• Yeast Infections (Candidiasis)
(A common fungal infection caused by an overgrowth of yeast on the skin)
What Is Candidiasis?
Candidiasis is a fungal infection caused by an overgrowth of Candida yeast, which normally lives on the skin and body. When the skin environment becomes warm, moist, irritated, or imbalanced, yeast can overgrow and cause infection.
Yeast infections can affect:
- Skin folds
- Groin
- Under breasts
- Armpits
- Mouth (oral thrush)
- Nails
- Genital areas
What Does a Yeast Infection Look Like?
Common symptoms include:
- Bright red rash
- Itching or burning
- Moist or shiny irritated skin
- Small surrounding “satellite” bumps or pustules
- Cracking or soreness in skin folds
- White patches in the mouth (oral thrush)
Who Is More Likely to Get Candidiasis?
Risk factors include:
- Warm or humid environments
- Sweating
- Diabetes
- Antibiotic use
- Obesity
- Immune suppression
- Skin friction
- Moist skin folds
How Is Candidiasis Diagnosed?
Diagnosis is often made by skin examination. In some cases, testing or skin scraping may be performed to confirm fungal infection and rule out eczema, psoriasis, or bacterial infection.
How Is Candidiasis Treated?
Treatment depends on location and severity.
Common treatments include:
- Topical antifungal creams or powders
- Oral antifungal medication in selected cases
- Keeping the area dry
- Reducing friction and moisture
- Managing contributing conditions such as diabetes
Oral thrush may require antifungal mouth rinses or oral medication.
Pre-Op Instructions
(Before evaluation or treatment)
- Keep the affected area clean and dry.
- Avoid heavy ointments unless instructed.
- Bring a list of recent antibiotics, steroid use, or new medications.
- Tell us if you have diabetes, immune suppression, or recurrent infections.
- Avoid tight or occlusive clothing if possible.
Post-Op Instructions
(After starting treatment)
- Use medication exactly as directed.
- Keep skin folds as dry as possible.
- Wear loose breathable clothing.
- Change sweaty clothing promptly.
- Continue treatment for the full recommended duration.
Call the office if:
- Redness spreads
- Pain worsens
- Pus or fever develops
- The rash repeatedly returns
- Oral symptoms worsen or interfere with eating