How to Manage a Skin Yeast Infection
A skin yeast infection is very common and can develop anywhere in the body. The most popular form of this type of fungal infection is candidiasis caused by the famous Candida specie, Candida albicans. Candida albicans is a one-celled organism that normally lives on the skin, in the mouth and gastrointestinal tract. Occasionally, these yeast-like fungi multiply in uncontrolled mode causing infections that result in pain and inflammation. Although our skin is designed to fight off all negative effects of these yeasts, injury on its surface may make it vulnerable to infection. When the skin is damaged, the fungus can go inside the skin and proliferate causing an infection.
Most yeast infection of the skin occurs in skin folds, armpits, navel, under the breasts and in the groin area. These are the areas that tend to rub, chafe, and have moisture, all of which tend to damage the skin down and leave it open and vulnerable to infections. Other risk factors in acquiring yeast infection of the skin are obesity, diabetes, prolonged antibiotic therapy and stress.
A very itchy and irritating skin lesion or rash that has scalloped edges with "satellite lesions or pustules" nearby, is a characteristic symptom. The skin may also appear red, sore and flaky with or without a clear fluid discharge. These visible symptoms accompanied by the risk factors can aid in the diagnosis of this disease. A scraping studied under the microscope for fungal elements may confirm the diagnosis.
Treatment is very simple. It involves keeping the area clean and dry as much as possible. Wash the area with a mild soap and dry thoroughly. Nystatin creams or powders may then be applied twice a day for seven days. Other over-the-counter anti-fungal creams such as clotrimazole and miconazole may also be used for treatment. If you want natural and holistic approach on yeast infection remedies, you can try cod or shark liver oil, raw garlic and tea tree oil. But if your rash or symptoms won't disappear for a week of treatment, consulting your doctor is highly advised.
To prevent skin yeast infection, wear clean and dry loose clothing and underwear. If you are obese, exercise more and eat a healthy balanced diet that includes plenty of green leafy vegetables to lose weight and lessen your skin folds. Diabetics on the other hand, need to take good control of their sugar levels to prevent yeast infection. Taking an acidophilus supplement or eating yogurt with live cultures in it will also help in lowering your risk of yeast infections. Adding this to your diet increases the "good bacteria" count in your body so that your body will be able to fight off the ill effects of yeast. Scratching your itchy yeast infected skin must be avoided so as not to further spread the infection and make the irritation worse. During these extremely itchy episodes, yogurt can be a good topical treatment which can soothe the skin as well as cure the infection.
Most yeast infection of the skin occurs in skin folds, armpits, navel, under the breasts and in the groin area. These are the areas that tend to rub, chafe, and have moisture, all of which tend to damage the skin down and leave it open and vulnerable to infections. Other risk factors in acquiring yeast infection of the skin are obesity, diabetes, prolonged antibiotic therapy and stress.
A very itchy and irritating skin lesion or rash that has scalloped edges with "satellite lesions or pustules" nearby, is a characteristic symptom. The skin may also appear red, sore and flaky with or without a clear fluid discharge. These visible symptoms accompanied by the risk factors can aid in the diagnosis of this disease. A scraping studied under the microscope for fungal elements may confirm the diagnosis.
Treatment is very simple. It involves keeping the area clean and dry as much as possible. Wash the area with a mild soap and dry thoroughly. Nystatin creams or powders may then be applied twice a day for seven days. Other over-the-counter anti-fungal creams such as clotrimazole and miconazole may also be used for treatment. If you want natural and holistic approach on yeast infection remedies, you can try cod or shark liver oil, raw garlic and tea tree oil. But if your rash or symptoms won't disappear for a week of treatment, consulting your doctor is highly advised.
To prevent skin yeast infection, wear clean and dry loose clothing and underwear. If you are obese, exercise more and eat a healthy balanced diet that includes plenty of green leafy vegetables to lose weight and lessen your skin folds. Diabetics on the other hand, need to take good control of their sugar levels to prevent yeast infection. Taking an acidophilus supplement or eating yogurt with live cultures in it will also help in lowering your risk of yeast infections. Adding this to your diet increases the "good bacteria" count in your body so that your body will be able to fight off the ill effects of yeast. Scratching your itchy yeast infected skin must be avoided so as not to further spread the infection and make the irritation worse. During these extremely itchy episodes, yogurt can be a good topical treatment which can soothe the skin as well as cure the infection.
