Skin Yeast Infection
Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on Apr 2, 2024.
Yeast is normally present on the skin. Infection happens when you have too much yeast, or when it gets into a cut on your skin. Certain types of mold and fungus can cause a yeast infection. A skin yeast infection can appear anywhere on your skin or nail beds. Skin yeast infections are usually found on warm, moist parts of the body. Examples include between skin folds or under the breasts.
DISCHARGE INSTRUCTIONS:
Return to the emergency department if:
- You have signs of infection, such as pus, warmth or red streaks coming from the wound, or a fever.
Call your doctor if:
- Your symptoms worsen or do not get better within 7 to 10 days.
- You have new or returning signs of a skin yeast infection after treatment.
- You have questions or concerns about your condition or care.
Medicines:
- Antifungal medicine may be given as a cream, ointment, or pill.
- Take your medicine as directed. Contact your healthcare provider if you think your medicine is not helping or if you have side effects. Tell your provider if you are allergic to any medicine. Keep a list of the medicines, vitamins, and herbs you take. Include the amounts, and when and why you take them. Bring the list or the pill bottles to follow-up visits. Carry your medicine list with you in case of an emergency.
Care for the skin near the infection:
You may only have discolored patches of skin, or areas that are dry and flaking. Care for these skin problems as directed by your healthcare provider. If you have painful skin or an open sore, you will need to protect the skin and prevent damage. You will also need to keep the skin dry as much as possible. Ask your healthcare provider how to care for your skin while the infection clears. The following are general guidelines for caring for painful or open skin:
- Keep the skin clean. Ask your healthcare provider if you should wash with mild soap and water. Do not use soap that contains alcohol. Alcohol can dry and irritate the skin and make symptoms worse. Your baby's healthcare provider may tell you to use diaper cream or ointment when you change his or her diaper. This will protect the skin and prevent moisture from collecting.
- Keep the skin dry. Pat the area dry with a towel. Do not rub, because this may irritate the skin. If you have a skin yeast infection between skin folds, lift the top part gently and hold it while you dry between your skin folds. Always dry your feet completely after you swim or bathe, including between your toes. Dry your skin if you are sweating from exercise or exposure to heat. Use a clean towel each time to prevent spreading or continuing the infection.
- Keep the skin protected. Ask your healthcare provider if you should cover the area with a bandage or leave it open. Check your skin each day to make sure you do not have new or worsening problems. You may need to have someone check the skin if you cannot see the area easily.
Prevent another skin yeast infection:
- Do not share clothing or towels
- Wear shower shoes if you need to use a public shower
- Dry your feet completely after you bathe, and apply antifungal powder or cream as directed
- Put on socks before you get dressed so you do not spread fungus from your feet
- Wear light clothing that allows air to get to your skin
- Manage your weight to prevent skin folds where yeast can collect
- Manage diabetes
- Use antibiotics correctly to prevent antibiotic resistance
- Change your baby's diaper often, and keep the area clean and dry as much as possible
- Use a diaper cream or ointment that contains zinc oxide or dimethicone on your baby's diaper area as directed
Follow up with your doctor as directed:
Write down your questions so you remember to ask them during your visits.
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The above information is an educational aid only. It is not intended as medical advice for individual conditions or treatments. Talk to your doctor, nurse or pharmacist before following any medical regimen to see if it is safe and effective for you.
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