Table of ContentsView AllTable of ContentsSymptomsCausesDiagnosisTreatmentPrevention
Table of ContentsView All
View All
Table of Contents
Symptoms
Causes
Diagnosis
Treatment
Prevention
You might get a yeast infection on your face if you have a health condition that weakens your immune system or if you are using an antibiotic to treat another condition. Heat and humidity can also contribute to yeast overgrowth.
Yeast infections typically require treatment. Home remedies as well as over-the-counter (OTC) and prescription medications can provide symptom relief. Always consult your healthcare provider first before starting treatment on your own.
This article discusses yeast infections on the face, what causes them, and how they are treated.
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Facial Yeast Infection Symptoms
A yeast infection on the face can cause a red rash with dry, scaly patches that itch or burn. The rash may crust and ooze. You may also develop small, acne-like pimples.
A yeast infection on the face can be acute, which means it occurs for a short period of time. If you have an underlying condition like diabetes or you are immunocompromised, the infection can become chronic or long-lasting.
Oral Thrush
If the rash is primarily located around your lips, you may have a type of yeast infection called oral thrush. Oral thrush can cause white patches to appear on your lips. You may also experience sore, red, cracked, or dry skin at the corners of your mouth.
This photo contains content that some people may find graphic or disturbing.See PhotoReproduced with permission from © DermNet dermnetnz.org 2023
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 dermnetnz.org 2023
Cradle Cap
Infants can get a scalp condition called cradle cap. This condition causes scales to appear on the scalp. A type of yeast calledMalasseziamay play a role in cradle cap, though other factors such as excess production of an oil called sebum probably also contribute.
What Is a Scalp Yeast Infection?
How Did I Get a Yeast Infection on My Face?
Certain conditions allow yeast to overgrow more easily on the skin, including:
These factors may put you at greater risk of developing a yeast infection on your face:
The use of harsh skincare products may also damage your skin, leaving it vulnerable to yeast overgrowth.
Are Yeast Infections Contagious?
The test for yeast infections is known as aKOH test. It involves applying potassium hydroxide to the affected area, which then dissolves skin cells. If fungus is present, its cells are left behind, which can be seen under a microscope.
If your healthcare provider wants to identify the specific type of fungus that’s causing your infection, they will perform aculture. Different fungi require different treatments, so your healthcare provider may want to do this to make sure you get the best treatment option for your particular case.
For severe skin yeast infections, a skin biopsy and/or blood test may be performed to help determine what is causing the rash.
What Happens if You Leave a Yeast Infection Untreated?
How to Treat a Yeast Infection on the Face
Yeast infections can be treated with both home remedies and medications. Your treatment will depend on the cause of your facial yeast infection.
Always discuss treatment options with your healthcare provider before trying anything, especially at home.
Given that yeasts thrive in moist areas, it’s important to keep the affected area clean and dry during the course of your treatment.
OTC Creams and Lotions
Skin infections can be treated using antifungal creams and ointments.Some of these treatments are available over-the-counter (OTC). Options include:
Take care when using antifungal products on your face. The skin on the face is sensitive, and some of these products might be irritating. Avoid getting antifungals in your eyes.
Topical corticosteroids like hydrocortisone can be used to treat itchiness associated with a yeast infection, but these medications should be used along with an antifungal.
If you use an OTC topical antifungal cream and don’t see your infection resolving within seven days, talk to your healthcare provider. Do not self-medicate for more than one week.
If you have oral thrush, OTC treatments include:
Prescription Medications
If you have a moderate or severe infection, your healthcare provider may prescribe a stronger antifungal medication such as Nystop (nystatin). Oral antifungals such as Diflucan (fluconazole) can also help treat more serious yeast infections.
Prescription formulations that combine antifungals with corticosteroids are also available.
Prescription treatments for oral thrush include:
Antifungal medications work quickly. You should start to see improvement over the first few days of use. Make sure to keep using the treatment for as long as your healthcare provider instructs, even if you feel better. Some treatments may need to be continued as long as four weeks.
Prescription antifungals can cause side effects. Talk to your healthcare provider if you have a reaction to an antifungal such as:
Rarely, an antifungal medication can cause serious side effects such as:
Natural Remedies
There are severalnatural remediesthat might help treat skin yeast infections, including:
Ask your healthcare provider before trying any of these remedies. Be sure to also keep your face clean and dry, and talk to your healthcare provider if your treatment doesn’t seem to be working.
