Symptoms, Causes, and Treatments
A skin yeast infection is one of the most common sources of skin rashes, especially in parts of the body that are typically warm and moist.
This article deals with skin yeast infections in specific. I'll also link to other articles where you can find out more information on topics such as prevention, treatments and cures, and yeast infection causes.
As you probably know, yeast is a fungus. It's very normal for your body to have yeast on it and in it. That yeast is a part of your immune system, part of your digestive system, and it's normally balanced in good harmony. You never notice it, until you have an overgrowth.
The varieties of yeast that usually grow into an infection are mostly the members 
of the Candida family of fungus. Candidiasis is the medical name for a yeast infection.
What Causes Skin Yeast Infections?
Candidiasis has many different causes. Some causes are common to all forms of yeast infection, others are specific to a certain site of yeast overgrowth. Speaking generally, they basically all have to do with a weakened or off-balance immune system.
The most common causes are long-term stress, long-term diet problems, and the number one cause of any yeast infection, over-use of certain medications, especially antibiotics. Read more about general yeast infection causes.
For skin yeast infections, anywhere that the skin folds onto itself is a potential problem site. This includes the undersides of the breasts, the armpits, the genitals and feet, even underneath the fingernails. Obese people can get skin yeast infections under the abdomen, babies commonly get diaper rash, and adults can get it as a result of lapses in hygiene.
Some other causes include tight or synthetic clothes, or anything that traps sweat for long periods of time.
Symptoms of Skin Yeast Infections
The area of a yeast infection on the skin will look reddish or brownish. The skin will often harden or become crusty, and there may be seepage or cracking. Folds in the skin will become stuck together and hurt when separated, and will often store liquid. The rash will generally burn, itch, and hurt. There may be small sores or clusters of "rash spots" surrounding the main site of infection.
Aside from the symptoms of the infected area, the rest of the body can also suffer symptoms during a skin yeast infection. This is because the skin problems you see, are usually being caused by internal problems you won't see. The other symptoms might include any or all of the following:
- Depression, mood swings, or other emotional symptoms
- Heart burn, indigestion, and other digestive trouble
- Recurring diarrhea
- Food allergies
- Bloating
- Bad breath
- Blurred vision
- Fatigue
In other words, a simple skin cream is no longer believed to be the "end all, be all" treatment for skin yeast infections. The fact that these other symptoms come along for the ride, makes it clear that other whole-body yeast infection treatments must be considered as well. Otherwise, you might clear up the skin rash, but allow a serious internal problem to get worse.
Learn more about yeast infection medications, how to treat a yeast infection, yeast infection causes, and preventing yeast infections.
