Different sorts of bacteria and fungi do live as well as grow upon one’s skin. One’s body does require the majority of them to carry out normal functions. Yet, some can lead to infections when they tend to multiply uncontrollably.
The Candida fungus is considered to be one of the potentially harmful organisms. When one observes an overgrowth of Candida that develops on the skin then one also notices that an infection can also occur. This condition is usually referred to as candidiasis of the skin or even cutaneous candidiasis.
Candidiasis of the skin often does results in red, itchy rash to form and is also most common in the folds of one’s skin. This rash can actually also spread to other parts of the body. While these symptoms are very bothersome, they can be treated with necessarily improved hygiene and along with antifungal creams or even powders.
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What are the symptoms of candidiasis of the skin?
- The main symptom is a rash.
- The rash often does cause redness as well as intense itching.
- In certain cases, the infection can also cause the skin to become very cracked up and sore. Blisters cum pustules may also occur.
- The rash affects various parts the body such as armpits, in the groin, in between the fingers, as well as under the breasts. Candida can also cause many infections in the nails, edges of one’s nails, as well as corners of one’s mouth.
Other conditions that can resemble candidiasis of the skin are:
- ringworm
- hives
- herpes
- eczema
- diabetes-related skin conditions
- contact dermatitis
- seborrheic dermatitis
- psoriasis
What are the causes of candidiasis of the skin?
Candidiasis of one’s skin does also develop when one’s skin tends to become infected with Candida. A rather small amount of Candida fungi naturally does live on one’s skin. When this sort of type of fungus does also begin to multiply uncontrollably, it can also cause an infection. This may occur because on account of:
- warm weather
- tight clothing
- obesity
- poor hygiene
- infrequent undergarment changes
- the use of antibiotics that kill harmless bacteria that keep Candida under control
- one can make use of corticosteroids or other medications that do affect the immune system
- a weakened immune system is on account of diabetes, pregnancy, or any another medical condition
- incomplete drying of one’s damp or rather wet skin
Candida fungi thrive as well grow in warm, moist areas. This condition does often affect areas where there are several folds of skin.
Babies can also develop candidiasis of the skin, especially on one’s buttocks. A diaper also tends to provide an ideal environment for Candida.
Candidiasis of the skin usually is not contagious. However, people who are suffering with weakened immune systems can also develop the condition after touching the skin of an infected person. Those with compromised immune systems are in fact more likely to develop a severe infection as a result of candidiasis.
How can one diagnose candidiasis of the skin?
A physical examination is usually carried out whereby they try to locate the rash and see the appearance of one’s skin.
The doctor can also perform a skin culture before making a diagnosis of candidiasis of the skin. During a skin culture, your doctor will also rub a cotton swab over the affected area and collect a skin sample. The sample will then also be sent to a laboratory in order to be tested for the presence of Candida.
How is candidiasis of the skin treated?
Candidiasis of the skin can generally be prevented with home remedies, and the most important aspect of it is proper hygiene. Washing one’s skin regularly and also drying the skin thoroughly can also prevent the skin from becoming rather too moist. This is important to keep Candida infections at bay.
There are also many lifestyle changes that one can try to both prevent as well as treat a candidiasis infection.
Here are few helpful tips:
- A quick change of damp clothing, such as swimsuits or even sweaty workout clothes.
- Change one’s socks as well as undergarments regularly.
- Wear loose-fitting clothing.
- Use of gentle and scent-free soap on the affected areas.
- Add probiotics to one’s diet.
- Reduce the amount of sugar in one’s diet.
Since the abnormal blood sugar levels can also contribute to the development of Candida infections, one can keep one’s blood sugar levels under control in order to help relieve symptoms. One may be able to lower one’s blood sugar by reducing the amount of sugar in one’s diet and also by exercising for about 30 minutes at least three times per week. If one has diabetes, it is also important to be able to continue following one’s doctor’s instructions as one may need to start receiving oral medications or even an increased amount of insulin.
In severe or rather persistent cases of candidiasis, one’s doctor may also recommend making use of an antifungal cream or powder that can be applied to one’s skin. One can make use of over-the-counter antifungal creams.