Candida Skin Problems
Candida is a type of yeast fungus that lives in the colon, digestive tract, mouth and skin. Often, an overgrowth of candida in the intestines can cause candida to overproduce elsewhere in the body. Warm and moist conditions also can disturb the candida balance. Candidal skin conditions can be both unsightly and bothersome.
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Jock Itch
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Jock itch can be common with boys and men, but women also can get it. Dampness and moisture from clothes often spurs this candidal skin condition. People using too many antibiotics and corticosteroids also can have problems with jock itch. Diabetics get jock itch because their saliva, urine and system have high glucose levels, which feeds the yeast. Jock itch usually appears in the creases of the groin and inside the upper thighs, but it can spread to the buttocks and abdomen. It usually appears as a reddish-brown, scaly rash that sometimes festers and has blisters at the edges.
Athlete's Foot
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Athlete's foot (tinea pedis), caused by candida overgrowth or warm and moist conditions, produces scaling, flaking and itching between and on the top and bottom of the toes, and on the bottom of the feet. You also might get cracked skin and blisters. People can pick it up around public showers and from wearing wet or sweaty socks too long. It is usually treated with antifungal creams, although oral medications may be needed for severe cases.
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Ringworm
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Ringworm is a candidal fungus that appears as an itchy, ring-shaped rash in the skin folds of the groin as well as on the thighs and buttocks. It also can appear on the scalp and hands. Adults and children often get it around swimming pools and from wet, damp clothing. It also can be spread from towels and by touching a cat or dog with the condition. If left untreated, ringworm-infected areas can blister and create pustules. Ringworm can be treated with antifungal creams or oral medications.
Diaper Rash
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Diaper rash normally appears in bright red splotches or pimpled bumps on a baby's bottom, groin area, inner thighs or lower abdomen. Most cases occur because of skin irritations caused by wet or tight-fitting diapers. It also can be caused by soaps or perfumed baby wipes. Women who breastfeed their babies can spread it to them as well, especially if the mother has been taking antibiotics, which can contribute to candida overgrowth. Prevent diaper rash by checking a baby's diapers often and by using Vaseline or zinc oxide products to protect the affected areas from moisture.
Candidal Balinitis
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Candidal balinitis appears on the shaft and head of a man's penis, or under the foreskin (for those who are uncircumcised). It usually has a dry, glazy appearance with white papules and grayish-white deposits. Topical medications are used to treat this condition. However, if a yeast infection is suspected, doctors usually will prescribe the oral antifungal fluconazole.
Intertrigo
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Intertrigo is similar to diaper rash in babies but also can appear under the arm, under the chin and in the areas where the skin folds. It can affect adults and children. It usually appears as bright red patches and often is spurred by warm moisture. Obese people are prone to this condition in the folds of their skin.
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References
Resources
- Photo Credit Wikipedia
