If you would like to know more about candida symptoms and diagnosis, and about candida treatment, read the following article for more information.
A rash caused by candida is usually not serious, and is usually easily treated with an antifungal cream.
What is candida?
Candida is a yeast (a type of fungus). Small numbers of candida normally live on the skin and do no harm. Sometimes, under certain conditions, they can multiply and cause infection. The common sites for candida to cause infection are the vagina (vaginal thrush), the mouth (oral thrush), and the skin. This page just deals with candidal skin infections. There are other pages that deal with vaginal thrush and oral thrush.
Why does candida sometimes multiply and cause infection on the skin?
The chance of a candidal skin infection developing is more likely in the following situations.
- Areas of skin that are moist or sweaty are ideal for candida to thrive. Therefore, the common sites affected are in the folds of skin in the groin, armpits, and under large breasts. Nappy rash is sometimes due to candida. Obese people may develop candida infection between folds of skin. It can also affect skin between fingers and toes, and the corners of the mouth.
- If you have diabetes.
- If you take a long course of antibiotics or steroid medication.
- If you have a poor immune system. For example, if you have AIDS, or have chemotherapy, or have certain types of serious blood disorder.
Is a candidal skin infection serious?
Usually not. Most infections occur in people who are otherwise healthy (although they are more common if you are overweight). Treatment usually works well. In some people, the candidal skin infection may be the first indication of another condition such as diabetes.
What is the treatment for candida skin infection?
- An antifungal cream usually clears the infection within a week or so.
- Sometimes a mild steroid cream is added to reduce inflammation whilst the antifungal cream is working. (However, a steroid cream alone will make the condition worse.)
- Occasionally, if the rash is extensive, antifungal tablets are prescribed.
Can candida skin infections be prevented?
Keep areas likely to be affected as clean and dry as possible. Always dry well after washing, particularly in the groin, armpits, and under large breasts. Some people use a hair dryer to dry these areas after washing to ensure they are dry before putting clothes on. If the infection keeps recurring for no apparent reason, a test to check for sugar (diabetes) may be advised by a doctor. Losing weight may help if obesity is contributing to this problem. If you are troubled with recurrences at the angle of your mouth and you wear dentures, then remove the dentures each night to clean, and then sterilize them overnight.
©EMIS and PIP 2006
