How to Treat a Skin Yeast Infection? Step-by-Step Guide

Quick Summary

• Yeast infections of the skin usually occur in moist, warm skin, such as the skin folds under the breast, in the belly, between the toes, in the armpit, or in the groin — where friction and perspiration are common, and it is there that the yeast seems to thrive.
• The first and safest thing to do is to keep the area clean and dry: gently wash, make sure to dry the skin, avoid clothing that is too tight or non-porous, and change sweaty clothes right away.
• Antifungal creams are used to treat minor skin yeast infections. These are available as clotrimazole, miconazole, ketoconazole or nystatin, depending on what is available and recommended by a pharmacist or clinician.
• Do not use steroid-only creams unless directed by a doctor, as although they may make it less red, it can make it more difficult to diagnose or increase the severity of a fungal infection.
• Have your healthcare provider look at the rash if it spreads, becomes more painful, returns or does not improve with treatment, or if you are not sure it's caused by yeast, or if you have diabetes, a weakened immune system, are pregnant, or have any questions.

What Is a Skin Yeast Infection?

A skin yeast infection, also known as cutaneous candidiasis, is an infection caused by an overgrowth of yeast naturally found in your body, called Candida. This is usually due to prolonged exposure to warm, moist, irritated, or covered skin. According to the Cleveland Clinic, the most common areas where candidiasis occurs are the skin, mouth and vagina, and the treatment is generally an antifungal drug.

The most common places where skin yeast infections can occur are under the breasts, in the groin, between the buttocks, under abdominal folds, and between the fingers and toes. According to DermNet, candidal intertrigo is closely linked to moisture, friction, occlusive garments, obesity, and blood sugar control.

Common Signs of a Skin Yeast Infection

A skin yeast infection can cause:

• A rash that is either red or bright pink on the affected skin
• Itching, burning or soreness.
• Wet, wet-looking or raw-looking skin.
• Rash surrounded by small red bumps (called "satellite" spots)
• Cracking or peeling of skin in the folds
• Smell if the location is always wet
• When skin surfaces rub together, causing discomfort.

Not all itchy, red rashes are caused by yeast. A similar appearance can be caused by ringworm, eczema, psoriasis, bacterial infections, allergic reactions, and heat rash. A fungal skin infection can be diagnosed by examining skin scrapings with a microscope or by sending a skin sample to a lab for culture.

Step 1: Keep the Area Clean and Dry

The first step is to control moisture. Clean the affected skin gently with mild soap and water and pat dry; don't rub. Scrubbing is not helpful, as friction can aggravate the rash and break down the skin barrier.

Dryness of the skin folds increases the speed of healing and reduces the risk of recurrence. According to the Merck Manual, Candida infections of the skin are treated with topical antifungal medications, and dry skin helps to clear and prevent infection.

Some other good habits are to:

• Wear loose, breathable, and natural fibres.
• Quickly removing wet or soiled clothes.
• Use of clean towels and not sharing towels with other people
• Separating skin folds with a soft, dry cloth when necessary

Not using creams that are heavy or sticky and hold moisture, unless these are prescribed by a clinician

Step 2: Use an Antifungal Cream Safely

An antifungal medication (not an antibiotic cream) is needed to treat most skin yeast infections. Clotrimazole, miconazole, ketoconazole, and nystatin are all commonly used antifungal drugs. These are not available in every region, and some of these formulations may need to be prescribed.

Topical antifungals (such as clotrimazole) are the first-line therapy for candidal skin-fold infections, according to DermNet. The AAFP also notes that Candida-induced intertrigo is treated with topical antifungals applied twice daily until the erythema is completely cleared.

Follow label instructions or clinician's directions for use. Apply as a thin film to clean, dry skin, and do not discontinue use prematurely because of improvement in itching after a few days. The rash will take more time to clear, and it is important that it not be interrupted too soon, as the infection can return.

Step 3: Avoid Steroid-Only Creams

A common error is using a topical hydrocortisone cream or even a topical rash cream that doesn't contain an antifungal agent. Steroids can help subdue redness and itching, but may allow the fungal infection to continue growing or become more difficult to diagnose.

CDC advises against the use of corticosteroids because they can aggravate ringworm infections and make diagnosis difficult. DermNet also states that steroid use may make fungal infections more extensive, but harder to notice. A combination steroid / antifungal formulation should not be used unless specifically prescribed by a medical practitioner/pharmacist.

Step 4: Reduce Friction and Irritation

Most of the time, skin yeast infections occur where skin rubs against skin, so it is important to reduce friction as part of the healing process.

Helpful strategies include:

• Cotton or permeable underwear (not collecting heat)
• Tight jeans, leggings or synthetic fabrics should be avoided during active flare-ups.
• Holding the affected area cold as much as possible.
• If excessive sweating is a frequent trigger, using a drying powder approved by a clinician can be helpful
• Prevent the use of scented soap, deodorant, perfumed spray and harsh wipes on inflamed skin

The advice that DermNet gives to people who suffer from recurrent candidal intertrigo is to keep the skin dry and cool and to treat underlying causes of intertrigo, if present, including tight clothing, elevated blood sugar, and excess weight.

Step 5: Know When to See a Doctor

If you experience any of the following, ask your doctor or dermatologist for advice:

• The rash is becoming widespread
• The area is very painful, very swollen, bleeding, or draining pus.
• You get a fever or are feeling sick in general
• The rash is found near the eyes, face, genitals or involves a widespread rash over the body.
• You have diabetes, a weak immune system or are pregnant
• The infection continues to recur despite treatment.
• No significant improvement in rash after a proper course of antifungal therapy.
• Not sure that the rash is caused by yeast

NICE advises specialist assessment when there is any uncertainty in diagnosis, when the infection is widespread, or when a recurrent infection is occurring and no clear, identifiable underlying cause is present.

