What are Yeast Skin Infections?

Yeast skin infections are most commonly caused by a Candidiasis infection in the skin. Candidiasis is a type of fungi that lives on human skin and will generally not cause any problems. If a breakdown of the skin occurs, too much yeast is on the skin, or excess moisture is present, a yeast infection may develop because of the presence of Candidiasis.

The majority of yeast skin infections occur in areas of the body that are warm and moist. These may include the underarms, mouth, vaginal areas, and diaper areas. Yeast infections can also occur within the folds of a person’s skin, under the breasts, in the nail beds, and in the webbing between a person’s fingers. Almost every area of the body is susceptible to the development of a yeast infection.

Under normal circumstances, a person’s skin will block any yeast from entering it. If cuts are present or the skin breaks down, however, the yeast will be able to enter and cause yeast skin infections. These breakdowns are generally due to moisture, the use of certain medicines, or may be caused by lack of movement.

There are several different types of yeast infections. In adults, the most common types of infection are thrush, Candidal vulvovaginitis, and intertrigo. Thrush is a yeast infection of the mouth, and Candidal vulvovaginitis is a vaginal tract yeast infection. Intertrigo occurs when a yeast infection happens within the folds of the skin.

In infants, the most common type of yeast skin infection is a diaper rash. This is due to the development of too much moisture in the diaper area. Another kind of infection that may occur while an infant is being born is congenital cutaneous candidiasis. This develops within a short time after a baby has been born. Babies are also susceptible to thrush.

Rarely, yeast skin infections called systemic Candidiasis can affect the entire body. These types of infections are very serious and can often be fatal. Many times these types of infections develop from normal vaginal or thrush infections. More aggressive treatment will be needed to care for this type of yeast infection.

Sometimes systemic Candidiasis is a symptom of a severe disease that is present in a person’s body. Yeast skin infections that reoccur often may also be a sign of a severe illness. Some of the illnesses known to be associated with reoccurring or full body yeast infections include leukemia, AIDS, and diabetes.