How To Get Rid Of Vaginal Yeast Infection

Definition
- What Is a Yeast Infection?
Symptoms
- What Are Symptoms of Yeast Infection?
Causes
- What Causes Yeast Infection?
Diagnosis
- How Is Yeast Infection Diagnosed?
Treatment
- What Is the Treatment for Yeast Infection?
Complications
- What Are Complications of Yeast Infection?
Prevention
- How Do You Prevent Yeast Infection?
Guide
- How Do You Get Rid of a Yeast Infection Rash? Topic Guide

What Is a Yeast Infection?

Antifungal medication, whether prescription or over-the-counter, will cure yeast infection rash.

A yeast infection refers to a fungal infection caused by a type of yeast called Candida albicans.

Candida is common and most people have some living on the skin and inside the body, such as in the mouth, throat, gut, and vagina, and it usually does not present any problems.

When candida grows out of control it can cause infections. While yeast infections tend to refer to candidiasis in the vagina in women, yeast infections can also occur on the skin and result in rashes.

Intertrigo is a rash and irritation of the folds of the skin that may be caused by candida, particularly in warm, moist body areas, such as the underarms, groin, under the breasts, between the legs, behind the ears, between the buttocks, in the finger webs or toe spaces, and under the folds of the skin of the abdomen of people who are obese.

Candida can also cause diaper rash in infants.

What Are Symptoms of Yeast Infection?

Symptoms of a yeast infection rash may include:

Skin inflammation
Itchy skin
Moist skin
Skin peeling or cracks in the skin
Red and white skin
Small superficial papules and pustules
Secondary bacterial infection that may cause an unpleasant odor

What Causes Yeast Infection?

Yeast infections are caused by a fungus called Candida albicans. Most people have a small amount of candida on or in the body, but when it grows out of control it can develop into an infection.

Risk factors for developing a yeast infection include:

A weakened immune system, such as from HIV or cancer treatment or other causes
Obesity, especially in people who have large skin rolls where fungi can thrive
Type 1 diabetes or type 2 diabetes
Prolonged use of antibiotics
Genetic tendency to skin disease
Excessive sweating
Age
Smoking
Alcohol
In infants, exposure to sweat, urine, and feces in the diaper area

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How Is Yeast Infection Diagnosed?

To diagnose a yeast infection, a doctor will perform a physical exam.

Tests that may be used to help diagnose a yeast infection on the skin include

Swab for bacterial culture
Skin scraping to culture fungi
Skin biopsy if the skin condition is unusual or does not respond to treatment

What Is the Treatment for Yeast Infection?

Treatment for yeast infection rash on the skin usually includes topical antifungal ointments and creams. Many of these are available over-the-counter (OTC), such as:

Miconazole (Lotrimin AF, Cruex, Desenex, Ting Antifungal)
Clotrimazole (Lotrimin AF, Anti-Fungal, Cruex, Desenex, Lotrimin AF Ringworm)
Imidazole (Canesten, Selezen)

Because symptoms of yeast infections on the skin may be similar to many other types of skin conditions, it is important to have a doctor confirm the diagnosis before using over-the-counter treatments.

If the yeast infection is severe or does not clear up with over-the-counter preparations, oral fluconazole (Diflucan) and a hydrocortisone cream may be prescribed.

What Are Complications of Yeast Infection?

A severe yeast infection may enter and infect the bloodstream. This condition is called candidemia or invasive candidiasis.

How Do You Prevent Yeast Infection?

Yeast infection on the skin may be prevented by:

Proper hygiene
Washing and drying completely after sweating
- A hair dryer on the cool setting may aid in drying areas such as armpits and under the breasts
Use of antiperspirants
Use of skin ointments or pastes to prevent diaper rash