Candidiasis on the Skin – Causes, Symptoms and Treatments

Candidiasis on the skin  often causes a red, itchy rash to form, most commonly in the skin folds . This rash can also spread to other areas of the body. Although symptoms are often bothersome, they can usually be treated with improved hygiene and antifungal creams or powders.

What Causes Candidiasis on the Skin:  Candidiasis on the Skin  develops when the skin becomes infected with Candida. A small amount of Candida fungi naturally lives on the skin . When this type of fungus starts to multiply uncontrollably, however, it can cause an infection. This can occur because of:

• Hot weather.
• Tight clothes.
• Lack of hygiene.
• Infrequent changes in underwear.
• Obesity .
• The use of antibiotics that kill harmless bacteria that keep Candida in check.
• The use of corticosteroids or other medications that affect the immune system .
• A weakened immune system as a result of diabetes, pregnancy, or another medical condition.
• Incomplete drying of damp or damp skin .
• Candida fungi thrive and grow in warm, moist areas. This is why the condition often affects areas where there are skin folds .

Babies can also develop Skin Thrush , especially on the buttocks. A diaper tends to provide an ideal environment for Candida.

Candidiasis on the skin is usually not contagious. However, people with weakened immune systems can develop the condition after touching the skin of an infected person. Those with compromised immune systems are also more likely to develop a serious infection as a result of candidiasis.

Symptoms of Candidiasis on the Skin:  The main symptom of Candidiasis on the Skin is a rash. The rash often causes redness and severe itching. In some cases, the infection can cause the skin to become cracked and painful. Blisters and pustules may also occur.

The rash can affect various parts of the body, but it is most likely to develop in skin folds . This includes areas in the armpits , in the groin, between the fingers and under the breasts. Candida can also cause infections in the nails, edges of nails, and corners of the mouth.

Other conditions that may look like thrush on the skin include:

• Ringworm.
• Urticaria.
• Herpes.
• Diabetes-related skin conditions .
• contact dermatitis.
• seborrheic dermatitis.
• Eczema.
• Psoriasis.

How Candidiasis on the Skin Is Diagnosed:  Your doctor will likely be able to make a diagnosis simply by performing a physical exam. During the exam, they will check the location of your rash and the appearance of your skin .

Your doctor may also want to perform a skin culture before making a diagnosis of Candidiasis on the Skin . During a skin culture , your doctor will rub a cotton swab over the affected area and take a skin sample . The sample will then be sent to a laboratory to be tested for the presence of Candida.

 Skin Thrush Treatments: Skin thrush can usually be prevented with home remedies, the most important being proper hygiene. Washing the skin regularly and drying the skin thoroughly can prevent the skin from getting too wet. This is vital to keeping Candida infections at bay. There are many lifestyle changes you can make to prevent and treat a thrush infection.

Since abnormal blood sugar levels can contribute to the development of Candida infections, maintaining your blood sugar can also help relieve symptoms. You can lower your blood sugar by reducing the amount of sugar in your diet and exercising for 30 minutes at least three times a week. If you have diabetes , it’s important to continue to follow your doctor’s instructions, as you may need to start taking oral medications or increase the amount of insulin .

In severe or persistent cases of thrush, your doctor may recommend using an antifungal cream or powder that can be applied to your skin . Over-the-counter antifungal creams that are often recommended include clotrimazole (Mycelex), miconazole (Monistat), and tioconazole (Vagistat). This type of treatment can kill Candida and reduce the spread of infection.

Your doctor may prescribe an antifungal cream, such as nystatin or ketoconazole, if over-the-counter treatments are not effective. If the infection has already spread to areas within the body, such as the throat or mouth , you will need to take an oral antifungal to get rid of it.