Candida infection of the skin: MedlinePlus Medical Encyclopedia

Candida infection of the skin is a yeast infection of the skin. The medical name of the condition is cutaneous candidiasis.

The body normally hosts a variety of germs, including bacteria and fungi. Some of these are useful to the body, some produce no harm or benefit, and some can cause harmful infections.

Some fungal infections are caused by fungi that often live on the hair, nails, and outer skin layers. They include yeast-like fungi such as candida. Sometimes, these yeast penetrate beneath the surface of the skin and cause infection.

In cutaneous candidiasis, the skin is infected with candida fungi. This type of infection is fairly common. It can involve almost any skin on the body, but most often it occurs in warm, moist, creased areas such as the armpits and groin. The fungus that most often causes cutaneous candidiasis is Candida albicans.

Candida is the most common cause of diaper rash in infants. The fungi take advantage of the warm, moist conditions inside the diaper. Candida infection is also particularly common in people with diabetes and in those who are obese. Antibiotics, steroid therapy, and chemotherapy increase the risk of cutaneous candidiasis. Candida can also cause infections of the nails, edges of the nails, and corners of the mouth.

Oral thrush, a form of candida infection of the moist lining of the mouth, usually occurs when people take antibiotics though only a small number of people who take antibiotics get thrush. It may also be a sign of an HIV infection or other weakened immune system disorders when it occurs in adults. Individuals with candida infections are not usually contagious, though in some settings people with weakened immune systems may catch the infection. When it occurs in the mouth or vagina, it is sometimes called mucocutaneous candidiasis.

Candida is also the most frequent cause of vaginal yeast infections. These infections are common and often occur with antibiotic use.

Candida infection of the skin can cause intense itching.

Symptoms also include:

• Red, growing skin rash
• Rash on the skin folds, genitals, middle of the body, buttocks, under the breasts, and other areas of skin
• Infection of the hair follicles that may look like pimples

Your health care provider can usually diagnose this condition by looking at your skin. Your provider may gently scrape off a sample of skin for testing.

Older children and adults with a yeast skin infection should be tested for diabetes. High sugar levels, seen in people with diabetes, act as food for the yeast fungus and help it grow.

Good general health and hygiene are very important for treating candida infections of the skin. Keeping the skin dry and exposed to air is helpful. Drying (absorbent) powders may help prevent fungal infections.

Losing weight may help eliminate the problem if you are overweight.

Proper blood sugar control may also be helpful to those with diabetes.

Antifungal skin creams, ointments, or powders may be used to treat a yeast infection of the skin, mouth, or vagina. You may need to take antifungal medicine by mouth for severe candida infections in the mouth, throat, or vagina.

Cutaneous candidiasis often goes away with treatment, especially if the underlying cause is corrected. Repeat infections are common.

These complications may occur:

• Infection of the nails may cause the nails to become oddly shaped and may cause an infection around the nail.
• 
  Candida skin infections may return.
• Widespread candidiasis may occur in people with weakened immune systems.

Contact your provider if you develop symptoms of cutaneous candidiasis.

Skin infection – fungal; Fungal infection – skin; Skin infection – yeast; Yeast infection – skin; Intertriginous candidiasis; Cutaneous candidiasis

• Candida – fluorescent stain
• Candidiasis, cutaneous – around the mouth
• Fungus

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention website. Fungal diseases: candidiasis. www.cdc.gov/fungal/diseases/candidiasis/index.html. Updated June 28, 2022. Accessed January 3, 2023.

James WD, Elston DM, Treat JR, Rosenbach MA, Neuhaus IM. Diseases resulting from fungi and yeasts. In: James WD, Elston DM, Treat JR, Rosenbach MA, Neuhaus IM, eds. Andrews’ Diseases of the Skin: Clinical Dermatology. 13th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2020:chap 15.

Lionakis MS, Edwards JE. Candida species. In: Bennett JE, Dolin R, Blaser MJ, eds. Mandell, Douglas, and Bennett’s Principles and Practice of Infectious Diseases. 9th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2020:chap 256.

Updated by: Jatin M. Vyas, MD, PhD, Associate Professor in Medicine, Harvard Medical School; Associate in Medicine, Division of Infectious Disease, Department of Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA. Also reviewed by David C. Dugdale, MD, Medical Director, Brenda Conaway, Editorial Director, and the A.D.A.M. Editorial team.

