Skin yeast infection is called candidiasis. It is common in moist, warm body areas, such as underarms, under the breast, and diaper areas. According to Merck.com, poor hygiene, hot weather and restrictive clothing increase the risk for candidiasis. It is common during pregnancy, after menopause and in obese people. Ringworm, dandruff and athlete's foot are all examples of common skin yeast infections. The University of Maryland states that most of the skin yeast infections are superficial and can be cured with antifungal medication and creams that reduce itching and inflammation. Most treatments last from a couple of days to two weeks.
Fungi
Typically, skin yeast infection results from a transmission of an infectious disease. Some of these infections are contagious and spread between people, while others are infectious and are transmitted by a pathogenic organism. According to Merck.com, Candida group consists of approximately 150 yeast species. The majority of skin yeast infections are caused by Candida albicans. Other species that can cause this infection include Candida tropicalis, Candida glabrata, Candida krusei, and Candida dubliniensis.
Medication
Antibiotic use is among the most common reason for yeast skin infections. Such medicines kill the normal bacteria that typically keep the yeast grow under control. This result in the yeast organism overgrows. Corticosteroids or immunosuppressive therapy following organ transplantation can also increase the risk for skin yeast infections. Some birth control pills can also cause yeast overgrowth.
Weakened Immune System
A healthy person can fight a yeast infection more easily than a person with weakened immune system, says WrongDiagnosis.com. Such underlying diseases as leukemia or HIV make it easier for the yeast to grow. According to the University of Maryland, 90 percent of HIV patients develop yeast infections. Candidiasis is typically more serious in patients with weakened immune systems than in healthy people. The skin yeast infection can also reoccur easily in such patient groups. It is even possible for the candidiasis to be life threatening.
Elevated Sugar Levels
People with diabetes are at a heightened risk to develop skin yeast infections due to their elevated sugar levels. Sugar provides food for yeast and enables the yeast overgrowth. Moreover, candidiasis is common in people with diabetes, because their ability to fight infections is impaired.
