Yeast Infection Sores: Causes, Symptoms, and When to Worry?

Quick Summary

• Yeast infections are associated with redness and soreness, raw skin, itching, swelling and small cracks, especially if the inflammation is heavy or the skin is scratched.
• Uncomplicated yeast infections do not involve open sores, blisters or ulcers, these may be signs of different types of infections, including herpes, syphilis or contact dermatitis.
• Signs and symptoms of yeast infections include burning sensations, itching, thick white discharge, swelling of the vulva, pain during sex or urination, and itchy, irritated skin around the vagina.
• Very often, the sore or damaged skin that accompanies a yeast infection grows as a result of extreme scratching, wetness, rubbing, serious inflammation, antibiotic usage, diabetes, pregnancy or a weakened immune system.
• If you have painful blisters, open ulcers, bleeding, fever, pelvic pain, unusually smelly discharge, repeated infections, or symptoms that don't get better with treatment, talk to your healthcare provider (particularly if you are pregnant or have diabetes).

Can a Yeast Infection Cause Sores?

Yes, sometimes, the skin becomes sore, raw, cracked or painfully irritated from the inflammation caused by a yeast infection. CDC says the symptoms of vaginal yeast infection may include itching, soreness, pain during sex, pain when peeing, unusual discharge and in more severe cases rips, fissures, redness and swelling of the vaginal tissue.

But, yeast infections don't usually cause open sores, blisters or ulcers. If the blisters are painful, filled with fluid, or have deep ulcers, bleeding sores or the blisters just keep coming back to the same area, other causes need to be considered, such as Herpes, Syphilis, allergic reactions, or other skin or infectious diseases.

In a U.S. survey of 1,869 women, 5.2% reported a provider-diagnosed yeast infection in the past year, and 53% reported one in their lifetime.

What Do Yeast Infection Sores Look Like?

There are many different kinds of changes in the skin that might be called "sores". If you have a yeast infection, the area might look or feel like:

• Red, irritated, or obviously swollen skin
• Raw or tender areas
• Tiny fissures or incisions in the surface of the skin
• Scattered areas of scratching or abrasion due to severe scratching.
• Pain or burning sensation of the vulva, vagina, skin folds, groin or penis
• White discharge in vaginal yeast infection is thick and white.
• A itchy rash in the warmer, moist skin folds (typically red colour)

According to the CDC, the symptoms of vulvovaginal candidiasis include vulvar swelling, fissures, excoriations and a thick curdy discharge. Fissures are tiny lines or splits in the skin and excoriations are abrasions that result from scratching.

What Causes Yeast Infection Sores?

Yeast infections are caused by an overgrowth of yeast (Candida), a fungus that is naturally found on the skin and body, including the vagina. Issues occur when there is a disruption of the normal balance between yeast and beneficial bacteria and yeast overgrows. According to Mayo Clinic, the most common cause of vaginal yeast infection is Candida albicans.

Sores, cracks or raw skin may occur in several ways:

1. Intense Itching and Scratching

Yeast infections can be extremely itchy. Scratching cuts into the skin causing minor cuts, raw spots, or sore areas. This is usually a skin injury that occurs due to scratching and not because the yeast has damaged the skin.

2. Severe Inflammation

A severe yeast infection can result in severe itching, swelling, redness and cracked skin. Complicated yeast infections are those that are so red, swollen and itchy that they cause tears, cracks or sores, according to Mayo Clinic.

3. Moisture and Friction

Candida likes warm, moist environment. This is the reason why yeast rashes typically occur in skin folds, such as the groin area, under the breasts, armpits, and between the fingers and toes. According to DermNet, candidal intertrigo is "damp skin folds, friction between the skin, and in some cases immune suppression.

4. Antibiotic Use

Antibiotics can disrupt the balance of the normal microorganisms within the body and decrease the number of microorganisms that keep yeast in control. Healthy vaginal bacteria can be killed by broad-spectrum antibiotics, and that can lead to an overgrowth of yeast, as described by Mayo Clinic.

