Table of ContentsView AllTable of ContentsIdentificationSigns in ChildrenCausesNatural TreatmentMedicinal TreatmentChronic InfectionsComplicationsPrevention and Tips
Table of ContentsView All
View All
Table of Contents
Identification
Signs in Children
Causes
Natural Treatment
Medicinal Treatment
Chronic Infections
Complications
Prevention and Tips
This article discusses ways to identify a yeast infection on the skin, its causes, and treatment for both temporary and chronic symptoms.
Zoran Zeremski / Getty Images
Identifying a Yeast Infection on Skin
This photo contains content that some people may find graphic or disturbing.See PhotoIntertrigo infection from yeast on skin.Reproduced with permission from ©DermNet NZ and ©Waikato District Health Board www.dermnetnz.org 2022
This photo contains content that some people may find graphic or disturbing.See Photo
This photo contains content that some people may find graphic or disturbing.
Reproduced with permission from ©DermNet NZ and ©Waikato District Health Board www.dermnetnz.org 2022
That said, yeast can become overgrown. When it does grow invasively or out of control, it can lead to an infection and the rash that occurs when there is too much yeast on the skin.
A yeast infection rash can look similar to other types of rashes, making it challenging to identify. There are, however, some telltale signs to pay attention to, such as:
Where the Rash DevelopsWhile a yeast infection can occur on any part of the skin, it typically stays localized in a few areas, including:SkinfoldsThe genital areaThe torso or middle bodyUnderneath the breastsButtocks
Where the Rash Develops
While a yeast infection can occur on any part of the skin, it typically stays localized in a few areas, including:SkinfoldsThe genital areaThe torso or middle bodyUnderneath the breastsButtocks
While a yeast infection can occur on any part of the skin, it typically stays localized in a few areas, including:
Mild to Severe Yeast Infection Symptoms
Signs of Yeast Infection on Child’s Skin
Children may also be susceptible to a yeast infection on the skin, and it is more likely to occur in children withweakened immune systems.
The symptoms that develop inchildren with yeast infectionson the skin are similar to those that develop in adults and include:
Children may have difficulty explaining their symptoms, so it’s best to assess the look of the rash and see a healthcare provider if you suspect a yeast infection on your child’s skin.
Diagnosing Yeast Infections on the Skin
The Best Over-The-Counter Yeast Infection Medicines for Fast Relief
Where Does a Yeast Skin Infection Come From?
Yeast can be found within the body and on the skin at all times. When it grows normally, it doesn’t cause any issues and can act as part of the immune system to prevent disease.
However, yeast can grow out of control, leading to infection. Some things that can cause an overgrowth of yeast are:
Risk Factors Associated with Skin Yeast InfectionsAlong with the causes mentioned above, other factors that may increase a person’s risk of developing a yeast infection on the skin include:Excessive sweating that can lead to an increase in dampness and frictionSharing personal items, including clothing, shoes, towels, or beddingWearing clothes or footwear that is too tight (not breathable)Close contact with an animal that has the infection
Risk Factors Associated with Skin Yeast Infections
Along with the causes mentioned above, other factors that may increase a person’s risk of developing a yeast infection on the skin include:Excessive sweating that can lead to an increase in dampness and frictionSharing personal items, including clothing, shoes, towels, or beddingWearing clothes or footwear that is too tight (not breathable)Close contact with an animal that has the infection
Along with the causes mentioned above, other factors that may increase a person’s risk of developing a yeast infection on the skin include:
Are Yeast Infections Contagious?
Treating Yeast Infection on Skin Naturally
Yeast infections affecting the skin may not always require prescription medication. In some cases, you can use natural orhome remediesto help cope with symptoms and clear the infection.
The first natural approach is practicing good health and hygiene. Keeping skin dry can clear up an infection and reduce the risk of recurrence.
If you havediabetes,manage your blood sugar levels. This reduces yeast’s food source and keeps them from growing out of control.
What Does a Yeast Infection Look Like?
