main features:
|
chronic stage | Thickening of the skin (lichenization), the severity of the skin pattern, cracks on the soles and palms, scratching, increased pigmentation of the skin of the eyelids. In the chronic stage, symptoms typical of atopic dermatitis develop:
| |
The main symptom in all phases: the strongest, constant or periodic pruritus. | ||
Typical areas of localization of rashes: face (forehead, area around the mouth, near the eyes), skin of the neck, chest, back, flexor surfaces of the limbs, inguinal folds, buttocks | ||
Classification of atopic dermatitis
Phase of disease development | Clinical forms | Prevalence | The severity of the current | Clinical and etiological options |
initial stage Acute stage (exacerbation period) remission stage clinical recovery | infant Children’s Teen/Adult | Limited Common diffuse | Lung Average heavy | Genetic conditioning Allergic factor Psychogenic factor Secondary infection |
Causes of atopic dermatitis
The causes of atopic dermatitis are not yet fully understood.
| Causes of allergic genesis | Sensitization (hypersensitivity) of the body to certain allergens:
|
| Genetic Causes | hereditary predisposition |
| Impaired cellular immunity | Violations at the level of cellular immunity, which are the cause of atopic dermatitis. |
Risk factors contributing to the development of atopic dermatitis
| Pathology of the gastrointestinal tract | Gastroduodenitis, pancreatitis, biliary dyskinesia, candidiasis, etc. |
| Unfavorable ecological environment | The adverse impact of the external environment recently not only exacerbates the development of atopic dermatitis, but is often the cause |
| Stress | The nervous system plays a big role in the development of this disease, the psycho-emotional background is of great importance for patients |
Diagnosis
INSTITUTE OF ALLERGOLOGY AND CLINICAL IMMUNOLOGY has a fundamental base that allows to carry out the whole range of diagnostic and therapeutic measures for any form of allergy, corresponding to the level of international standards.
Diagnostic measures are carried out in accordance with the Standard of Care for Patients with Atopic Dermatitis.
The diagnosis is established on the basis of the clinical picture, a thorough collection of anamnestic data, the establishment of a hereditary predisposition, laboratory diagnostics aimed at identifying allergens, a clinical blood test, and diagnostics of the gastrointestinal tract.
Treatment
Attention!
Selection of drug therapy should be made individually, taking into account the severity of the course of the disease, the presence of concomitant diseases, the age of the patient and the risk of possible side effects.
Please do not self-medicate based on Internet data!
Department phone: +7 (495) 695-56-95
| Acute period | Intensive therapy, including hormonal and other drugs aimed at stopping the exacerbation |
| Quiet period | Supportive treatment, which includes vitamins, physiotherapy, sorbents, therapy aimed at repairing the skin process |
| Remission period | Immunotherapy for allergic etiology |
For all stages of atopic dermatitis:
- Hypoallergenic diet (allergen elimination with identified food sensitization)
- Basic external therapy and skin care, (daily, multiple use of emollients)
- Mandatory Allergen Elimination
- Identification and treatment of chronic foci of infection
- Immunity strengthening activities
Patient information box
REFERENCE FOR THE PATIENT WITH ALLERGY TO TREE AND GRASS POLLEN
1.
Every year for the flowering period, if possible, leave this area.
2. Reduce (exclude) stay in places where there are many flowering plants (in the field, in the country, foothills).
3. Wear long sleeves when you get home, change clothes and take a shower.
4. In clear sunny weather (especially in the morning) wear goggles.
5. Indoors, it is necessary to carry out wet cleaning more often.
6. Ventilate the room, preferably in the evening, use an air purifier.
7. Special nets (gauze) should be pulled on windows, vents, transoms.
8. If possible (should be agreed with the attending physician) during the flowering period, do not take medications (except those prescribed by an allergist).
9. Avoid the following foods and drinks: honey, propolis, cognac, balsam, vermouth, beer.
10. During the pollination season, do not carry out planned surgical interventions, instrumental examinations, preventive vaccinations.
If allergic to tree pollen: avoid: nuts, apples (especially red varieties), stone fruits (cherries, cherries, plums, etc.), carrots, birch sap.
In case of allergy to grass pollen: limit bakery and confectionery products, cereals (except buckwheat, sago).
If allergic to weed pollen: avoid sunflower seeds, sunflower oil and products containing it (mayonnaise, mustard, halva) and limit the intake of melons, watermelons, chicory, cucumbers.
It must also be remembered that many cosmetics (shampoos, creams, lotions) contain herbal ingredients.