5. Diabetes or a weak immune system.

Diabetes risk was important: women with diabetes had nearly 3x higher odds of yeast infection in the past year. People who have diabetes that's not well controlled, or have weakened immune systems, have a higher risk of having a severe or persistent yeast infection. Yeast infections that occur in individuals with diabetes or who are immunocompromised or taking immunosuppressive drugs are considered complicated by the CDC and therefore, more specific care is needed.

6. Pregnancy or Hormonal changes

Hormone changes, such as those during pregnancy, hormone therapy, or other hormonal fluctuations, can make one more susceptible to yeast infections. Hormone replacement therapy and pregnancy are included among the contributing factors for thrush listed by the NHS.

Common Symptoms of a Yeast Infection

The symptoms of yeast infection may differ according to the affected area of the body.

Vaginal yeast infection symptoms

Common symptoms include:

• Vaginal or vulvar itching
• Burning during sex or urination
• Redness and swelling around the vulva
• Thick white discharge, often described as cottage cheese-like
• Vaginal soreness or irritation
• Cracked or raw skin in severe cases

Mayo Clinic lists itching, irritation, burning, redness, swelling, vaginal pain, soreness, and thick white discharge with little or no odor as common symptoms.

In a Vietnam study of 462 symptomatic women, 51.3% had vaginal yeast colonization, and Candida albicans made up 51.37% of isolates.

Penile yeast infection symptoms

These are the signs that give away a penile yeast infection:

• Irritation or burning around the head of the penis
• Redness under the foreskin
• White discharge
• Unpleasant smell
• Difficulty pulling back the foreskin

NHS lists these as common symptoms of thrush in men.

Yeast infection in skin folds

When yeast affects skin folds, it may cause:

• Red, moist, painful rash
• Itching or burning
• Scaling
• Small surrounding bumps or pustules
• White or yellow discharge over the rash

An Ethiopia study found 41.4% VVC prevalence among clinically diagnosed women, with 41.4% of Candida isolates being non-albicans species.

Yeast Infection Sores vs Herpes Sores

The symptoms of yeast infection irritation include redness, cracking, raw skin, itching and soreness. By contrast, herpes typically develops blisters which eventually burst into painful open sores. The CDC reports that herpes sores typically develop as one or more blisters around the genitals, rectum or mouth; and that when the blisters open up, they become painful sores that can take a week or longer to heal completely.

Consider getting tested for herpes or another STD if you have painful blisters, open sores, tingling/burning before blisters form, blisters around your genitals, anus or mouth, fever or body aches and swollen glands, or recurrent outbreaks in the same location.

Yeast Infection Sores vs Syphilis Sores

However, genital sores can also occur with syphilis and are usually different than the skin changes caused by yeast. Syphilis sores are typically solid, round, and painless, and can last for three to six weeks without treatment, according to the CDC.

Never take a sore that doesn't hurt for granted or leave it alone, whether it's on the penis, anus, lips or mouth. While the sore may go away on its own, medical treatment is necessary for syphilis to prevent serious complications that can occur later in the infection.

Comparison Table: Yeast Infection vs Herpes vs Syphilis Sores

Feature

• Yeast Infection
• Herpes (HSV)
• Syphilis
• Appearance
• Red, irritated skin, small cracks
• Blisters that turn into sores
• Single firm sore
• Pain
• Itchy, burning
• Painful
• Usually painless
• Discharge
• Thick white discharge (vaginal cases)
• None
• None
• Other symptoms
• Itching, redness
• Tingling, fever (first outbreak)
• Rash later
• Location
• Genitals, skin folds
• Genitals, mouth
• Genitals, mouth
• Healing
• Improves with antifungal treatment
• Heals in 1-2 weeks
• Heals in 3-6 weeks
• Cause
• Candida fungus
• Herpes virus
• Bacterial infection
• Treatment
• Antifungal medication
• Antiviral medication
• Antibiotics

This table shows the main differences, but symptoms can overlap. If you have sores or are unsure, get tested by a healthcare provider.

