Yeast infections can impact nearly any part of the body. This type of fungus exists naturally throughout the body, including in the hair, nails, genitals and mouth. When the yeast is allowed to overproduce, the result is an infection, or yeast overgrowth. The National Institutes of Health describes the symptoms of yeast infection to be itching, red bumps on the skin, pimple-like bumps and inflamed skin. Treatment consists of oral antifungal pills or topical antifungal creams.
Diapers
Candida, a type of yeast, is the most common cause of diaper rash in infants, according to the National Institutes of Health. The warmth and wetness inside the diaper make up the perfect environment for yeast to thrive. Keeping an infant in clean and dry diapers can reduce the risk of a yeast overgrowth.
Moisture
Nearly any part of the body that is warm and moist is susceptible to an overgrowth of yeast. Common locations include the armpits and groin. Vaginal yeast infections are commonly caused by an overabundance of moisture, stress, douching, vaginal intercourse, blood, semen and hormonal changes, explains the American Pregnancy Association. Obese individuals are highly susceptible to this type of infection due to having many warm and moist crevices in the skin. Showering after sweating, drying off completely, wearing clean clothing and using body drying agents can limit the production of yeast.
Diabetes
DrGreene.com points out that frequent yeast infections in children and infants can be a symptom of diabetes. Yeast thrives on sugar, which is available in abundance in the blood of individuals with diabetes. Diabetic women are especially susceptible to vaginal yeast infections, because the normal genital secretions contain more sugars.
Antibiotics
Antibiotics are used to fight off unwanted bacteria, but the medication does not differentiate between health and unhealthy bacteria. This means that healthy bacteria that normally keep yeast levels under control are killed off by the antibiotic. KidsHealth.org explains that with reduced levels of the healthy bacteria, yeast can grow in abundance.
