What Is A Yeast Infection Under Your Breast
A yeast infection under your breast is a fungal skin infection called candidiasis. A yeast called Candida causes candidiasis. Many types of yeast naturally live on your skin. In healthy people, this usually doesnt cause any issues. But when theres an overgrowth of Candida, the yeast can penetrate the surface of your skin, causing an infection.
Candidiasis can develop almost anywhere on the surface of your body. But its most frequently found in moist, warm areas of your skin, such as the skin folds under your breasts.
Prevention Of Fungal Skin Infections
You can reduce your risk of getting a fungal skin infection by taking some simple precautions.
- Dry your skin well after washing especially in skin folds.
- Wash socks, clothes and bed linen regularly to remove any fungi.
- Dont walk barefoot in communal areas such as showers, saunas and swimming pools.
- Wear loose-fitting clothes made of cotton or a breathable material thats designed to keep moisture away from your skin.
- Dont share towels, hairbrushes or combs.
- Alternate your shoes every two or three days to give them time to dry out.
- If you have diabetes, keep your blood sugar under control.
- If someone in your family has scalp ringworm, wash bedding, hats, combs and hair accessories in bleach diluted with water.
- If you suspect that your pet has ringworm, take them to the vet.
What If I Keep Getting Yeast Infections
A yeast infection is considered to be chronic if you get one four or more times within one year. The same things that can contribute to normal yeast infections can also cause them to be chronic – taking regular medications, hormone therapy or pregnancy, or having a condition that affects your immune system.
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Possible Complications Of A Yeast Infection While Pregnant
If you have a vaginal yeast infection when you give birth, the baby can catch it. When the baby passes through the birth canal, it comes into contact with all the yeast fungi.
You can usually see symptoms of an oral yeast infection in infants by looking in their mouth. White, pillowy sores can be found on the tongue and inside the cheeks of infants infected with yeast fungi, also known as oral thrush.
This can cause issues, especially if the infant is breastfed. Oral thrush can cause your baby to resist feeding due to pain in the mouth. They can also spread it to the mother, causing extreme discomfort and pain in the nipples and breasts.
While uncomplicated oral thrush in infants is relatively common and easy to treat, it can be difficult to totally eliminate the fungus. Thatâs because the mother and infant can reinfect each other if one still carries the fungus, even after taking medication.
Diagnosing Skin Yeast Infections
The best way to go is to take a skin scraping or biopsy and look at it under a microscope for the presence of hyphae. Care must be taken to not cut the skin when the sample is taken. To do so leaves the patient susceptible to the yeast entering the blood stream, which can result in death.Many, but not all, of the dermatophytes are fluorescent. So if you run an ultraviolet light over the infection and it glows, it’s a dermatophyte fungi. However not all of these types of fungi glow under ultraviolet light so this is not a very accurate test.Cultures can also be taken and grown in a petri dish, then the growth can be examined microscopically for hyphae. Although this method is very accurate, it can quite often take one to three weeks for a large enough sample to grow.
Dr. Shalaka Samant, PhD says…
5. Skin Immunity to Candida albicans. Trends Immunol. Author manuscript available in PMC 2017 Jul 1. Published online 2016 May 10. doi: 10.1016/j.it.2016.04.0076. A Clinicians Guide to the Diagnosis and Treatment of Candidiasis in Patients with Psoriasis. Am J Clin Dermatol. 2016 17: 329336. Published online 2016 Jul 19. doi: 10.1007/s40257-016-0206-4
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What Causes Yeast Infection
Yeast infections are caused by a fungus called Candida albicans. Most people have a small amount of candida on or in the body, but when it grows out of control it can develop into an infection.
Risk factors for developing a yeast infection include:
- A weakened immune system, such as from HIV or cancer treatment or other causes
- Obesity, especially in people who have large skin rolls where fungi can thrive
What Medications Treat A Yeast Infection Skin Rash
Medications used to treat yeast infections generally fall into two main categories.
- Azole medications are a family of antifungal drugs that end in the suffix “-azole.” They block the manufacture of ergosterol, a crucial material of the yeast cell wall. Without ergosterol, the yeast cell wall becomes leaky and the yeast die. Because ergosterol is not a component of human membranes, azoles do not harm human cells.
- Polyene antifungal medications include nystatin and amphotericin B. Nystatin is used for thrush and superficial candidal infections. Doctors reserve amphotericin B for more serious systemic fungal infections. The antifungals work by attaching to the yeast cell wall building material, ergosterol. These medications then form artificial holes in the yeast wall that cause the yeast to leak and die.
Oral antifungal agents may be used for a variety of skin or vaginal infections.
Naftifine is a 2% gel is used to treat fungal skin infections the respond poorly to other antifungals other antifungal agents are being actively researched.
Vaginal creams, ointments, and suppositories include butoconazole , clotrimazole , miconazole , terconazole , and tioconazole .