REDUCING HOUSE DUST MITES IN THE BEDROOM
1. Keep pillows in zippered, anti-allergic protective covers.
2. Keep mattresses and duvets in zippered, anti-allergic protective covers. If there are several beds in the room, then for each of them it is necessary to use covers.
3. Wash all bedding (duvet covers, sheets, pillowcases) in hot water (60 C) every two weeks, wash anti-allergic protective covers twice a year in the usual way.
4. Remove all carpets. If this is not possible, then use only synthetic carpets or treat carpets with a special solution that kills mites.
5. Do not use heavy curtains and curtains. Instead, it is better to use blinds. If curtains are used, wash them in hot water as often as possible.
6. Use furniture that can be wiped down (wood, plastic, vinyl, or leather). Do not use furniture upholstered in fabric.
7. Use only a heating air conditioner with exhaust air filters or electric radiators to heat the room.
8. Use an air purifier to remove airborne allergens. Carefully choose the purifier model that suits the size of your room. Some inexpensive desktop models do not have the necessary power for effective cleaning.
9. Use air conditioners to keep the temperature and humidity from rising and mites growing.
10. Avoid using anything that can collect dust; e.g. macrame, tapestries, decorative pillows, etc. Use washable toys.
11. Avoid overmoistening if you use a humidifier in winter. Ticks breed at 70-80% relative humidity and cannot live below 50% relative humidity. The ideal is a relative humidity of 40-50%.
12. Keep all your clothes in the closet.
13. Clean with the latest generation washing vacuum cleaner with fine particle filter.
14. Wet cleaning should be carried out daily. It is advisable to enter a cleaned room no earlier than two hours after cleaning.
15. Clean up the dust before bed.
16. Wear a well-fitting face mask when cleaning.
17. Cleaning in the apartment is undesirable for persons suffering from household allergies.
AD DIET
FOODS WITH VARIOUS ALLERGIZING POTENTIAL (patient guide)
High | Medium | Low |
|
|
|
ALLERGY DIET (reminder for patients)
Recommended to be excluded from the diet:
- citrus fruits (oranges, tangerines, lemons, grapefruits, etc.
) - exotic fruits (kiwi, pineapple, banana, mango, carom, lychee, papaya, etc.)
- nuts (hazelnuts, almonds, etc.)
- fish and seafood (marine and freshwater fish, fish broths, canned fish, crustaceans, caviar, etc.)
- poultry (chicken, goose, turkey, quail, etc.)
- smoked meats
- mushrooms
- eggs
- chocolate, caramel
- coffee
- tomatoes, eggplants, peppers, radishes, radishes
- vinegar, mustard, horseradish, mayonnaise, spices
- fresh milk
- pastry
- honey
- strawberry, strawberry, melon
- alcohol
)CROSS REACTIONS BETWEEN DIFFERENT ALLERGENS (patient guide)
Intraspecific
| Basic food | Related products and allergens |
| Milk | Cottage cheese, cream, cheeses, butter, sour cream, beef, sausage, sausages, sausages |
| Chicken meat | Chicken broth, egg, duck meat |
| Carrot | Parsley, celery |
| Strawberry | Raspberry, blackberry, currant, lingonberry, wild strawberry |
| Apples | Pear, quince |
Interspecies
| Basic food | Related products and allergens |
| Kefir | Molds, mold cheeses (Roquefort), yeast dough, kvass, fruit juices with aspergillus fungus, fizzy drinks, antibiotics (penicillin series) |
| nuts | hazel pollen |
| Grape | quinoa pollen |
| Peaches, apricots, strawberries, raspberries | Aspirin, amidopyrine |
| Sunflower oil | sunflower pollen |
| Apples, peaches, pear | Pollen of birch, alder, wormwood |
symptoms and varieties – IMD Medical Laboratory
Fungus (mycosis) of the skin is a group of diseases that affect the skin and its appendages (sweat and sebaceous glands, hair and nails) with a fungal infection.
The fungus is common among all age groups and can appear anywhere on the body.
Micro fungi are live microorganisms that are widely distributed in the environment and in the human body (skin, mucous membrane, mouth, intestines and genitals). In most cases, they coexist in harmony with the local bacterial flora, preventing its overgrowth. But when conditions change (increase in temperature and humidity, lack or excessive hygiene), a decrease in the protective functions of the body, the balance is disturbed, and the fungi move from the category of “opportunistic” to “pathogenic”, affecting the skin and its appendages.