When to Worry About Yeast Infection Sores?

See a health care provider if:

This is your first experience with yeast infection symptoms

• You're not sure if symptoms are caused by a yeast infection.
• Open sores, ulcers or blisters
• No improvement of symptoms following antifungal therapy
• The swelling is severe, there is redness, pain or there is a crack in the skin.
• Are pregnant or breastfeeding.
• You are a diabetic or have an impaired immune system
• Yeast infections occur more than four times a year in 12 months
• Bleeding, fever, pelvic pain or a strong or unusual vaginal odor.

If it's your first yeast infection, you're not sure if your symptoms are caused by yeast, or your symptoms don't improve with treatment, or you have new symptoms along with the usual symptoms, Mayo Clinic advises you to see your doctor. The NHS also suggests that if thrush is recurring, treatment is not working, you are pregnant or breastfeeding or your immune system is weak you should seek advice from your GP.

How Are Yeast Infection Sores Treated?

Treatment will depend on where the infection is and how serious it is. Antifungal drugs are effective in treating most yeast infections, available in the following ways:

• Antifungal cream rubbed on the affected skin
• Vaginal suppositories/pessaries
• Oral antifungal tablets
• Skin creams for yeast rash of skin folds

The NHS says that thrush is usually treated with antifungal medicine, either in the form of a tablet, vaginal pessary or cream, and that symptoms should usually get better within 7 to 14 days of starting treatment.

If skin is cracked or sore, don't scratch and keep the area clean and dry. Avoid perfumed soaps and douches, deodorants, and harsh hygiene products, which can exacerbate inflammation. The NHS advise to wash with water and an emollient instead of soap, to dry the area thoroughly, to wear loose cotton underwear and avoid tight clothing/tights.

In a fluconazole trial, weekly fluconazole kept 90.8% of women disease-free at 6 months versus 35.9% with placebo, but recurrence remained common after treatment stopped.

Can You Treat Yeast Infection Sores at Home?

If you have previously been diagnosed with yeast and you can tell the symptoms, mild yeast infections can be treated with over-the-counter antifungal medicines. If sores are present, however, or if they are open, painful, blister-like, or otherwise unusual, it is always better to get a professional evaluation first before trying to self-treat.

Supportive measures around home may help decrease the irritation and include:

• Maintaining dryness and cleanliness of the affected area
• Clothing to be loose and breathable
• Not scratching even when itching is very strong
• Not using any perfumed hygiene products
• Abstaining from sex if intercourse is painful
• Taking antifungal medications correctly

According to the NHS, it is not recommended to use antifungal medicine more than twice in six months without speaking to a pharmacist or doctor.

How to Prevent Yeast Infection Irritation and Cracks?

There are a number of things that can be done to minimize the chance of developing inflammation or damage to the skin due to yeast:

• Wearing cotton underwear that allows you to breathe.
• Switching out of wet or soiled clothes ASAP
• Ensuring that skin folds are clean and dry.
• Staying away from clothes that contain moisture, and have a loose fit
• Steering clear of scented soaps, sprays, and douches
• If you have diabetes, maintaining a proper blood glucose (blood sugar) level is important
• Taking antibiotics as prescribed, only if necessary
• Seeking medical advice at the earliest time of symptoms reappearing

DermNet states that the treatment of skin folds alone, should include addressing any predisposing factors, keeping the folds cool and dry, and using topical antifungal agents as the initial treatment.

Final Thoughts

When skin is sore, raw, cracked, or painfully irritated, it's likely due to yeast infection. Especially if the itching has been severe and longstanding. But open sores, ulcers or blisters are not typical signs of a simple yeast infection and may be a sign of another condition, such as a bacterial infection, contact dermatitis, a skin condition, herpes or syphilis.

