Dermatology

Fungal Infections of the Skin

Fungal Infections of the Skin | Candidiasis (Yeast Infection) | Tinea Infections (Ringworm) | Tinea Versicolor

Candidiasis (Yeast Infection)

What is candidiasis?
Candidiasis, sometimes called moniliasis or a yeast infection, is a infection caused by yeast on the skin and mucous membranes. Although yeast is normally a harmless inhabitant of the digestive system and vaginal area, it often causes an infection when conditions are warm and humid, or when a person has a depressed immune system. Antibiotics can also cause yeast to grow, because the normal bacteria in tissues are killed off, letting the yeast grow unhampered.

What are the symptoms of candidiasis?
The symptoms of candidiasis vary depending on the location of the infection. The following are the most common symptoms. However, each individual may experience symptoms differently:

Location	Symptoms
skin folds or navel	rash patches that ooze white fluid pimples itching or burning
vagina	white or yellow discharge from the vagina itching redness in the external area of the vagina burning
penis	redness on the underside of the penis scaling on the underside of the penis painful rash on the underside of the penis
mouth (thrush)	white patches on tongue and side of mouth pain
corners of the mouth (perleche)	cracks and/or tiny cuts at the corners of the mouth
nail beds	swelling pain pus white or yellow nail that separates from skin

The symptoms of candidiasis may resemble other dermatologic conditions. Consult a physician for diagnosis.

How is candidiasis diagnosed?
A medical examination will usually indicate candidiasis. Your physician may scrape off a skin sample to confirm diagnosis with a microscope.

Treatment for candidiasis:
Candidiasis is highly treatable with medicated ointments. Yeast infections in the vagina or anus can be treated with medicated suppositories. Thrush may be treated with a medicated mouthwash or lozenge that dissolves in the mouth.

This page was last updated on: February 1, 2008.

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