Symptoms, causes, diagnosis, and treatment

Candida is a yeast (a type of fungus) that lives on the skin and can cause an infection. Symptoms of a yeast infection on the face include skin discoloration, skin thickening, and itchiness.

A variety of pathogens live on healthy skin, including bacteria, fungi, and dermatophytes. Typically, these pathogens are not harmful and even provide nutrients for the skin. However, in some situations, they can cause infections.

In this article, we discuss the causes and symptoms of yeast infections on the face and explain the different treatment options.

A yeast infection is an infection of the skin or mucous membranes, such as those inside the mouth or vagina. It occurs due to a fungus from the Candida species.

Candida albicans and other yeasts live on the skin with other pathogens, such as bacteria, dermatophytes, and other fungi, in a well-balanced ecosystem.

When the conditions of the skin change, the usual environment becomes disrupted.

This disruption can allow pathogens, including yeast, to increase in number and cause skin infections.

Yeast infections may occur on the feet or face and in the skin folds. People may also develop yeast infections on the eyelids and the corners of the mouth.

Researchers estimate that yeast skin infections affect about 20–25% of the world’s population.

People with a yeast infection on the face may experience:

• thickening of the skin
• itchiness
• redness

A yeast infection on the face can also occur if a person has developed intertrigo, which can lead to a fungal infection that affects the skin folds of the eyelids.

People with intertrigo on the face may notice:

• mild redness that might worsen over time
• oozing
• crusting
• inflammation, which is typically a sign of infection if it worsens

If a yeast infection follows intertrigo, the person may notice:

• itchiness
• pain
• burning
• thickening of the affected area
• the development of pus filled lesions in the area

Some people may have an acute infection, whereas others, such as those with diabetes or a weakened immune system, may have lingering, chronic yeast infections on the skin.

Infants can also develop a yeast infection called seborrheic dermatitis, which people sometimes refer to as cradle cap. It is a common skin condition that typically affects 10% of children in the first 3 months of their life.

The symptoms of seborrheic dermatitis in infants may include:

• red, scaly patches of skin
• itching
• burning
• small, raised bumps on the skin

Researchers have identified 200 Candida species of yeast, but only some of these can cause yeast infections.

Typically, Candida albicans is responsible for yeast infections on the skin.

The following factors can trigger yeast infections:

• Friction: A yeast infection can occur between folds of skin due to friction.
• Medication: Antibiotics may disrupt the environment of the skin and cause an imbalance of the bacteria and fungi that live on the surface.
• Health conditions: People with a weakened immune system or diabetes may have a higher risk of developing yeast infections on the face.
• Injury to the skin: Injury to the skin and intertrigo can destroy the natural barrier of the skin, which may promote infections.

Factors that may increase the risk of developing yeast infections include:

• excessive sweating, called hyperhidrosis
• poor hygiene
• malnutrition

To treat a yeast infection on the face, people can use antifungal medications.

Topical antifungal products are available in the form of creams, gels, ointments, or sprays that people apply directly to the affected area, such as the face.

People should always be careful when treating facial rashes or skin conditions as the skin on the face is sensitive, particularly around the eyes. Some people may experience reactions to medications or treatments that they apply to the face, even if they do not have a reaction on other parts of their body.

Some infections may require oral or intravenous antifungals.

Examples of antifungals may include:

• econazole (Spectrazole)
• ketoconazole (Nizoral)
• clotrimazole (Canesten)
• terbinafine (Lamisil)
• miconazole (Monistat)
• amphotericin B (Fungizone)
• fluconazole (Diflucan)

If the yeast infection on the face is on a skin fold, such as the eyelid, the person may have developed intertrigo before the infection.

To manage intertrigo, doctors may also recommend minimizing moisture in the area and reducing friction using barrier creams.

However, barrier creams may irritate the area and help the yeast colonize on the skin.

People who want to apply barrier creams to a skin fold should speak to a doctor to make sure that it will not worsen the condition or pose a risk to the eye.

