Skin Yeast Infections

Thrush occurs in the skin of the mouth and throat and looks like white patches. Those who have diabetes, or HIV/AIDS and those with neoplasms can get thrush. It often is seen in babies and toddlers as well as individuals with weakened immune systems.

Angular cheilitis is seen around the mouth and is a softening of the skin usually with deep creases around the angles of the mouth.

Thrush occurs in the skin of the mouth and throat and looks like white patches. Those who have diabetes, or HIV/AIDS and those with neoplasms can get thrush. It often is seen in babies and toddlers as well as individuals with weakened immune systems. Individuals who are taking medications (corticosteroids, antibiotics and birth control pills) that upset the balance of microorganisms usually found in the mouth can also cause thrush. Breastfeeding babies can pass the infection onto their moms while nursing.

An inflammatory condition of skin folds that is induced or aggravated by heat, moisture or lack of air circulation is called: Intertrigo. It is commonly found in the armpit area, the perineum, and in abdominal folds. Those who are obese or suffer from diabetes are at high risk for intertrigo. Intertrigo is common in climates that are hot and humid. Those individuals who have reduced immunity, are immobilized or are incontinent are also at higher risk for intertrigo.

The candida diaper rash occurs in the diaper area and looks beefy and red in color. There is usually peripheral scaling and satellite papular lesions. There is often times another infection such as thrush involved. It can be associated with a recent antibiotic usage. This infection is usually treated with ketoconazole, clotrimazole, econazole or nystatin. It is important to keep the affected area dry and to change the diaper frequently. If infections occur repeatedly the source may be on the mother's breast or vaginal area or on pacifiers.

Sometimes antibiotic use, excessive sweating or lack of movement can cause candidal body rash to occur.

Candidal vulvovaginitis is an infection of the vaginal tract, causing itching, redness, and also irritation and burning.

When babies pass through the birth canal they can pick up a yeast infection called: congential cutaneous candidiasis. If this happens a rash will appear on the infant within hours of birth.

Individuals can have infections of the fingernails that are soft, watery, may involve swelling and pus, called: Candidal paronychia. Infected nails may turn white or yellow and the nail bed may actually separate from the finger. Individuals with diabetes or who have weakened immune systems are subject to receiving these infections.

Erosio interdigitalis blastomycetica usually occurs between the middle and ring fingers in the web space. It can however also occur sometimes in the toes. Those in the laundry, bartending and homemaking occupations are susceptible. Those who wear rings are also susceptible if moisture gets trapped because of the ring. The doctor will usually take a skin culture and prescribe topical antifungal preparations. Avoidance of the irritating factor if possible should also decrease future occurrences.

Chronic mucocutaneous is a term used by doctors to describe infections that are persistant, severe or diffuse in nature and affect skin, nails or mucous membranes.

Systemic candidiasis refers to having a candidal infection throughout the body. This is a rare occurrance.  Those who have systemic candidiasis are often those who have diabetes, leukemia or AIDS.