Cutaneous candidiasis or the yeast infection to the skin commonly affects the bodily and facial skin when the immune system is weakened, since in normal condition, the causative fungus—Candida albicans are residing harmlessly all over the body. Besides the weakened immune system, the abnormal growth of this fungus might be affected by the use of antibiotics that change the nature of flora inside the body. In most cases, candidiasis is not harmful for the entire health, but when left untreated properly, it may spread to some body parts, as a result of continuous growth of the causative fungus.

Treatment for cutaneous candidiasis

Based on the causative agents, there are some general types of candidiasis. Those are oral candidiasis, which is also referred as thrush, which affects moist surfaces around the mouth, such as the lips, inside the cheeks, and the tongue; cutaneous candidiasis, which affects body parts which are moist and warm, such as under the breasts, the buttocks, and armpits; and vaginal yeast infection, which affects women’s genital and the area surrounding it.

Most commonly, cutaneous candidiasis is suffered by people with poor hygiene practice, such as infrequent undergarments and panty liners changes. This skin problem, which causes itching and burning may also affect infants with diaper allergies or infrequent diaper changes. If left untreated, the fungi are going to keep growing, causing larger infected areas and might end up in unwanted itching and discharge. Patients suffering from cutaneous candidiasis should undergo these possible treatments:

• Infants candida diaper rash

Diaper rash is a common skin disorder undergone by infants and toddlers wearing either manufactured or traditional cloth diapers. This might cause discomfort because babies are suffering from itching and burning sensation due to the uncontrolled fungus growth. To minimize the resulted effect of candida diaper dermatitis, several treatments are:

• Change the diaper frequently or whenever it gets wet. Reducing the amount of time the diaper is exposed to a moist or humid environment will be beneficial in cutting down the fungus growth.
• Several times a day, air dry the infant’s buttocks. Make sure they are fully dried before you put on another diaper.
• Apply baby powder to the buttocks before putting on a diaper. This will help reducing the humidity and absorbing baby sweat which may promote moist environment.
• If you find some buttocks areas which are affected by diaper dermatitis, apply baby zinc-containing ointment after bathing the baby. This will ease the effects, including the rashes, itching, and burning sensation.

• Oral candidiasis

Oral candidiasis is commonly related to the hygiene of the mouth. Hence, it is important to improve this hygiene to eliminate the causative fungus.

• Brush the teeth and tongue with soft-bristled toothbrush in the morning and night before bed. Make sure you brush the teeth thoroughly and use dental floss whenever needed.
• If using dentures, take it off before sleeping, as it may be the place for candidiasis-inducing fungi to grow.
• Apply antifungal oral ointment onto the affected areas around the mouth and lips.
• To help with itching, warm compress can be applied onto the rashes.

• Vaginal candidiasis

  • To ease the itching and burning sensation, apply warm compress onto the affected area.
  • Do not apply any antifungal ointment onto the affected area without discussing it with a doctor, since the affected vagina and vulva are delicate and sensitive.
  • Keep your undergarments dry and clean, and wipe the vagina and dry it after peeing. If you are using panty liners, make sure you change it often, so that it doesn’t become a place for fungus growth.

General candidiasis prevention

Although harmless, candidiasis breakout may give complicated problems. To avoid this, it is important to perform preventive actions, such as:

• Keeping your blood sugar low if you are suffering from diabetes. High blood sugar level may weaken your immune system, causing the fungus to overgrow.
• Perform proper hygiene practices. It is important to keep your body, especially the moist and humid areas clean and dry to prevent fungus from growing.
• Improve your diet intakes. Nutritious foods will strengthen your immune system, inhibiting candida fungus from overgrowing and causing candidiasis breakouts.