Yeast infections can occur in hot and humid weather. People should ensure that they dry themselves thoroughly after physical activity or sweating.

It is also best to avoid using terbinafine and ciclopirox (Loprox) cream with a cortisone cream because they have stronger anti-inflammatory effects.

People should not use a cortisone cream alone on a fungal infection as the steroid may worsen the infection. If cortisone is necessary, a person should use it alongside an antifungal treatment.

In infants, parents or caregivers can use emollients to treat yeast infections. These will soften and loosen the scales.

Doctors can diagnose a yeast infection on the face by carrying out a physical examination.

Sometimes, doctors will collect samples of the infection to confirm which pathogen caused the infection.

People can often self-diagnose yeast infections because they typically occur in moist or humid areas of the skin, such as the folds.

Applying an over-the-counter topical antifungal, such as clotrimazole, may relieve redness and itchiness, as well as treating the infection. However, before using medication, a person should speak to a doctor.

A person should see a doctor if they notice a rash on their face.

Doctors may want to collect a culture of the skin infection and check the sensitivity to antifungal treatments.

People with chronic infections may consult their doctor to discuss methods of prevention, which include reducing heat and moisture and keeping high risk areas clean and dry.

For most fungal infections, doctors recommend using antifungal treatments for 2–4 weeks. If there is no change, the person should make another doctor’s appointment for further testing.

Some people may experience side effects with antifungal treatments.

Side effects may include:

• rash
• headaches
• dizziness
• fatigue
• irritation
• burning
• itching

If these symptoms appear, people should stop using the medication and speak with a doctor.

Candida albicans is a yeast that causes fungal skin infections on the face.

People may be more likely to develop an infection on their face if they have diabetes, a weakened immune system, an injury, or intertrigo.

Yeast infections may burn, itch, and turn red.

People can treat yeast infections with antifungal creams, but more severe infections may require oral antifungals.

With the correct diagnosis and treatment, a yeast infection on the face may disappear in a few weeks.

Symptoms, causes, diagnosis, and treatment

Candida is a yeast (a type of fungus) that lives on the skin and can cause an infection. Symptoms of a yeast infection on the face include skin discoloration, skin thickening, and itchiness.

A variety of pathogens live on healthy skin, including bacteria, fungi, and dermatophytes. Typically, these pathogens are not harmful and even provide nutrients for the skin. However, in some situations, they can cause infections.

In this article, we discuss the causes and symptoms of yeast infections on the face and explain the different treatment options.

A yeast infection is an infection of the skin or mucous membranes, such as those inside the mouth or vagina. It occurs due to a fungus from the Candida species.

Candida albicans and other yeasts live on the skin with other pathogens, such as bacteria, dermatophytes, and other fungi, in a well-balanced ecosystem.

When the conditions of the skin change, the usual environment becomes disrupted.

This disruption can allow pathogens, including yeast, to increase in number and cause skin infections.

Yeast infections may occur on the feet or face and in the skin folds. People may also develop yeast infections on the eyelids and the corners of the mouth.

Researchers estimate that yeast skin infections affect about 20–25% of the world’s population.

People with a yeast infection on the face may experience:

• thickening of the skin
• itchiness
• redness

A yeast infection on the face can also occur if a person has developed intertrigo, which can lead to a fungal infection that affects the skin folds of the eyelids.

People with intertrigo on the face may notice:

• mild redness that might worsen over time
• oozing
• crusting
• inflammation, which is typically a sign of infection if it worsens

If a yeast infection follows intertrigo, the person may notice:

• itchiness
• pain
• burning
• thickening of the affected area
• the development of pus filled lesions in the area

Some people may have an acute infection, whereas others, such as those with diabetes or a weakened immune system, may have lingering, chronic yeast infections on the skin.

Infants can also develop a yeast infection called seborrheic dermatitis, which people sometimes refer to as cradle cap. It is a common skin condition that typically affects 10% of children in the first 3 months of their life.