Candida Diet: What to Eat and What to Avoid
Some preventative measures can help keep these types of infections at bay:
Summary
13 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.Johns Hopkins Medicine.Yeast infection.Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Candidainfections of the mouth, throat, and esophagus.KidsHealth.Cradle cap (seborrheic dermatitis) in infants.National Library of Medicine: MedlinePlus.Candidainfection of the skin.Metin A, Dilek N, Bilgili SG.Recurrent candidal intertrigo: challenges and solutions.Clin Cosmet Investig Dermatol. 2018;11:175-185. doi:10.2147/CCID.S127841National Library of Medicine: MedlinePlus.Skin lesion KOH exam.National Library of Medicine: MedlinePlus.Fungal culture test.Mijaljica D, Spada F, Harrison IP.Emerging trends in the use of topical antifungal-corticosteroid combinations.J Fungi (Basel). 2022;8(8):812. doi:10.3390/jof8080812National Health Service.Common questions about clotrimazole cream, spray and solution.Yagnik D, Serafin V, J Shah A.Antimicrobial activity of apple cider vinegar againstEscherichia coli,Staphylococcus aureusandCandida albicans; downregulating cytokine and microbial protein expression.Sci Rep. 2018;8(1):1732. doi:10.1038/s41598-017-18618-xGoel N, Rohilla H, Singh G, Punia P.Antifungal activity of cinnamon oil and olive oil againstCandidaspp. isolated from blood stream infections.J Clin Diagn Res. 2016;10(8):DC09-11. doi:10.7860/JCDR/2016/19958.8339Shino B, Peedikayil FC, Jaiprakash SR, Ahmed Bijapur G, Kottayi S, Jose D.Comparison of antimicrobial activity of chlorhexidine, coconut oil, probiotics, and ketoconazole onCandida albicansisolated in children with early childhood caries: an in vitro study.Scientifica (Cairo). 2016;2016:7061587. doi:10.1155/2016/7061587Sharifi-Rad J, Salehi B, Varoni EM, et al.Plants of theMelaleucagenus as antimicrobial agents: from farm to pharmacy.Phytother Res. 2017;31(10):1475-1494. doi:10.1002/ptr.5880
13 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.Johns Hopkins Medicine.Yeast infection.Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Candidainfections of the mouth, throat, and esophagus.KidsHealth.Cradle cap (seborrheic dermatitis) in infants.National Library of Medicine: MedlinePlus.Candidainfection of the skin.Metin A, Dilek N, Bilgili SG.Recurrent candidal intertrigo: challenges and solutions.Clin Cosmet Investig Dermatol. 2018;11:175-185. doi:10.2147/CCID.S127841National Library of Medicine: MedlinePlus.Skin lesion KOH exam.National Library of Medicine: MedlinePlus.Fungal culture test.Mijaljica D, Spada F, Harrison IP.Emerging trends in the use of topical antifungal-corticosteroid combinations.J Fungi (Basel). 2022;8(8):812. doi:10.3390/jof8080812National Health Service.Common questions about clotrimazole cream, spray and solution.Yagnik D, Serafin V, J Shah A.Antimicrobial activity of apple cider vinegar againstEscherichia coli,Staphylococcus aureusandCandida albicans; downregulating cytokine and microbial protein expression.Sci Rep. 2018;8(1):1732. doi:10.1038/s41598-017-18618-xGoel N, Rohilla H, Singh G, Punia P.Antifungal activity of cinnamon oil and olive oil againstCandidaspp. isolated from blood stream infections.J Clin Diagn Res. 2016;10(8):DC09-11. doi:10.7860/JCDR/2016/19958.8339Shino B, Peedikayil FC, Jaiprakash SR, Ahmed Bijapur G, Kottayi S, Jose D.Comparison of antimicrobial activity of chlorhexidine, coconut oil, probiotics, and ketoconazole onCandida albicansisolated in children with early childhood caries: an in vitro study.Scientifica (Cairo). 2016;2016:7061587. doi:10.1155/2016/7061587Sharifi-Rad J, Salehi B, Varoni EM, et al.Plants of theMelaleucagenus as antimicrobial agents: from farm to pharmacy.Phytother Res. 2017;31(10):1475-1494. doi:10.1002/ptr.5880
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.