What Not to Use on a Skin Yeast Infection?

Avoid applying home remedies to already irritated skin. Vinegar, lemon juice, garlic, alcohol, hydrogen peroxide and undiluted essential oils will burn or exacerbate the rash. Also avoid antibiotic ointments unless the doctor has ruled out a secondary bacterial infection, as antibiotics are not effective against yeast.

It is simply to keep the area dry, apply the right antifungal treatment, and consult your doctor if the rash is particularly bad, recurring, or of unknown origin.

How to Prevent Skin Yeast Infections From Coming Back?

To minimise risk of recurrence:

• Thoroughly dry skin folds after bathing or showering.
• Quickly change out of soiled or sweaty clothes
• If you can, wear breathable fabrics that are made of natural fibres.
• During hot or humid weather, don't wear tight clothing.
• Maintain normal blood sugar levels in case you suffer from diabetes.
• If excessive sweating is a frequent trigger, treat it as such
• Practice proper hygiene, but don't wash more than necessary, as this will erode the skin's natural protective barrier.
• If you need an antifungal or drying powder, consult your clinician for the appropriate one.

Individuals who have recurrent skin yeast infections should speak with their doctor to explore possible causes, including diabetes, immune problems, medication side effects, or constant skin rubbing.

Final Thoughts

Generally, a skin yeast infection can be treated, but it requires appropriate care. The safest treatment plan is to keep the affected area clean and dry, apply an appropriate antifungal cream at regular intervals, avoid using a steroid-only rash product, and consult a doctor in the event of severe symptoms or symptoms that are spreading, recurring, or unresponsive to treatment.

Early and appropriate treatment of the infection will alleviate itching, prevent further damage to the skin barrier, and greatly reduce the risk of recurrence.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs): Skin Yeast Infection Treatment

1. Is it possible to treat a skin yeast infection on my own?

Yes, mild cases may be treated at home with an over-the-counter antifungal cream and maintaining cleanliness and dryness of the affected area. Effective choices are clotrimazole, miconazole, ketoconazole or nystatin, depending on the location of the lesion and product availability in your area.

2. How many times a day should I apply antifungal cream?

Most antifungal creams are used once or twice a day, but always read the instructions on the product label or consult your clinician. The AAFP advises that for Candida-related intertrigo, treatment is topical antifungal application twice daily until the rash clears completely.

3. How long does it take for a skin yeast infection to clear?

Someone with a mild case can start to see improvement within a few days, but it takes 1 to 4 weeks to heal, depending on the severity, moisture and friction in the area, and whether the proper antifungal medication is taken consistently. Medical review may be necessary, and an extended course of treatment may be needed for persons with recurrent or antibiotic-resistant cases.

4. How can I get rid of my yeast rash that keeps recurring?

Recurring yeast rashes are usually due to a warm, sweaty environment or constant irritation. Some common causes are tight-fitting clothes, deep skin folds, failure to dry off after a bath, continuous rubbing, diabetes, excessive sweating, or prematurely ending antifungal treatment before the infection is cured. DermNet suggests finding the cause and treating it, for example, moisture, tight clothing, and blood sugar control.

5. Is it safe to apply a hydrocortisone/steriod cream to a yeast rash?

Avoid steroid-only creams unless prescribed by a doctor. Steroids may clear up the redness and itching but can also make the fungal infection worse and make it harder to diagnose. CDC also advises against using an antifungal/corticosteroid combination product because the corticosteroid can worsen fungal skin infections.

6. Does jock itch equal a skin yeast infection?

Not necessarily. Dermatophyte fungi cause jock itch, and a skin yeast infection is caused by Candida. They can occur in warm, moist sites of the body and may appear the same, but will be treated differently. A clinician can help determine whether a rash in the groin or inner thigh area is not improving with treatment, which can help identify the correct cause.

7. How to treat yeast infection under the breasts or in any skin folds?

Keep the fold as dry as possible, avoid excessive rubbing, wear breathable clothing and use topical antifungal as directed. Skin-fold candidiasis is treated with topical antifungal products. According to the Merck Manual, to clear the infection and prevent recurrence, the skin should be kept dry.

8. Is there an alternative to an antifungal cream?

The use of antifungal or drying powders may help limit moisture, especially with recurrent skin-fold infections. Powders are generally used to assist in moisture control and prevention, though creams are likely the first choice for clearing the infection. DermNet suggests drying agents could be useful where infections are frequent and where moisture is a constant issue.

9. What about taking oral fluconazole for skin yeast infections?

Don't take oral fluconazole without a prescription or medical advice. Oral antifungals should be used only for severe, widespread, treatment-resistant, or recurrent infections and should be assessed clinically before use. According to the AAFP, resistant fungal intertrigo may warrant fluconazole (a medical decision should be made); however, it should not be used without consultation.

10. When to seek medical help for skin yeast infection?

If the rash is spreading, becomes more painful, starts to ooze, gets a strong smell, starts to bleed, comes back after treatment, or doesn't get better after a full and proper course of antifungal prescription medication, consult a doctor. Even if it is not clear whether the rash is caused by yeast, one should always seek medical attention when diabetes, a weak immune system, or pregnancy is present. For skin infections due to Candida, NICE recommends topical antifungal therapy, but it is important that medical review be undertaken in cases where the diagnosis is unclear or the infection persists.