The symptoms of seborrheic dermatitis in infants may include:

• red, scaly patches of skin
• itching
• burning
• small, raised bumps on the skin

Researchers have identified 200 Candida species of yeast, but only some of these can cause yeast infections.

Typically, Candida albicans is responsible for yeast infections on the skin.

The following factors can trigger yeast infections:

• Friction: A yeast infection can occur between folds of skin due to friction.
• Medication: Antibiotics may disrupt the environment of the skin and cause an imbalance of the bacteria and fungi that live on the surface.
• Health conditions: People with a weakened immune system or diabetes may have a higher risk of developing yeast infections on the face.
• Injury to the skin: Injury to the skin and intertrigo can destroy the natural barrier of the skin, which may promote infections.

Factors that may increase the risk of developing yeast infections include:

• excessive sweating, called hyperhidrosis
• poor hygiene
• malnutrition

To treat a yeast infection on the face, people can use antifungal medications.

Topical antifungal products are available in the form of creams, gels, ointments, or sprays that people apply directly to the affected area, such as the face.

People should always be careful when treating facial rashes or skin conditions as the skin on the face is sensitive, particularly around the eyes. Some people may experience reactions to medications or treatments that they apply to the face, even if they do not have a reaction on other parts of their body.

Some infections may require oral or intravenous antifungals.

Examples of antifungals may include:

• econazole (Spectrazole)
• ketoconazole (Nizoral)
• clotrimazole (Canesten)
• terbinafine (Lamisil)
• miconazole (Monistat)
• amphotericin B (Fungizone)
• fluconazole (Diflucan)

If the yeast infection on the face is on a skin fold, such as the eyelid, the person may have developed intertrigo before the infection.

To manage intertrigo, doctors may also recommend minimizing moisture in the area and reducing friction using barrier creams.

However, barrier creams may irritate the area and help the yeast colonize on the skin.

People who want to apply barrier creams to a skin fold should speak to a doctor to make sure that it will not worsen the condition or pose a risk to the eye.

Yeast infections can occur in hot and humid weather. People should ensure that they dry themselves thoroughly after physical activity or sweating.

It is also best to avoid using terbinafine and ciclopirox (Loprox) cream with a cortisone cream because they have stronger anti-inflammatory effects.

People should not use a cortisone cream alone on a fungal infection as the steroid may worsen the infection. If cortisone is necessary, a person should use it alongside an antifungal treatment.

In infants, parents or caregivers can use emollients to treat yeast infections. These will soften and loosen the scales.

Doctors can diagnose a yeast infection on the face by carrying out a physical examination.

Sometimes, doctors will collect samples of the infection to confirm which pathogen caused the infection.

People can often self-diagnose yeast infections because they typically occur in moist or humid areas of the skin, such as the folds.

Applying an over-the-counter topical antifungal, such as clotrimazole, may relieve redness and itchiness, as well as treating the infection. However, before using medication, a person should speak to a doctor.

A person should see a doctor if they notice a rash on their face.

Doctors may want to collect a culture of the skin infection and check the sensitivity to antifungal treatments.

People with chronic infections may consult their doctor to discuss methods of prevention, which include reducing heat and moisture and keeping high risk areas clean and dry.

For most fungal infections, doctors recommend using antifungal treatments for 2–4 weeks. If there is no change, the person should make another doctor’s appointment for further testing.

Some people may experience side effects with antifungal treatments.

Side effects may include:

• rash
• headaches
• dizziness
• fatigue
• irritation
• burning
• itching

If these symptoms appear, people should stop using the medication and speak with a doctor.

Candida albicans is a yeast that causes fungal skin infections on the face.

People may be more likely to develop an infection on their face if they have diabetes, a weakened immune system, an injury, or intertrigo.

Yeast infections may burn, itch, and turn red.

