CANDIDIASIS OF SKIN

 Basic information

description

Candidiasis is a fungal (or yeast) infection in skin folds, or in areas of skin that touch other areas of skin. It can affect the underarm area, spaces between fingers and toes, inner thighs, under the breasts, and over the base of the spine. It may affect the skin of the scrotum, vagina, and vaginal lips.

FREQUENT SIGNS & SYMPTOMS

• Plaques (patches or flat areas) on skin.
• Bright-red patches with poorly defined borders. They are often 2.5 to 5 inches across, but may be larger.
• Patches may weep or ooze.
• Skin appears moist and crusted.
• Itching is usually severe.
• Smaller patches may surround larger patches. They sometimes form small white blisters with pus inside.

causes

It is caused by Candida, a type of fungus. Candida fungi actually live on the skin and normally cause no harm. If skin is damaged or there is excess moisture and warmth, the fungus germs can grow and cause infection. The infection can be spread from one person to another by direct contact, and less often, by sexual contact. Germs are also spread by sharing damp towels or washcloths.

risk increases with

• Use of oral antibiotics.
• Use of any type of steroids.
• Diabetes.
• The elderly or infants (it causes diaper rash).
• Pregnant women or use of birth control pills.
• Using plastic pants in infants or pantyhose in women.
• Obesity.
• Existing skin infection or skin disorder.
• Weak immune system because of disease or drugs.
• Work that involves the skin being wet continuously.

PREVENTIVE MEASURES

• Take antibiotics only when prescribed.
• Keep skin cool and dry.
• Avoid risk factors where possible.

expected outcomes

• Usually curable in 2 weeks with treatment. Without treatment, healing may be slow.
• It is common for these fungal infections to recur.

possible complications

• Nail infection, causing them to thicken or crumble.
• Bacterial infection, in addition to the fungal infection.
• Infection spreading to the whole body (in those with weak immune systems).

 diagnosis & treatment

general measures

• Your health care provider can diagnose the infection by an exam of the affected skin area. Medical tests may include a study of a skin scraping or pus.
• Treatment involves drugs and self-care measures. Any skin condition that may have lead to the candidiasis infection should be treated also.
• Keep skin cool and dry. Expose affected skin areas to air as much as possible.
• Wear loose cotton clothing. Avoid synthetic or wool fabrics. Change socks often if feet are affected.
• To avoid spreading germs, don't go barefoot on wet floors where other people may walk. Don't share towels. Clean the bathtub or shower after you use it.
• Protect skin from injury, but don't bandage the affected skin.

medications

Antifungal drugs to be applied to the skin are usually prescribed. Gently massage a small amount into the affected area as directed. Use only enough to cover the affected area. Larger amounts don't help. In more severe cases, an antifungal drug taken by mouth may be prescribed.

activity

No limits, except to avoid heat and sweating.

diet

No special diet. Eating yogurt or taking probiotic supplements may or may not help prevent yeast infections (research is unclear).

 notify our office if

• You or a family member has symptoms of candidiasis.
• The following occur during treatment:
  • Infection continues to spread despite treatment.
  • Signs of secondary bacterial infection develop. Signs include pain, tenderness, redness, warmth, and oozing.
• New, unexplained symptoms develop. Drugs used in treatment may produce side effects.

Special Notes: