Pictures of skin yeast infection: Yeast is a microorganism from the fungus kingdom that lives on the skin and in the body. They grow and multiply so quickly than other living organisms. Yeast can live in the body and causes no harm, however, certain conditions can trigger yeast to overgrow and causes infection.
Yeast infection occurs when the yeast cells overgrow and multiply in any part of the body, especially the skin and the mucous membranes. The fungus can quickly multiply and causes infections within short periods. Many factors account for the abnormal and overgrowth of yeast.
Yeast infection symptoms vary depending on the location of the body. Yeast on the skin will normally be in the form of a pus-like bump and white discharge. Some symptoms may often cause itching, burning, or rashes. Yeast on the skin are called cutaneous candidiasis
Skin yeast infection may like white patches of inflammations which normally itch, flake develop crusts with pustules developing around the areas of the inflammations
Skin infections: Skin is the largest organ of the body. It consists of layers(epidermis) that cover and protect the body from external factors like hazardous substances, physical injury, gems, and other disease-causing pathogens. There are numerous infections of the skin categorized as viral, bacterial, fungal, and parasitic skin infections.
Some skin infections include boils, cellulitis, chicken pox, Warts, ringworm, yeast infection, lice, scabies, and athlete’s foot, among others.
Risk factors for yeast infection
What are the causes and risks factors for skin yeast infections? Skin yeast infections are mainly caused by the overgrowth of yeast on any part of the skin caused by certain conditions. The following conditions are responsible for the overgrowth of yeast ;
- If you have a weakened immune system. Your body’s inability to fight off illness can put you at risk of having the infection
- Taking antibiotics can cause yeast to overgrow because these antibiotics kill good and healthy bacteria in your body that normally help keep the yeast in balance.
- Skin damage. You may get a skin yeast infection if your skin is damaged or injured
- The use of hormonal contraceptives. Many women reported having some form of yeast infection during the time of hormonal contraceptives. An example is the vagina yeast infection (candidiasis)
- obesity
- Infants
- People getting cancer treatments
- People with other health conditions like HIV or diabetes
- People who wear dentures
- pregnant women due to hormonal imbalance are at risk of having a yeast infection
Symptoms
Symptoms vary depending on the location and their severity. Like most yeast skin infections, symptoms are usually pus-like bumps or inflammations which usually cause itching, burning, and discharge.
The following are the various symptoms and their locations on the skin. Yeast symptoms may look similar to other types of skin infections. Always consult your doctor if you noticed any symptoms on your skin.
Skin folds or navel
Skin fold is common among people who are obese. Yeast will normally multiply in warm, moist, and greased areas of your body including the armpits and groin. Symptoms include;
- Itching or burning
- pimples
- patches that ooze clear fluid
- rash with redness and skin breakdown
Mouth(thrush) symptoms
- white patches on the tongue and inside cheeks
- pain in the tonsils or throat
- redness or soreness
- difficulty swallowing. This happens if you have the infection in your esophagus
vagina(candidiasis)
- itching
- redness around genitals
- sores on the vulva
- burning when urinating
- whit or yellow discharge from the vagina
- abnormal odorless discharge
Penis
- redness or soreness on the underside of the penis
- scaling around genital
- painful rash on genital
Nail beds
- swelling
- pain
- pus
- a white or yellow nail that is separate from the nail bed
Corners of the mouth(angular cheilitis)
- cracks on the corners of the lips
- tiny cuts on the lips
- blisters or single bump on the corners of the lip
- lip dryness and pain
Diagnosis
Diagnosis is done by scraping off the affected area and samples studied under the microscope. Physical exams can be done to diagnose yeast skin infection by looking for sore, rash, or pus-like bumps and inflammations.
Men and women will undergo swab tests where samples will be taken from the vagina or rectum and studied under a microscope.
Oral thrush can be diagnosed by searching for white patches or sores on the tongue and inside cheeks.
Part of your nail will be removed and examined to confirm the diagnosis of nail beds.
Treatments
Most skin yeast infections can be treated with ointments and powders. In some severe conditions, your doctor may prescribe oral antibiotics to be taken for days or weeks. Finish every prescription and pill even if symptoms appear to go away.
Women with a vaginal yeast infection can be prescribed ointments and suppositories. Sever condition of the vagina or genital yeast infection may require oral antibiotics or injection.
Yeast grow in different forms and multiply quickly hence early treatment is advisable.
thrush can be treated with lozenges that dissolve in the mouth
Make an appointment with your doctor if you have a skin infection or condition that causes discomfort. Your doctor will be able to provide the necessary treatment for recovery.
Prevention and Lifestyles
The following precautions and lifestyles can help with the infection on the skin and any other skin infections.
- avoid the “overuse” of antibiotics. Only use prescriptions provided by your doctor
- treat yeast in their early stage to prevent secondary infections
- exercise regularly
- practice good personal hygiene
- use good oral hygiene to help prevent yeast of the mouth. This includes brushing and flossing your
- teeth every day and using mouthwash when needed.
- wear cotton pants to help prevent vaginal or genital yeast
- dry your skin well after bathing especially in skin folds
- diabetic patients should reduce sugar intake
- apply cold compresses to your skin several to reduce itching and inflammation
- use over counter ointments and powders to reduce itching and discomfort.
- seek medical help.
Takeaway
Most skin yeast infections can be mild and go on their own. However, untreated symptoms can result in health complications. Report any conditions like redness, swelling, and pain to your health provider. Yeast infection left untreated can result in other potential health problems like bacterial infections, and HIV among others.
Take all pills and prescriptions provided by your doctor. If you’re a woman and keep getting candidiasis most often, your doctor may advise you to use probiotics. This can help bring the yeast back to normal.
DISCLAIMER
Information provided here is for educational purposes only and must not be substituted for professional medical advice. Always consult your doctor or healthcare provider if you are seeking medical advice, diagnosis, and treatment.9jacompassnews does not provide medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.