Treatment:

General hygiene is vital to the treatment of cutaneous candidiasis. Keeping the skin dry and exposed to air is helpful. Weight loss may eliminate the problem in obese people, and good sugar control in diabetics may also be helpful.

Topical (applied directly to the skin) antifungal medications may be used to treat infection of the skin, mouth, or vagina. Oral antifungal medications may be necessary for folliculitis, nail infection, or severe candida infections involving the mouth, throat, or vagina.

Expectations (prognosis):

Cutaneous candidiasis is usually treatable. Repeat infections are common.

Complications:

• Infection of nails may cause nails to become oddly shaped and may cause infection around the nail
• Recurrence (repeat episodes) of candida skin infection
• Widespread (disseminated) candidiasis may occur in immunocompromised individuals

Calling your health care provider:

Call for an appointment with your health care provider if you develop symptoms of cutaneous candidiasis.