Candidal Skin Infection

What is candida?

Candida is a yeast (a type of fungus). Small numbers of candida normally live on the skin and do no harm. Sometimes, under certain conditions, they can multiply and cause infection. The common sites for candida to cause infection are the vagina (vaginal thrush), the mouth (oral thrush), and the skin. This leaflet just deals with candidal skin infections. See separate leaflets called 'Vaginal Thrush' and 'Oral Thrush' for further details.

Is a candidal skin infection serious?

Usually not. Most infections occur in people who are otherwise healthy (although they are more common if you are overweight). Treatment usually works well. In some people, the candidal skin infection may be the first indication of another condition such as diabetes.

Why does candida sometimes multiply and cause infection on the skin?

The chance of a candidal skin infection developing is more likely in the following situations:

• Areas of skin that are moist or sweaty are ideal for candida to thrive. Therefore, the common sites affected are in the folds of skin in the groin, armpits, and under large breasts. (Another name for inflammation within a fold of skin or under a breast is 'intertrigo'. Candida infection is a common cause of intertrigo.) Nappy rash is sometimes due to candida. Obese people may develop candida infection between folds of skin. It can also affect skin between fingers and toes, and the corners of the mouth.
• If you have diabetes.
• If you take a long course of antibiotics or steroid medication.
• If you have a poor immune system. For example, if you have AIDS, or have chemotherapy, or have certain types of serious blood disorder.

What are the symptoms of a candidal skin infection?

In affected folds of the skin (under breasts, groin, etc) a typical red rash develops. The rash is usually sore and itchy. Small blister-like swellings may develop on the rash. Skin scale can accumulate on the rash to produce a white-yellow, curd-like substance over the affected area. If the areas between toes or fingers are involved, the affected skin may become thick and macerated (where the skin softens and becomes a whitish colour).

What is the treatment for candida skin infection?

• An antifungal cream usually clears the infection within a week or so.
• Sometimes a mild steroid cream is added to reduce inflammation whilst the antifungal cream is working. (However, a steroid cream alone will make the condition worse as soon as the steroid is stopped.)
• Occasionally, if the rash is widespread, antifungal tablets are prescribed.

Can candida skin infections be prevented?

To minimise the risk of a candidal skin infection:

• Keep areas likely to be affected as clean and dry as possible.
• Always dry well after washing, particularly in the groin, armpits, and under large breasts. Some people use a hair dryer to dry these areas after washing to ensure they are dry before putting clothes on.
• Wear light, loose, absorbent clothing and avoid wool and synthetic fibres. This helps to keep the skin from getting too moist.
• Losing weight may help if obesity is contributing to this problem.
• If you are troubled with repeated infections at the angle of your mouth and you wear dentures, then remove the dentures each night to clean, and then sterilise them overnight.

If the infection keeps recurring for no apparent reason, a test to check for sugar (diabetes) may be advised by a doctor.