skin disorders
Candidiasis (Yeast Infection)
Introduction
Candidiasis is infection with the yeastCandida. Candidiasis tends to occur in moist areas of the skin. This skin infection may cause rashes, scaling, itching, and swelling. Doctors examine the affected areas and view skin samples under a microscope or in a culture. Antifungal creams or antifungal medications given by mouth usually cure candidiasis. (See also Overview of Fungal Skin Infections .) Yeast is a type of fungus. can also cause infections in other areas of the body such as the mouth, esophagus, and vagina (see also Candidiasis ). Conditions that enableCandidato infect the skin include the following: Hot, humid weather Tight, synthetic underclothing Poor hygiene Infrequent diaper or undergarment changes, particularly in children and older adults A weakened immune system resulting from diabetes, HIV infection/AIDS, or use of corticosteroids or other medications that suppress the immune system (including drugs that treat cancer) Pregnancy, obesity, or use of antibiotics Other skin disorders such as Intertrigo and People taking antibiotics may develop candidiasis because the antibiotics kill the bacteria that normally reside on the body, allowingCandidato grow unchecked. Corticosteroids or immunosuppressive therapy after organ transplantation can also lower the body’s defenses against candidiasis. Inhaled corticosteroids, often used by people with asthma, sometimes cause candidiasis of the mouth. may invade deeper tissues as well as the blood, causing life-threatening Candidiasis . 