Yeast Infection Skin Rash

Skin Problems Slideshow

• Yeast Infection Skin Rash Overview
• Yeast Infection Skin Rash Causes
• Yeast Infection Skin Rash Symptoms
• When to Seek Medical Care
• Exams and Tests
• Yeast Infection Skin Rash Treatment
• Self-Care at Home
• Medical Treatment
• Medications
• Other Therapy
• For More Information
• Web Links
• Synonyms and Keywords
• Authors and Editors
• Related thrush articles:
  Thrush - on WebMD
• Related yeast infection articles:
  Yeast infections - on WebMD
  Yeast infections - on MedicineNet

Yeast Infection Skin Rash Overview

Candidiasis is by far the most common type of yeast infections in human skin. Candidiasis is infection with Candida species. More than 20 species of Candida exist. The most common is Candida albicans. These fungi live on all surfaces of our bodies and only occasionally cause infection. Various types of yeast infections are possible, including the following:

• Perl èche (also termed angular cheilitis) is a softening of the skin with deep creases around the angles of the mouth. 



• Thrush is a candidal infection of the mouth and throat. White patches appear in the mouth. Thrush occurs most commonly in the mouths of persons with chronic diseases including diabetes and HIV/AIDS, those with neoplasms, and those who use systemic corticosteroids. 



• Intertrigo is an irritation of the folds of the skin. Candidal infections commonly occur in warm moist body areas, such as the underarms, in the groin, breasts, and under the folds of the skin of the abdomen of persons who are obese. Usually, skin effectively blocks yeast, but any breakdown or cuts in the skin may allow this organism to penetrate. 



• Candidal diaper rash affects the diaper area. It is caused by candidal infection and the impairment of the integrity of the skin due to moisture.



• Candidal body rash can result from excess sweating, antibiotic use, or lack of movement leading to skin occlusion. It most commonly occurs in people with diabetes who are in the hospital.



• Candidal vulvovaginitis is a candidal infection of the vaginal tract. Candida albicans is a common inhabitant of the vaginal tract and can result in itching, redness, irritation, and burning.



• Congential cutaneous candidiasis results from infection of an infant during passage through the birth canal. The rash appears within a few hours of delivery. 



• Candidal paronychia is a chronic inflammation of the nail fold. In some cases, it causes a discharge with pus, and a soft, watery, swelling of the area around the fingernail.



• Erosio interdigitalis blastomycetica is a candidal infection between the finger webs. Skin softening and redness occur. Moisture trapped by rings is thought to underlie the condition. It is more commonly seen in people with diabetes and those who work with water (eg, house workers, launderers, and those who are exposed to strong chemicals). 



• Chronic mucocutaneous candidiasis is a condition that results from a genetic defect that leaves those who have it with thick horny skin lesions and with nail dystrophy.



• Systemic candidiasis is candidal infection throughout the body. This condition is rare. In systemic candidal disease, up to 75% of people may die. Even common mouth and vaginal yeast infections can cause critical illness and can be more resistant to normal treatment. This rash can manifest with bruises that can be felt. The bruises result from a reaction and response to Candida in blood vessels. Systemic yeast infections that return may be a sign of more serious diseases such as diabetes, leukemia, or AIDS.