Skin Yeast Infections Made Simple

Candidal infection is by the far the most prevalent type of infection caused by the overgrowth of yeast in the human skin. Candidal infection or candidiasis is the type of fungal infection caused by the Candida fungus.

These organisms are naturally occurring in our skin and there are about 20 species. The most common species is Candida albicans.

General Types of Yeast Infections on the Skin

• Angular cheilitis or Perl èche is the type of yeast infection of skin that is characterized by the softening of the affected part of the skin and leaves deep creases along the angles of the infected mouth.

• Thrust is the type of skin yeast infection that affects the throat and the mouth. This type of candidal infection is prevalent in individuals who are HIV-positive and diabetic. It also affects people who have neoplasms and those who are using corticosteroids. The skin yeast infections treatment is more permanent for these types of candidal infections as these infections normally emerge in episodes.

• Intertigo is the type of skin yeast infection that is characterized by the irritation of the skin folds. The candida fungus generally thrives in dark and moist places. Thus, this candidal infection normally affects the skin in the groin area, the breast region and in the abdomen of obese individuals.
• Diaper rash is the type of yeast infection of skin that develops due to excess sweating, use of antibacterial drugs and occlusion of the skin as a result of limited movement. This type of skin yeast infection is common in diabetic patients who stay in hospitals for an extended period of time.

• Vulvovaginitis is the type of skin yeast infection that affects the vaginal tract. Although Candida albicans is naturally occurring in the vaginal tract; an imbalance in the normal flora will result to the growth and proliferation of the Candida fungus which leads to irritation, swelling, itchiness and burning sensation in the affected area.

• Congenital cutaneous candidal infection is the result of infection of infants during their passage through an infected birth canal. Affected babies will develop skin rashes moments after birth.

• Erosio Inter-digitalis blasto-mycetica is the type of candidal infection that affects the webs of the fingers. This candidal infection is manifested by the reddening as well as the softening of the affected skin. It is believed that the moisture that is retained predisposes the finger webs to get infected by the Candida fungus. This is most prevalent in individuals who are diabetic and those who are exposed to wet conditions.

• Chronic Muco-cutaneous candidal infection occurs as a direct result to an existing genetic anomaly where individuals develop horny and thick lesion in their skin, and nail dystrophy.

• Systemic candidal infection is the type of skin yeast infection the affects various parts of the body including the skin. This is a pronounced fungal infection and can be indicative of a more serious disease which includes AIDS, leukemia and diabetes. This type of candidal infection is considered rare although 3 out of 4 individuals who have this type of candidal infection eventually die.