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 risk 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 shaft or head 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 sexual activity (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

Yeast treatment, ointment, inguinal area

Contents

• Yeast or urogenital candidiasis
• Inguinal yeast symptoms
• Drug therapy
• Rules for effective therapy
• Phytotherapy

Each person is a carrier of spores of various fungi. Why do we need them? The topic has been little studied and until now, pundits cannot answer this question with accuracy. But a fungus of different etiology lives both on the surface of the body and inside the body of every individual on earth. This neighborhood does not interfere with the flow of our lives as long as we are healthy and young. Although, under certain circumstances, anyone can become infected.

A healthy person who observes personal hygiene and has high protective immune functions is less susceptible to fungal diseases. An organism weakened by diseases of the gastrointestinal tract, diabetes mellitus, the endocrine system, phimosis, obesity, can be attacked by fungal skin lesions.

Frequent use of hormonal drugs and antibiotics will push the dormant fungus to wake up. Visiting the gym, bath or pool, there is a chance to provoke an infection. It is unacceptable to use someone else’s shoes, other things for individual use. A weakened body is a favorable place for the reproduction of the fungus.

Different fungi provoke different diseases:

• Epidermophytosis.
• Rubrophytia.
• Trichophytosis.
• Candidiasis.
• Ringworm.

These are the main types of fungal infections of the groin in men, the signs and consequences of which are strikingly different.

Inguinal fungus is a skin disease that mainly affects adult men. Inguinal epidermophytosis is localized in the pubis, inner thighs, groin.

Athlete’s disease causes:

• Tight underwear and trousers.
• Overweight.
• Humid and hot climate.
• Tactile infection in fungal diseases of the extremities.
• Corticosteroid ointments and gels, their long-term use.

Some men ignore the first manifestations of a fungus in the groin and take it as an allergy to food or alcohol. The hope that “it will pass by itself” in such a situation is inappropriate. It is necessary to consult a doctor for any manifestations of discomfort in the intergroin area.

Signs of athlete’s foot:

• Red spots in the groin, pubis or thighs.
• Skin peeling, blistering.
• Itching in groin.

At an early stage, inguinal epidermophytosis in men is quickly cured if you choose the right cream or ointment for local action: Triderm, Pimafucin, Tetraborate, Clotrimazole.

It is important not to start the disease, to diagnose correctly and on time, to treat with antifungal drugs.

Inguinal dermatophytosis does not affect the penis and scrotum.

Important not to be confused with fungus in the groin caused by Candida yeast spores.

Yeast fungus or urogenital candidiasis

A very unpleasant disease that differs from dermatophytosis by the causative agent of the fungus. Candidiasis is a more dangerous type, caused by yeast spores. There is a lesion of the skin, mucous membranes, with penetration into the internal organs. In the human body, the Candida fungus stimulates the production of antibodies. For this reason, it is dangerous with chronic relapses.

The pathogen can be introduced from the anus or from the mouth, from another person or an infected object.

Factors that provoke the appearance of yeast in the groin in men:

1. Weakened immunity.
2. Intestinal dysbacteriosis.
3. Lack of vitamins, minerals.
4. Synthetic underwear that causes excessive perspiration.
5. Non-compliance with personal hygiene.
6. Improper nutrition.
7. Unprotected intercourse.
8. Taking antibiotics.
9. HIV infection.
10. Obesity.

In case of yeast infection, complications develop:

• Balanoposthitis – damage to the foreskin.
• Balanitis – inflammation of the glans penis.
• Candidal urethritis (inflammation of the urethra).
• Candidal pneumonia (fungal infection of the lungs).
• The heart, kidneys, liver, eyes are affected.

The first signs of lesions in the groin are suggestive of venereal disease. You should not prescribe treatment yourself without establishing an accurate diagnosis.

Diagnosis of inguinal fungus:

• Visual examination of the inguinal region.
• Blood test.
• Culture (scraping) to identify a specific type of fungal spore.

Since there are approximately 5 subspecies of yeast fungus, only a doctor based on the results of laboratory tests will make the correct diagnosis and prescribe treatment. Suspicion of yeast fungus will require an HIV test and a biochemical blood test.

