Yeast Infections of the Skin - An Overview

Introduction:

Yeast is a fungus found on human skin. The fungus is found in plants, soils, vaginas, nails, digestive tract, and hairs. When yeast multiplies and grows in excess amounts can cause an infection known as candidiasis, mycosis, and cutaneous candidiasis. There are millions of species of fungi that grow in warm, hot, and moist climates. Some areas include the groin, floods of skin, feet, and between fingers. Candida albicans cause skin yeast infections and are one of the most harmful microorganisms. The infection appears red, scaly, or itchy rash and may spread to other body areas. The yeast infection of the skin can be transmitted through direct contact with fungi or a person having a fungus infection or clothing. The infection occurs in people with weakened immune systems and can lead to life-threatening problems. Immediate treatment can prevent the spread of fungus and can save the life. Around 50 percent of people in the United States are affected with the fungal infection, and about 80 percent of the Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) will develop oral thrush (yeast infection in the mouth).

What Are the Causes of Yeast Infections of the Skin?

• Fungal infections can occur in any area but are commonly found where the two skin areas touch or rub together. The areas include the armpits, groin, skin folds, toes, and areas between the fingers. Other areas include the vagina, mouth, nails, and mouth corners.

• Candida albicans cause fungal skin infections. The fungus grows in warm and moist climates. Skin act as a natural barrier against infection. Any infection or wound on the skin may allow the fungus to grow, multiply, and cause infection.

• The infection can be transmitted through direct contact with skin or clothing. Candida infection may cause diaper rash in children and yeast infection in the mouth, called oral thrush.

What Are the Risk Factors for Yeast Infections of the Skin?

Yeast infection can affect any age, race, or sex. The fungal infection tends to be more prevalent in people, including infants, people who are overweight, wear dentures, have diabetes, have underactive thyroid glands, take antibiotics, have weakened immune systems, work in wet conditions, are pregnant women or under anticancer treatment.

What Are the Most Common Yeast Infections of the Skin?

The symptoms and appearance are different in types of yeast infections. The most common yeast infections of the skin include.

• Ringworm: It is also known as Tinea corporis. Ringworm usually occurs on the limbs and trunk of the human body. The main symptom is a ring-shaped rash, itchy with raised edges. The fungal infection is highly contagious and can easily spread. The doctor can prescribe antifungal creams to treat fungal infections.

• Athlete's Foot: The fungal infection affects the skin of the feet and between the toes. It is also known as Tinea pedis. The fungus grows in warm and moist environments like socks, shoes, locker rooms, public showers, and swimming pools. The infection appears in people who wear tight shoes and do not change sweaty socks. Athlete’s foot is caused by Trichophyton rubrum. The symptoms include itchy and burning sensations between the toes and soles of the feet. The skin can appear dry and scaly. The infection can spread to nails, groin, and hands.

• Jock Itch: It is also known as Tinea cruris. The yeast infection appears on the buttocks, genitals, groin, and thighs. The symptom includes a red rash, which may worsen after physical activity or exercise and spread to the abdomen or buttocks. The affected skin may be dry, scaly, or cracked.

• Ringworm of the Scalp: It is also known as Tinea capitis. The fungal infection affects the hair shaft and scalp skin. The symptoms include itchy, scaly, and localized bald patches.

• Tinea Versicolor: It is also known as Pityriasis versicolor. Malassezia species causes fungal infection. The symptoms include oval, discolored patches and can be red, itchy, flaky, or scaly. The discolored patches appear on the chest, back, and upper arms.

• Onychomycosis: It is also known as Tinea unguium. The fungal infection affects the nails, including fingernails or toenails. The symptoms include discolored white or yellow, making the nails brittle, and can break easily.

• Oral Thrush: It is also known as Oral Candidiasis. It is most commonly seen in infants and newborns. The symptoms include cracked skin in the corner of the mouth and white patches on the tongue, lips, and buccal mucosa.

• Diaper Rash: The most common candidal infection occurs in babies and infants. The rash is red with well-defined borders. The rash may be due to tight diapers, irritating food, and diaper wear for a long time. The rash may spread to the legs or stomach.

What Are the Signs and Symptoms of Yeast Infections of the Skin?

The symptoms are different in different areas of the body. The symptoms based on the location include.

• Vagina: The symptoms include white or yellow discharge from the vagina, itching and a burning sensation on urination, and redness in the outer part of the vagina.

• Penis: The symptoms include redness and pain on the underside of the penis.

• Skin Folds: The symptoms include a red rash, pimples, and patches. The patches and pimples ooze clear fluid. There may be skin breakdown, cracks, and dryness.

• Mouth: The symptoms include redness, difficulty in swallowing, and white patches on the tongue, lips, and inside of the cheeks.

• Corners of the Mouth (Angular Cheilitis): The symptoms include cracks or cuts at the corner of the mouth.

• Nails: The symptoms include pain and swelling. The color of the nails may be white or yellow.

How Can Yeast Infections of the Skin Be Diagnosed?

The doctor can physically examine the symptoms which present as red, itchy, and painful rashes with well-defined edges. The healthcare provider may prescribe a blood test to diagnose the fungal infection. The doctor may take a skin scrapings or swab from the affected area to collect a sample of discharge and send it to laboratory for the presence of yeast cells.

How Can Yeast Infections of the Skin Be Managed?

Treatment can depend upon age and health status. The doctor can prescribe topical antifungal creams or oral antifungal drugs to treat yeast infections in the vagina and penis, oral thrush with mouthwash or lozenges that dissolve in the mouth, and yeast in skin folds with antifungal powder, creams, and lotions. The topical antifungal creams are the first line of treatment to treat yeast infections of the skin. The medications include Clotrimazole and Ketoconazole. The oral antifungal medications include Fluconazole and Itraconazole. These medications are to be taken through mouth and circulate in the bloodstream to target the yeast overgrowth. For recurrent yeast infections, the combination of topical and oral antifungal medications are prescribed.

How Can Yeast Infections of the Skin Be Prevented?

The yeast infections can be prevented by following methods.

• Maintainence of good oral hygiene by brushing and flossing or mouthwash to prevent fungal infections in the mouth.

• Wear cotton underwear to prevent fungal vaginal infections.

• Always shower and dry when a person sweats.

• Change diapers in the children when they become wet.

• Keep the skin areas dry where it rubs against the skin.

Conclusion:

Yeast infections are an important cause of mortality and morbidity. Fungi are different from other microorganisms that cause human diseases. The doctor can physically diagnose the condition, prevent the recurrence and guide the treatment of yeast infections of the skin. The gynecologist and nurses can educate the women on lifestyle modifications to prevent yeast infections of the vagina. The dentist can educate people about maintaining oral hygiene to prevent oral candidiasis.