Johns Hopkins Medicine.Yeast infection.Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Candidainfections of the mouth, throat, and esophagus.KidsHealth.Cradle cap (seborrheic dermatitis) in infants.National Library of Medicine: MedlinePlus.Candidainfection of the skin.Metin A, Dilek N, Bilgili SG.Recurrent candidal intertrigo: challenges and solutions.Clin Cosmet Investig Dermatol. 2018;11:175-185. doi:10.2147/CCID.S127841National Library of Medicine: MedlinePlus.Skin lesion KOH exam.National Library of Medicine: MedlinePlus.Fungal culture test.Mijaljica D, Spada F, Harrison IP.Emerging trends in the use of topical antifungal-corticosteroid combinations.J Fungi (Basel). 2022;8(8):812. doi:10.3390/jof8080812National Health Service.Common questions about clotrimazole cream, spray and solution.Yagnik D, Serafin V, J Shah A.Antimicrobial activity of apple cider vinegar againstEscherichia coli,Staphylococcus aureusandCandida albicans; downregulating cytokine and microbial protein expression.Sci Rep. 2018;8(1):1732. doi:10.1038/s41598-017-18618-xGoel N, Rohilla H, Singh G, Punia P.Antifungal activity of cinnamon oil and olive oil againstCandidaspp. isolated from blood stream infections.J Clin Diagn Res. 2016;10(8):DC09-11. doi:10.7860/JCDR/2016/19958.8339Shino B, Peedikayil FC, Jaiprakash SR, Ahmed Bijapur G, Kottayi S, Jose D.Comparison of antimicrobial activity of chlorhexidine, coconut oil, probiotics, and ketoconazole onCandida albicansisolated in children with early childhood caries: an in vitro study.Scientifica (Cairo). 2016;2016:7061587. doi:10.1155/2016/7061587Sharifi-Rad J, Salehi B, Varoni EM, et al.Plants of theMelaleucagenus as antimicrobial agents: from farm to pharmacy.Phytother Res. 2017;31(10):1475-1494. doi:10.1002/ptr.5880
Johns Hopkins Medicine.Yeast infection.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Candidainfections of the mouth, throat, and esophagus.
KidsHealth.Cradle cap (seborrheic dermatitis) in infants.
National Library of Medicine: MedlinePlus.Candidainfection of the skin.
Metin A, Dilek N, Bilgili SG.Recurrent candidal intertrigo: challenges and solutions.Clin Cosmet Investig Dermatol. 2018;11:175-185. doi:10.2147/CCID.S127841
National Library of Medicine: MedlinePlus.Skin lesion KOH exam.
National Library of Medicine: MedlinePlus.Fungal culture test.
Mijaljica D, Spada F, Harrison IP.Emerging trends in the use of topical antifungal-corticosteroid combinations.J Fungi (Basel). 2022;8(8):812. doi:10.3390/jof8080812
National Health Service.Common questions about clotrimazole cream, spray and solution.
Yagnik D, Serafin V, J Shah A.Antimicrobial activity of apple cider vinegar againstEscherichia coli,Staphylococcus aureusandCandida albicans; downregulating cytokine and microbial protein expression.Sci Rep. 2018;8(1):1732. doi:10.1038/s41598-017-18618-x
Goel N, Rohilla H, Singh G, Punia P.Antifungal activity of cinnamon oil and olive oil againstCandidaspp. isolated from blood stream infections.J Clin Diagn Res. 2016;10(8):DC09-11. doi:10.7860/JCDR/2016/19958.8339
Shino B, Peedikayil FC, Jaiprakash SR, Ahmed Bijapur G, Kottayi S, Jose D.Comparison of antimicrobial activity of chlorhexidine, coconut oil, probiotics, and ketoconazole onCandida albicansisolated in children with early childhood caries: an in vitro study.Scientifica (Cairo). 2016;2016:7061587. doi:10.1155/2016/7061587
Sharifi-Rad J, Salehi B, Varoni EM, et al.Plants of theMelaleucagenus as antimicrobial agents: from farm to pharmacy.Phytother Res. 2017;31(10):1475-1494. doi:10.1002/ptr.5880
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