Candida Skin Infection (Adult)

Candida is a type of yeast that thrives in places that are warm and moist. It grows naturally on the skin and in the mouth. If it grows out of control, it can cause an infection. Candida can cause infections in the genital area, in skin folds, in the mouth, and under the breasts.

Anyone can get this infection. But it's more common in infants and older adults. It's also more common in a person with a weak immune system because of diabetes, HIV/AIDS, or cancer. And it’s more common in people who have been on antibiotics, corticosteroids, or cancer therapy. Other risk factors may include:

• Being overweight.

• Having incontinence (leaking urine).

• Wearing tight-fitting clothing.

• Using splints, braces, or artificial limbs.

• Doing activities with lots of skin-to-skin contact.

Candida causes the skin to become bright red and inflamed. The border of the infected part of the skin is often raised. The infection causes pain and itching. Sometimes the skin peels and bleeds.

In the mouth, candida is called thrush. It may cause white thickened areas on the tongue, roof of the mouth, and inner sides of cheeks.

A candida rash is most often treated with an antifungal cream, gel, or powder. The rash will clear a few days after starting the medicine. Infections that don’t go away may need a prescription medicine. In rare cases, a bacterial infection can also occur.