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Yeast Infections in Skin Creases

Cutaneous candidiasis, or yeast infection of the skin, is usually caused by the fungus Candida albicans--the same yeast responsible for other common infections, including oral thrush and diaper rash in infants. Yeast thrives in warm, moist areas such as skin creases, under the arms, the genitals and between the toes, but some individuals are more prone to infection than others. In most cases, cutaneous yeast infections affect only the surface skin and are easily treated with topical or oral medications, proper hygiene and lifestyle changes.

  1. Who Is At Risk?

    • Cutaneous yeast infections may affect both men and women of any age. Certain medical conditions, such as obesity, diabetes and weakened or suppressed immune systems due to illness or chemotherapy, may increase a person's risk of contracting a cutaneous yeast infection. Long-term use of antibiotics, corticosteroids or other drugs also may increase a person's risk of yeast infection.

    Symptoms

    • Cutaneous yeast infections appear as patches of "red, moist, raw skin" and may contain small, pus-filled lesions along the outer edges, according to SkinSight.com. Skin affected by yeast also may burn or itch intensely. Cutaneous yeast infections may spread to other areas of the skin, worsen or recur, so proper diagnosis and treatment is important.

    Diagnosis and Treatments

    • Cutaneous yeast infections may be diagnosed by appearance or through skin scrapings. Depending on the severity of the infection and your overall health, your doctor may recommend over-the-counter or prescription antifungal creams or ointments, such as miconazole, ketoconazole or nystatin, or an oral antifungal medication. Your doctor also may recommend lifestyle changes, such as losing weight or managing your blood sugar more closely if these conditions increase your risk of recurring yeast infections. Keeping skin dry and exposing it to the air, if possible, also may help to relieve symptoms.

    Prevention

    • Cutaneous yeast infections may be prevented by taking some simple precautions. Wash your skin daily with mild soap and water. Dry skin gently and thoroughly with a towel, with special focus on skin folds and other areas prone to yeast infection, such as the armpits, genitals and between the toes. Your doctor may recommend a drying powder for the skin if yeast infections are recurring. Cutaneous yeast infections usually are not contagious, although in some cases they may be contracted by an individual with a severely suppressed immune system, the National Institute of Health's Medline Plus reports.

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