Skin fungus: symptoms and types
There are various forms of skin mycosis depending on the affected part of the skin: smooth skin, skin folds, mucous membranes, nails and hair.
Pityriasis multicolor ( Pityriasis versicolor ) is a skin disease from the group of keratomycosis. The causative agents of multi-colored lichen are yeast fungi of the genus Malassezia .
The fungus often affects children and adolescents. Pitiriasis is characterized by the appearance of spots on the trunk, neck and shoulders pink , lighter than healthy skin. These spots are especially noticeable in summer, because they are devoid of melanin. On very white skin, the patches are often slightly darker (pink or light brown) than normal skin. Lichen versicolor is benign and is not considered contagious.
Mycosis of the “large folds” or inguinal dermatophytosis is located in the folds of the groin, between the buttocks, under the armpits, under the breasts in women.
Signs of skin fungus in the crease area include:
- pink spots in the form of a ring with clear boundaries and slight peeling in the area of the folds;
- symmetrical pattern of spots;
- the presence of an edematous roller along the periphery;
- blistering, weeping, erosion and cracking;
- constant itching, burning, soreness. In women, dermatophytosis of the folds is more common under the breasts, in men – in the groin area.
In women, dermatophytosis of the folds is more common under the breasts, in men – in the groin area.Foot fungus, also known as Athlete’s foot “, is the most common fungal infection in adolescents and adults, but is much less common in young children. The infection is caused by dermatophyte fungi. The infection appears between the toes and, as a rule, begins with 4-5 toes, and can spread to the sole or even the back of the foot.
The disease is often accompanied by a fungal infection of the nails (onychomycosis), which must be treated at the same time. “Athlete’s foot” is characterized by the appearance of hyperemic areas between the toes, on the back of the foot, as well as cracks in the interdigital spaces. These lesions cause severe itching and pain.
The fungus of the skin of the hands is identical to the fungal infection of the feet, but is less common and mainly affects professions for which it is necessary to use rubber gloves frequently for a long time.
Candidiasis is an infectious disease of the skin, mucous membranes and internal organs caused by fungi of the genus Candida .
Mycosis affects the mucous membranes of the mouth, esophagus and vagina, as well as the tongue and the inside of the cheeks. The disease is common in all age groups, but more often affects children or people who have been treated with antibiotics, in the people these symptoms are called “ thrush “. Candidiasis is manifested by milky white spots on the tongue, inside the cheeks, on the gums and on the palate, as well as painful cracks in the corners of the mouth.
On the skin, the fungus manifests itself as rashes in the form of vesicles with erosive areas of crimson color and excruciating itching.
Routes of skin fungus infection
We now know that there is a genetic susceptibility to chronic or recurrent forms
People with diabetes or immunocompromised conditions are more susceptible to infection.
0009
Some medications can also trigger fungal infections, such as antibiotics and corticosteroids.
It should be remembered that during pregnancy and the first months of life, the skin is very vulnerable to fungal infections.
The main environmental factors that contribute to the development of fungal infections of the skin include damp heat and excessive sweating, wearing closed shoes made of non-natural materials, or frequent use of rubber gloves.
Of course, extreme care must be taken when coming into direct contact with potentially infectious surfaces or objects, such as gym floors, showers or swimming pools, hotel carpets, wooden counters, saunas. In this case, the risk of infection with the fungus will be quite high.
Fungus on the skin: laboratory diagnosis
Diagnosis is made by a dermatologist on the basis of
1) examination of the patient:
- – the presence of clinical manifestations,
- – examination of the affected area under a Wood’s fluorescent lamp, with a characteristic yellow or brown glow,
- – samples with iodine.
2) based on the results of laboratory diagnostics:
- – microscopic examination: detection of the pathogen in a skin scraping under a light and fluorescent microscope. Fluorescent microscopy excludes artifacts and therefore false positive results.
- – cultural studies (inoculation): identification of the type of pathogen and selection of an effective antifungal agent.
In our laboratory, you can be tested for skin fungus to confirm the diagnosis.
Skin fungus: treatment and prevention
Treatment of skin fungus depends on the type of pathogen and the prevalence of the process. In mild cases, external antimycotic agents are used in the form of a cream, spray or ointment.
If topical therapy fails, systemic antimycotics are prescribed: itraconazole 200 mg daily for 7 days, then 100 mg for 1-2 weeks; terbinafine 250 mg once a day daily for 3-4 weeks or fluconazole 150 mg once a week for at least 4 weeks.