People can treat yeast infections with antifungal creams, but more severe infections may require oral antifungals.

With the correct diagnosis and treatment, a yeast infection on the face may disappear in a few weeks.

Otitis of the ears in a dog – symptoms and recommended drugs for treatment

Otitis externa is an inflammation of the external auditory canal, which is located from the tympanic membrane to the auricle and consists of skin lining cartilage.

Otitis externa is a common problem in dogs, with 10 to 20% of dogs reported to the veterinarian for this reason.

The disease occurs in dogs after one year, and the average age of the diseased is 4.5 years. Breed predisposition obviously exists, and the problem is more common in Cocker Spaniels, Miniature Poodles, Labrador Retrievers, Afghan Hounds, Scotch Terriers, Fox Terriers, Maltese and German Shepherds.

Otitis externa – is not a diagnosis, it is just a clinical symptom that can be caused by many reasons. Causes and factors that cause otitis externa for ease of understanding can be divided into 4 groups.

Primary causes directly cause inflammation in the ESP. The most common primary causes are: ear mites and allergic skin reactions Less commonly, we encounter otitis externa caused by keratinization disorders or autoimmune diseases.

Photo 1. Allergic otitis media

Secondary causes Infections (bacteria and/or yeast) that complicate an existing otitis externa. They will not cause otitis in a healthy ear.

Bacteria most commonly found as pathogens in otitis externa are Staphylococcus pseudintermedius, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Proteus and Escherichia. Yeast complicating the course of otitis media is usually represented by Malassezia pachydermatis.

Photo 2. Erythema and brown discharge in allergic otitis media complicated by Malassezia infection (photo by S. Belova)

Predisposing factors increase the risk of otitis externa, but alone cannot cause inflammation. These include stenosis and/or excess hair in the external auditory canal , large, heavy, floppy ears, excessive secretion of earwax, excessive moisture in the external auditory, too frequent and aggressive cleaning of the healthy ear with cotton swabs, obstruction of the external auditory canal by polyps or tumors .

Photo 3. Pinna stenosis in a dog

Supporting factors . These are the consequences of otitis, all the pathological changes that occur in response to inflammation and later prevent healing. The most common supporting factors are hyperplasia and hyperkeratosis of the epidermis, edema and fibrosis of the skin of the external auditory canal, hyperplasia of the ceruminal glands, impaired epithelial migration, cartilage calcification, and otitis media.

Most cases of otitis externa are caused by a combination of two or more causes at the same time, and for successful treatment it is important to find and control all these factors.

Photo 4. Hyperplasia of the skin and complete closure of the ESP in chronic otitis (photo by Zimarova E.P.)

The most common reason for contacting the owner is the concern of his pet, associated with itching (scratching behind the ears, shaking his head), as well as the presence of an unpleasant smell from the ears and in some cases signs of leakage from the auditory canals.

Clinical findings suggestive of otitis externa include edema and erythema of the pinna, ear discharge, self-induced alopecia and excoriation of the head, tenderness and/or restlessness on palpation of the external auditory canal, and shaking of the head after such palpation.

A tilt of the head can be seen in both otitis externa and inflammation of the middle ear.

Each of the two ears must be examined, even if the owner points to a specific ear of the pet .

Otoscopy makes it possible to visually assess both parts (vertical and horizontal) of the external auditory canal and the tympanic membrane.

Microscopic examination of earwax is performed to exclude or confirm the suspicion of parasitic ( Otodectes cynotis, Demodex canis ) otitis media.

Cytology is performed primarily to detect bacterial and/or fungal colonization or infection.

Cytological examination of ear discharge should be done both at the first visit and at subsequent visits to monitor the effectiveness of treatment.

The bacteriology and antibiogram of in the case of otitis externa is not very informative, since the topical antibiotics used to treat otitis externa, as a rule, differ from those offered by the laboratory, in addition, the concentrations of the topical drug are significantly higher than those used to determine sensitivity.
Additional diagnostics that may be needed to find the primary cause of otitis media: elimination diet, thyroid tests, skin biopsy of the external auditory canal, MRI, CT.