Inguinal yeast symptoms

Inguinal fungus in men, caused by yeast spores, is expressed by the following symptoms:

1. Intolerable itching in the glans penis and in the inguinal region.
2. Red spots in the groin and on the foreskin.
3. Whitish discharge from the penis.
4. Potency is broken, uncontrolled eruptions may follow.
5. Urination is painful.
6. Small eruptions in the groin area and on the head of the penis.

Such symptoms should not be ignored. The fungus will progress and become more severe.

Urogenital candidiasis and inguinal dermatophytosis are inguinal fungi in men. Whatever kind of fungus provokes a disease in the groin, you can’t hesitate!

Therapy with medicines

To obtain a stable positive result, the treatment of inguinal fungus in men is carried out in a complex manner. The first step is to make every effort to increase immunity. Choose the right cream, ointment, spray. If necessary, tablets and capsules, infusions, decoctions, etc.

Basic creams and ointments:

1. Pimafucin – reduces burning, redness, itching in the groin. It is recommended to apply on affected areas of the skin 4-5 times a day. The course will last up to two weeks. Massaging movements rub a small amount on the penis, testicles, groin and intergroin area. The drug is hypoallergenic, well tolerated, but individual reactions to the components of the drug are possible.
2. Triderm – antifungal ointment, actively fights against itching, burning. Good tolerance, excellent performance. Apply twice a day, weekly treatment gives good results. Contraindications – tuberculosis, herpes, chicken pox, allergies.
3. Clotrimazole – antibacterial cream has a detrimental effect on pathogenic fungi, blocks the synthesis of sterols. It is applied twice a day by the treatment of the foreskin and the entire phallus. Analogues: Forkan, Nizoral, Candide, Ecodax, Nofungin.

Chronic groin fungus is much more difficult to treat. To suppress fungal growth, drugs with a stronger effect are used – Flucostat, Kanefron, Diflucan, Orungal. Antimicrobial, immunomodulating, antiviral drugs: Neovir, Orcipol, Neo-Penotran.

The direct action of drugs at the cellular level removes the infection of the body, the external painful symptoms in the groin stop and subside, the discharge from the penis disappears.

The treatment prescribed by the doctor must be completed in full, and the first signs of relief in no case give a reason to stop taking the medication.

To achieve complete recovery, do not stop the course for a month.

When using strong drugs for a long time, attention should be paid to the process of curing the groin infection. In case of burning, irritation on the head or in the groin after applying the gel or ointment, the drug used should be discarded. In the absence of improvement, it is necessary to choose a remedy with a more effective action.

Rules for effective therapy

When treating a groin infection in men, certain rules must be observed.

1. Prohibited intercourse even with the use of a condom until complete recovery.
2. It is mandatory to carry out hygiene procedures during the treatment period: daily shower, change of linen, thorough washing of hands after using the toilet.
3. Apply topical drugs only to clean surfaces.
4. It is useful to wash and rinse the affected genitals with tinctures of calendula and chamomile.
5. A hot bath is contraindicated, in general it is better to limit yourself to a shower.
6. Do not use perfume of any kind, so as not to provoke irritation.
7. Monitor the course of recovery and, in the absence of results, visit the attending physician to correct treatment.

Diet

It is necessary to exclude foods that feed fungal organisms while taking medication:

• Fast food.
• Sweets, pastries.
• Smoked and spicy dishes.
• Alcohol.
• Lactose containing products.
• Reduce consumption of coffee and tea.

In case of low immunity, support the body with a course of vitamins B2, B6, C and PP. It does not hurt to remove the remaining toxins by taking enterosorbents.

Without delaying treatment, it is quite possible to avoid complications and fully restore health.

Phytotherapy

1. Alternative medicine advises treating groin ailments by adding garlic to the diet. Its use can act on yeast spores. The best way is to grind 5 cloves and swallow on an empty stomach in the morning.
2. Garlic-based oil is prepared for external use in the treatment of inguinal fungus. To 4 tablespoons of refined vegetable oil, add 5-6 chopped cloves of garlic. Means to insist and lubricate them in the morning and evening of the affected skin area.
3. The antiseptic action of chamomile and calendula in the treatment of inguinal infection is used as a decoction. Rinsing and compresses will help soothe irritation.
4. Juniper cones steeped in boiling water, infused and used as a compress.
5. It is useful to use antiseptic collections of medicinal herbs in the form of tea.
6. Compresses with tar ointment have a calming effect on the fungus in the groin.
7. From flax, oak bark, yarrow, taken in the same proportion, prepare decoctions for compresses.