See a healthcare provider if you don't know the cause, if symptoms are severe, if treatment does not seem to be helping, or if the sores look or feel different or are getting worse. A proper diagnosis is important: Yeast infections, STIs, and other skin conditions may seem alike, but are treated in completely different ways.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs): Yeast Infection Sores

1. Can a yeast infection really cause sores?

Yes. A serious yeast infection can lead to extremely itchy skin, little fissures, raw spots or sore areas. True open sores, ulcers, or blisters though, are not common to a simple yeast infection and should be examined by a professional. Medical sources have confirmed that severe cases can lead to tears, cracks or sores due to intense redness/swelling and constant itching.

2. Do yeast infection sores look like herpes sores?

No. The skin changes caused by yeast are usually red, sore, cracked or scratched. More typically, herpes results in blisters that burst and leave painful ulcerated sores. The two share some similar symptoms, including burning, itching, and discomfort, which is why it is important to test if there are blisters or open sores. CDC says herpes sores are typically one or more blisters around the genitals, rectum or mouth that can burst into sores and last a week or more and can be painful.

3. How can I determine if it's a yeast infection or herpes?

The symptoms of a yeast infection include itching, redness, swelling, thick, white discharge, and sometimes small skin cracks. With a first-outbreak herpes infection, she is more likely to experience painful blisters or ulcers, as well as to experience flu-like symptoms and swollen lymph nodes before the onset of any blisters or ulcers. Conditions can overlap in the presentation, and, as such, it is best to test in the case of blisters or open sores.

4. Do cuts or sores result from scratching a yeast infection?

Yes. Excessive scratching can lead to broken skin which can result in small cuts, raw patches or painful cracks. Severe vulvovaginal candidiasis is described by the CDC as a condition in which there is redness, swelling, excoriation, and fissure formation, all of which are representative of the amount of damage which scratching and severe inflammation can cause to skin.

5. Do Monistat or antifungal cream make the sores worse?

It can occur in certain instances. Sometimes after a single dose the drug can cause a burning sensation or local irritation. CDC reports that topical antifungal medications can cause burning or itching in some people. Stop use and ask a health care professional if pain, swelling, rash, blisters or sores get worse after starting treatment.

6. Do I need testing if I have sores in addition to the symptoms of a yeast infection?

Yes, especially if it is sore, painful, blistering, spreading or not like what you've had before. According to the CDC, doctors can perform a test by taking a swab from an active sore, or if sores aren't visible, there's the option of blood tests.

7. What is the healing time of yeast infection sores?

The skin cracks or raw spots may start to heal as the yeast infection clears up and inflammation subsides. The amount of skin damage and the early treatment that is provided will determine the healing time. If the area does not improve, if it keeps opening up again or if it starts to hurt even more, it should be seen by a health care professional.

8) Do frequent yeast infections cause frequent sores?

Yes. Chronic inflammation, itching and scratching can cause the skin to become increasingly brittle and to crack. Recurrent vulvovaginal candidiasis is defined as having three or more recurrences in a 12-month period, and may need longer or maintenance therapy.

9. Will a partner cause repeat yeast infections?

Sex and yeast infections: Well, there's a complicated relationship. Yeast infections are not considered to be classic sexually transmitted infections, but sex, antibiotics, hygiene products, condoms, or lubricants may contribute to the irritation. CDC currently do not have enough information to recommend routine treatment of sexual partners in complicated vulvovaginal candidiasis.

10. When do I need to see a doctor for my yeast infection?

Sores that are open, blister-like, bleeding, or very painful; fever, swollen glands, unusual discharge that smells; being pregnant, breastfeeding, or having an impaired immune system; and failure of symptoms to improve with treatment are all causes for concern. The NHS recommends getting medical advice at the first episode; if infections are continual; if treatment does not help; and if the above applies.