Cutaneous Candidiasis - Yeast Infection of the Skin and Mucous Membranes

A yeast infection of the skin and mucous membranes is caused by Candida albicans.

What is going on in the body?

A yeast called Candida albicans is a common and normal inhabitant of the mucosal tissues, such as in the mouth and vagina. Sometimes the yeast can overgrow and produce an inflamed rash on skin surfaces such as the diaper area, genital region, under the breasts, or underarms. Candidiasis of the mouth is also called oral thrush.

What are the causes and risks of the infection?

Yeast infections are more common with:

What are the signs and symptoms of the infection?

Signs and symptoms of a yeast infection correspond to the site of the infection:

How is the infection diagnosed?

A yeast infectiion is suspected when the healthcare provider sees the distinctive rash, or the thick white pasty residue it generates. The diagnosis can be confirmed with a scraping of the skin or residue that shows the yeast organisms.

What can be done to prevent the infection?

Some yeast infections can be avoided by:

What are the long-term effects of the infection?

Treatment is usually successful within 2 weeks, but the infection often comes back. If left untreated, yeast infections can cause sepsis, a life-threatening blood infection.

What are the risks to others?

Yeast infections are mildly contagious from person to person, and from place to place on the same person. A mother with a Candida albicans,\ \Candida tropicalis,\ \Candida glabrata,\ and \Candida parapsilosis.\ ',CAPTION,'Vaginal Yeast Infection');" onmouseout="return nd();">vaginal yeast infection can pass it on to her newborn during delivery.

What are the treatments for the infection?

Yeast infections are treated with anti-yeast, anti-fungal creams. These include:

The skin should be kept dry. Plain talcum powder, or a powder that contains nystatin, can help keep the surface area dry. Corticosteroid ointments may be used to reduce the itching and pain.

What are the side effects of the treatments?

Side effects of ointments used to treat yeast infections may include a localized skin reaction.

What happens after treatment for the infection?

Treatment of yeast infections is usually successful within 1 to 2 weeks.

How is the infection monitored?

Any new or worsening symptoms should be reported to the healthcare provider. A pregnant woman who has a Candida albicans,\ \Candida tropicalis,\ \Candida glabrata,\ and \Candida parapsilosis.\ ',CAPTION,'Vaginal Yeast Infection');" onmouseout="return nd();">vaginal yeast infection should be monitored in her third trimester, because it can be passed on to her infant during delivery.

Author:Lynn West, MD
Date Written:
Editor:Duff, Ellen, BA
Edit Date:08/25/00
Reviewer:Gail Hendrickson, RN, BS
Date Reviewed:08/01/01

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