Topical Treatment for Yeast Skin Infection
Natural methods can help reduce or clear up a yeast infection on the skin, but you may also need to apply atopical medicineto the area.Antifungals,which can be both over-the-counter (OTC) and prescribed, are the first choice when combatting a fungal infection on the skin.
The ingredients most used include:
At-Home Treatment vs. When to Seek CareIf you’ve had a yeast infection on your skin before, treating it at home can be an excellent way to eliminate it. Typically, a yeast infection on the skin will clear up a week after you start treatment. However, if this is a new rash, see a healthcare provider before starting any at-home remedies to get a proper diagnosis and treatment.
At-Home Treatment vs. When to Seek Care
If you’ve had a yeast infection on your skin before, treating it at home can be an excellent way to eliminate it. Typically, a yeast infection on the skin will clear up a week after you start treatment. However, if this is a new rash, see a healthcare provider before starting any at-home remedies to get a proper diagnosis and treatment.
Why Some People Get Chronic Yeast Skin Infections
Chronic yeast infections are yeast infections that occur at least four times per year. Some people are more susceptible to yeast overgrowth because they provide optimal living conditions for the yeast to thrive out of control.
For example, if a person consistently avoids personal hygiene and is exposed to hot and humid conditions, damp skin, and friction, they are more likely to experience chronic skin yeast infections.
Another notable cause of chronic yeast skin infections is the functioning of the immune system. Some people with chronic yeast infections have inherited immune system disorders, such as those affecting T cells.T cellsare white blood cells that protect the body from disease and illness.
When compromised, those cells cannot do their job correctly, increasing the risk of recurrent or chronic infections. Other immune cell deficiencies can also cause chronic yeast infections on the skin, including issues withneutrophils. Certain diseases, such as chronic granulomatous disease (CGD), can drive faulty neutrophils.
Other Possible Causes of Chronic Yeast Infections on the SkinIn some cases, underlying health disorders can drive chronic skin yeast infections, such as:DiabetesDisorders that weaken the immune systemHuman immunodeficiency virus (HIV)Organ transplant recipients
Other Possible Causes of Chronic Yeast Infections on the Skin
In some cases, underlying health disorders can drive chronic skin yeast infections, such as:DiabetesDisorders that weaken the immune systemHuman immunodeficiency virus (HIV)Organ transplant recipients
In some cases, underlying health disorders can drive chronic skin yeast infections, such as:
Complications of Severe Yeast Skin Infections
With proper treatment, yeast infections on the skin can clear up relatively quickly. However, complications can occur if they are severe enough or are left to continue to grow.
Some possible adverse effects of a yeast infections on the skin include:
Skin Yeast Infection and Invasive CandidiasisIf a skin yeast infection is severe and manages to enter the bloodstream, it can lead to a condition known as invasive candidiasis. This type of infection is serious and requires medical care.
Skin Yeast Infection and Invasive Candidiasis
If a skin yeast infection is severe and manages to enter the bloodstream, it can lead to a condition known as invasive candidiasis. This type of infection is serious and requires medical care.
What Happens if You Leave a Yeast Infection Untreated?
Tips to Avoid Repeat or Spreading Infection From Skin Yeast
To ensure that you don’t get chronic yeast infections on the skin or cause the current rash to continue to expand, consider taking the following steps:
Skin Infections: Everything You Need to Know
Summary
Yeast infections on the skin develop when there is too much yeast on the skin. The overgrowth causes a rash, with other symptoms including itchiness and flaky skin. While a yeast infection on the skin isn’t considered a medical emergency, it can turn into one if left untreated. Take appropriate care measures and discuss treatment options with your healthcare provider. Typically, this type of yeast infection will clear up within a week of starting treatment.