To defeat the inguinal fungus in men, only complex treatment is used. In parallel with medications, you can use folk remedies.

Fungus is successfully treated with laser phoresis. Radiation prevents the reproduction of fungal spores, heals, increases the protective functions of the body.

And finally, do not forget about the simple rules of prevention:

• When visiting public baths, saunas, do not touch the walls, bars, do not walk barefoot.
• Do not use someone else’s soap, washcloth, towel.
• In hot weather, treat the groin area with powder or talcum powder.
• Even the smallest inflammations should be urgently treated without giving the fungus a chance to multiply.
• Get up more often by doing sedentary work in hot weather.
• Wear loose underwear made from natural fabrics.
• Observe daily personal hygiene.

Treatment of mycosis in the clinic “Miracle Doctor”: types, forms, prevention

Mycosis is caused by microscopic fungal organisms that parasitize the skin.

There are a huge number of microorganisms on the body, including molds and yeasts. Some of them perform important functions for the body, but some of them, multiplying, can cause serious diseases.

Signs and symptoms of mycosis

• Itching or burning pain.
• Cracks in the skin and peeling.
• Very dry scaly skin.
• Itching red (or sulfur) patches on scalp.
• Moist reddish spots with small red bumps.
• Reddened areas on the skin with a white spot in the center.

Athlete’s foot, athlete’s groin and ringworm

Mold fungi (dermatophytes) cause epidermophytosis of the foot, groin, as well as ringworm on the skin of the body and head. These fungi live in the dead tissues of the hair, nails and skin surface. Poor hygiene, constantly moist skin and minor skin and nail lesions increase sensitivity to this type of fungal disease.

The first symptoms of inguinal epidermophytosis are itching and rash. This disease, also called “bordered eczema”, affects the groin and anus. Athlete’s foot usually finds itself on the feet, palms and areas between the toes and hands.

Candida albicans

A persistent bright red rash in the diaper area may indicate a yeast fungus, Candida albicans, which appears in a warm, humid environment. Diseases caused by Candida usually develop between skin folds in overweight people. Among the factors that increase the risk of getting sick are pregnancy, obesity, diabetes, cancer, AIDS, human immunodeficiency virus, etc.

Dermatomycosis (mycosis of the skin)

This is a type of yeast infection that manifests itself in a thin, moldy, fungal covering of the skin. The only symptom is slowly growing patches of discolored skin. A common disease among teenagers and young adults.

Dermatomycosis appears more often in children. The characteristic rings may be irregular in shape. They begin at the scalp, but may be lower and grow depending on the severity of the disease, and the infection gradually spreads from the central part of the lesion to the periphery. This infection is highly contagious and is transmitted through shared hats, combs, brushes, and various hairdressing supplies. Carriers of ringworm can be pets.

Mycosis diagnostics

To diagnose a fungal infection, a doctor only needs to examine the skin. In difficult cases, a laboratory analysis of the cells of the affected area will be required.

Treatment of the fungus is selected depending on the type of mycosis. With epidermophytosis of the feet, inguinal epidermophytosis or ringworm, cosmetic ointments, lotions, special sprays or talc are used. In most cases, this approach is the most effective.

In severe cases or in the chronic course of the infection, the doctor prescribes oral medications.

Candida

Diaper rash and irritated skin can be treated with an antifungal cream, provided the affected area is kept dry and clean. Frequent change of diapers or diapers will help with this. For more serious candida infections, your doctor may prescribe oral antifungal medicines. But they should be taken only under the strict supervision of a doctor, because the wrong dosage can cause serious side effects.

Dermatomycosis

Frequent showering will greatly improve the condition. Also use topical medications containing selenium sulfide (selsan, excel) or antifungal creams such as ciclopirox (loprox).

Prevention of athlete’s foot

Athlete’s groin

• Keep affected areas clean and dry.
• Do not wear clothing that rubs the skin.
• If you wear running shoes, keep them clean.
• Shower and change clothes after exercise.

Athlete’s foot

• Ventilate your feet, especially between the toes.
• Only wear socks made from natural materials such as cotton or wool.
• If you sweat profusely, change your socks and stockings at least twice a day.
• Wear light shoes made from natural materials that allow the skin to “breathe”.
• Change shoes so each pair is dry with sweat.