When we think about yeast infections, the first thing that comes to mind is usually a vaginal yeast infection. It turns out there are many different kinds of yeast infections that occur on the skin! Today we will talk about the different types, how to identify them and what to do about them.
What is a yeast infection?
Starting with the obvious, yeast is an organism that we popularly know as the agent assisting with bread making! It is a single-celled organism that exists on our skin too! The most common type of yeast is known as candida albicans. Having it on your skin is expected; however, it is when it overgrows that an infection occurs. Infections usually pop up in parts of the body with less ventilation, where the skin tends to rub against each other such as skin folds.
What can cause a yeast infection?
Yeast flourishes in warm and moist areas. This means that the parts of our body that tend to retain a lot of moisture are most likely to get a yeast infection. Tight clothes that don’t allow decent ventilation help the yeast to overgrow. Apart from this, certain medications and health problems like diabetes and obesity can also increase the chances of infection due to a weakened immune system.
How to identify a yeast skin infection?
If you have itching, irritation, red patches, or burning in certain parts of your skin, you may have a yeast infection. If you have any of these, you should immediately consult a doctor or a dermatologist and get it checked. Doctors might do a culture test to ensure that it is a yeast infection before giving you the required medication. Don’t try to treat this at home.
What will happen if you don’t treat your yeast infection?
Without treatment, your infection will only get worse and could spread to other parts of your body. It can turn into a deep-seated infection and sometimes even penetrate your blood, bones and organs. When this happens, it is known as invasive candidiasis. It could ultimately get quite severe, so always seek treatment immediately.
Different ways and places in which a yeast infection can manifest.
Yeast infections manifest in different ways and different parts of the body. This can vary according to gender, age and immunity. Let’s have a look at some common types of yeast manifestations.
Thrush
This is a candida infection that is usually seen in the mouth and throat. White patches inside your mouth are usually seen if you have this infection. Thrush is caused most often due to a low immune system.
Intertrigo
This type of infection appears on the skin that folds against other skin—for example, the navel, groin, underarms and under the breasts or even between the legs.
Candidal rash
Due to the moisture of wet diapers, a candidal rash is widespread in infants. To avoid this, you can use cotton nappies and use baby powder to keep the area dry.
How to treat and prevent a yeast infection.
There are many things you can do to help with a candida infection. Here are some –
1. Always keep the area of the infection dry and clean. This is highly recommended when it comes to vaginal yeast infections.
2. Maintain the best hygiene standards and make sure the area is well ventilated.
3. Depending on the severity of the infection, your doctor may prescribe a topical cream or ointment to treat it. In some cases, you might need to have an oral anti-fungal medicine as well.
4. Moisture absorbent and anti-fungal powders can also be helpful.
5. If you have diabetes, then you are more prone to getting yeast infections. It might therefore help to keep your blood sugar levels in check.
6. People who are obese or overweight can also have issues with yeast infections often. In this case, losing some weight might help the situation.
7. Wear loose clothing and cotton underwear if you have a vaginal infection.
What are the commonly used medications that are prescribed to treat yeast infections?
Your doctor could prescribe a cream or ointment containing miconazole or clotrimazole. However, do not treat yourself at home as sometimes what you think is a yeast infection might not be. Only a doctor can tell you for sure and prescribe you the appropriate medication. Do not use over the counter antifungal creams without checking with your doctor first. They may actually cause you more harm than good.
The silver lining
A yeast infection left untreated can be pretty harmful; however, it is not too much of a hassle if treated. As long as you take the proper precautions and visit a doctor, you can manage it well.
Disclaimer
The natural remedies mentioned in the blog are the widely popular ones. It is in no way a substitute for medical advice, treatment or diagnosis. Avoid using these if you have sensitive skin or are prone to allergies.
Before trying any natural remedy, always test a small quantity on your skin to check for any adverse reactions or allergy to any particular ingredient. In case of emergency or any reaction, immediately connect with a doctor who can offer the proper treatment.
FAQ’s
1. How long does a yeast infection last?
Usually, a yeast infection, if treated well, lasts from a few days to a week. However, if left untreated or a more severe condition can take several weeks to go away.
2. Will a skin yeast infection go away on its own?
Sometimes an infection can go away on its own. But, this is not very common. It is best not to wait too long before getting treatment.
3. What does a yeast infection on the skin look like?
A yeast infection’s visual appearance can differ according to its location. It can look like a rash, scaly, inflamed or a red patch.
4. What kills yeast on the skin naturally?
There are some natural remedies out there that you can use for a mild yeast infection. However, we have not tried and tested these. Make sure you are not allergic to any of the ingredients before using any of them.
