Candida Skin Infection (Adult)

Candida is a type of yeast. It grows naturally on the skin and in the mouth. If it grows out of control, it can cause an infection. Candida can cause infections in the genital area, skin folds, in the mouth, and under the breasts. Anyone can get this infection. It's more common in a person with a weak immune system, such as from diabetes, HIV, or cancer. It’s also more common in people who've been on antibiotic therapy. Or people who are overweight or who have incontinence. Other things that can put you at risk are wearing tight-fitting clothing or using splints, braces, or artificial limbs. Doing activities with lots of skin-to-skin contact is also a risk factor.

Candida causes the skin to become bright red and inflamed. The border of the infected part of the skin is often raised. The infection causes pain and itching. Sometimes the skin peels and bleeds. In the mouth, candida is called thrush, and may cause white thickened areas.

A Candida rash is most often treated with an antifungal cream, gel, or powder. The rash will clear a few days after starting the medicine. Infections that don’t go away may need a prescription medicine. In rare cases, a bacterial infection can also occur.