Can be divided into 3-4 important steps: cleaning/flushing the external auditory canal, topical treatment, systemic treatment, finding and eliminating all causes of otitis media.

1. Thorough cleaning/rinsing of the earwax and exudate from the ear allows it to be examined correctly and provides the necessary access of the local drug directly to the skin of the external auditory canal. It is best to carry out the first cleaning/washing in the clinic. It is possible that a preliminary anti-inflammatory course of prednisolone and / or sedation will be necessary for the procedure.

2. Local treatment is prescribed based on each specific situation and cytology results. It is most convenient to use ready-made drops for otitis externa, which usually include two or three components: a glucocorticosteroid, an antibiotic, and / or an antifungal drug.

3. Systemic antimicrobial treatment is ineffective in otitis externa. As a systemic treatment, either antiparasitic treatments are used (in recent times, oral drugs from the isoxazoline group have been most popular), or glucocorticosteroids at the beginning of treatment.

The average duration of treatment for otitis externa is about 2-3 weeks.

Regularly, approximately every 7-10 days, monitor the effectiveness of treatment by repeating the examination and cytological examination of secretions, and change treatment if necessary.

4. Finding and eliminating all causes of otitis externa is especially important, without it a complete recovery is impossible .

Stekolshchikova N.A., Veterinary Dermatologist, Center for Veterinary Dermatology.

References

• S. Belova Otitis externa of dogs / Modern veterinary medicine. Dermatology, 2015 p.14-18
• G. Zur, B. Lifshitz, T. Bdolah-Abram translation. A. Gercke “Otitis externa in dogs: relationship between manifestation, predisposing factors and microorganisms” VetPharma No. 3 May-June 2013, pp. 48-57
• V. V. Ruppel, PhD, veterinary dermatologist; Listova O. V., veterinary surgeon, endoscopist. Otitis in dogs and cats0127
• Cole L. K. Anatomy and physiology of the canine ear. Vet Dermatol 20: 412–421, 2009.
• Zur G. & Lifshitz B. (2008) The relationship between primary/predisposing factors and secondary causes in canine otitis externa (abstract). Veterinary Dermatology .10 (Suppl 1), 31
• Muller and Kirk’s Small Animal Dermatology, 7th Ed. Miller W, Griffin C, Kampbell C. WB Saunders, 2012

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How to identify a disease by the color of the tongue

If you notice the signs described in the article, do not postpone a visit to the clinic: the tongue can tell a lot about our health.

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Bright red tongue

Do not self-medicate! In our articles, we collect the latest scientific data and the opinions of authoritative health experts. But remember: only a doctor can diagnose and prescribe treatment.

If your tongue looks like it’s been rubbed with strawberry juice – bright red and glossy – it may indicate a lack of vitamin B12 and iron. These substances are necessary for the maturation of papillae, small papilla-like bumps on the tongue, and if your tongue becomes smooth, then the body lacks important vitamins.

Brown or black tongue

This looks rather unpleasant, but fortunately indicates an easily fixable problem: coffee or tea abuse, smoking, or poor oral hygiene. Start cleaning your tongue with a special scraper, drink less coffee and tea, and stop smoking, then everything will work out.

White coating resembling cottage cheese

If your tongue looks like you just ate cottage cheese, this may indicate a developing yeast infection – thrush. Most often this happens against the background of taking antibiotics: our tongue is a natural habitat for yeast and bacteria, but if we disturb their balance by killing bacteria with antibiotics, yeast can multiply more actively. Thrush can be accompanied by changes in taste sensations and even pain; most often affected by this disease are people living with diabetes, with autoimmune diseases, as well as young children.

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Wrinkles and cracks on the tongue

Most often these are harmless changes that are caused by age: yes, our tongue also ages and wrinkles can form on it.