9 SourcesVerywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.Kühbacher A, Burger-Kentischer A, Rupp S.Interaction of candida species with the skin.Microorganisms.2017 Jun 7;5(2):32. doi:10.3390/microorganisms5020032Mount Sinai.Candida infection of the skin.Cincinnati Children’s.Yeast infection (candidiasis).Nationwide Children’s.Candidiasis in children.Taudorf EH, Jemec GBE, Hay RJ, Saunte DML.Cutaneous candidiasis - an evidence-based review of topical and systemic treatments to inform clinical practice.J Eur Acad Dermatol Venereol.2019 Oct;33(10):1863-1873. doi:10.1111/jdv.15782Okada S, Puel A, Casanova JL, Kobayashi M.Chronic mucocutaneous candidiasis disease associated with inborn errors of IL-17 immunity.Clin Transl Immunology.2016 Dec 2;5(12):e114. doi:10.1038/cti.2016.71Baylor Medicine.Recurrent Yeast Infections.Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Candidiasis.My Health Alberta.Yeast skin infection: Care instructions.
9 Sources
Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.Kühbacher A, Burger-Kentischer A, Rupp S.Interaction of candida species with the skin.Microorganisms.2017 Jun 7;5(2):32. doi:10.3390/microorganisms5020032Mount Sinai.Candida infection of the skin.Cincinnati Children’s.Yeast infection (candidiasis).Nationwide Children’s.Candidiasis in children.Taudorf EH, Jemec GBE, Hay RJ, Saunte DML.Cutaneous candidiasis - an evidence-based review of topical and systemic treatments to inform clinical practice.J Eur Acad Dermatol Venereol.2019 Oct;33(10):1863-1873. doi:10.1111/jdv.15782Okada S, Puel A, Casanova JL, Kobayashi M.Chronic mucocutaneous candidiasis disease associated with inborn errors of IL-17 immunity.Clin Transl Immunology.2016 Dec 2;5(12):e114. doi:10.1038/cti.2016.71Baylor Medicine.Recurrent Yeast Infections.Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Candidiasis.My Health Alberta.Yeast skin infection: Care instructions.
Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.
Kühbacher A, Burger-Kentischer A, Rupp S.Interaction of candida species with the skin.Microorganisms.2017 Jun 7;5(2):32. doi:10.3390/microorganisms5020032Mount Sinai.Candida infection of the skin.Cincinnati Children’s.Yeast infection (candidiasis).Nationwide Children’s.Candidiasis in children.Taudorf EH, Jemec GBE, Hay RJ, Saunte DML.Cutaneous candidiasis - an evidence-based review of topical and systemic treatments to inform clinical practice.J Eur Acad Dermatol Venereol.2019 Oct;33(10):1863-1873. doi:10.1111/jdv.15782Okada S, Puel A, Casanova JL, Kobayashi M.Chronic mucocutaneous candidiasis disease associated with inborn errors of IL-17 immunity.Clin Transl Immunology.2016 Dec 2;5(12):e114. doi:10.1038/cti.2016.71Baylor Medicine.Recurrent Yeast Infections.Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Candidiasis.My Health Alberta.Yeast skin infection: Care instructions.
Kühbacher A, Burger-Kentischer A, Rupp S.Interaction of candida species with the skin.Microorganisms.2017 Jun 7;5(2):32. doi:10.3390/microorganisms5020032
Mount Sinai.Candida infection of the skin.
Cincinnati Children’s.Yeast infection (candidiasis).
Nationwide Children’s.Candidiasis in children.
Taudorf EH, Jemec GBE, Hay RJ, Saunte DML.Cutaneous candidiasis - an evidence-based review of topical and systemic treatments to inform clinical practice.J Eur Acad Dermatol Venereol.2019 Oct;33(10):1863-1873. doi:10.1111/jdv.15782
Okada S, Puel A, Casanova JL, Kobayashi M.Chronic mucocutaneous candidiasis disease associated with inborn errors of IL-17 immunity.Clin Transl Immunology.2016 Dec 2;5(12):e114. doi:10.1038/cti.2016.71
Baylor Medicine.Recurrent Yeast Infections.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Candidiasis.
My Health Alberta.Yeast skin infection: Care instructions.
Meet Our Medical Expert Board
Share Feedback
Was this page helpful?Thanks for your feedback!What is your feedback?OtherHelpfulReport an ErrorSubmit
Was this page helpful?
Thanks for your feedback!
What is your feedback?OtherHelpfulReport an ErrorSubmit
What is your feedback?