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Other Advice For Oral Thrush
- Always wash your hands well before and after touching your childs mouth or things that have touched their mouth. This is so you do not pass the infection to others.
- Be sure your child drinks plenty of liquids so that they do not get dehydrated .
- Sterilize baby bottle nipples after each use. Do this by placing the nipples in boiling water for 10 minutes. Let the nipples cool before using them.
- Limit breastfeeding and bottle feeding to 20 minutes. Sucking for a long time can increase irritation.
- If your baby uses a pacifier:
- Let them use it only when they cannot be calmed in any other way.
- Buy several extras that can be sterilized between uses. Sterilize pacifiers the same way as the bottle nipples.
- Do not put your childs pacifier in your mouth or let other children do this.
- Do not share bottles, cups, or toys that your child has used with others.
- If you are breastfeeding:
- Clean each breast with water and air-dry after each feeding.
- If your breasts show any signs of infection, such as soreness or redness, call your health care provider. You may need to be treated at the same time.
- If using human breast milk from a pump, all pump parts need to be sterilized.
How To Get Rid Of A Yeast Infection
How to get rid of a yeast infection.
If youre a woman, youve got a pretty good chance of experiencing a yeast infection at some point in your lifetime. Vaginal yeast infection, or candidiasis, is a very common condition and can cause skin rashes, itchiness and irritation, and strange-looking discharges. It can be an embarrassing and uncomfortable condition to have, but luckily, its very treatable and typically goes away in just a few days with medications. Knowing the symptoms and what to look for are important to be able to diagnose and treat them quickly. Below are answers to some common questions about yeast infections.
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What Causes A Yeast Infection Under Your Breasts
A yeast called Candida causes yeast infections under your breasts. Candida grows and thrives in moist, warm environments. When moisture is trapped, it can cause the surface of your skin to stick together in your skin folds. The moisture makes it easier for your skin to rub together, which can lead to a skin condition called intertrigo. Intertrigo allows Candida to overgrow, causing a yeast infection.
Conditions and other factors that can cause intertrigo or lead to yeast infections under your breasts include:
- Overweight or have obesity.
- Taking antibiotics. Antibiotics kill bacteria that normally live in or on your body.
Yeast infections are also more common in people with weakened immune systems. This may be due to conditions such as diabetes. Or it may be from the use of medications that suppress your immune system.
What Is A Yeast Infection On The Face
A yeast infection on your face is a type of skin infection called cutaneous candidiasis. Candidiasis is a fungal infection caused by a yeast called Candida. Yeast is a type of fungus.
Your skin has many kinds of yeast that live on it, including Candida. In healthy people, this usually doesnt cause any problems. But when theres an overgrowth of Candida, it can dig underneath the surface of your skin. This can cause a rash or skin infection. Cutaneous candidiasis can happen almost anywhere on the surface of your skin, including your face.
A yeast infection on your lips is a type of oral candidiasis. Oral candidiasis is also called oral thrush. Oral thrush occurs when theres an overgrowth of Candida in your mouth. It can also affect your lips.
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Natural Remedies For Fungal Skin Infections
When it comes to fungal skin infections, were always on the lookout for more treatments and solutions. Thats why today, Im going to be taking a look at a few of my favourite natural remedies to help ease the symptoms of a fungal skin infection and how you can implement them from the comfort of your own home.
Felicity Mann
Can A Yeast Infection Be Prevented
You can prevent some yeast infections by doing these things:
- Use good oral hygiene to help prevent yeast infection in your mouth . This includes brushing and flossing your teeth every day and using mouthwash as needed.
- Wear cotton underwear to help to prevent a vaginal or genital yeast infection. If you are a woman and get vaginal yeast infections often, you may want to take probiotics.
- Keep areas where skin rubs up against skin dry and try to reduce friction.
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Wash With Soap And Water
Clean the affected area with soap and water twice daily before you apply any home remedies or any other medication. This will control the spread of infection. While soap and water may not always be able to eliminate a fungal infection entirely, it helps to keep the spread down and lower the intensity of the infection.
What Causes Fungal Skin Infections
We know that yeast thrives in hot, humid environments, and infections can happen if your pets immune system is compromised or if they are taking strong immunosuppressive drugs. An increase in the amount of oils produced on the skin, or excess skin oils, can cause the condition.
Other yeast-like organisms or fungi may invade the circulation system and cause issues in your dogs organs. These more serious fungi can include histoplasmosis, cryptococcus and Valley Fever, among others.
Fortunately, fungal dermatitis is not contagious, but can recur unless the underlying skin condition or allergy is controlled with medication.
As for which breeds are predisposed to yeast infections, be on guard if youve got a Cocker Spaniel, Shetland Sheepdog, Dachshund, Basset Hound, West Highland White Terrier, Silky Terrier, Maltese Terrier, Australian Terrier, Poodle, or Lhasa Apso.
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Are There Home Remedies For A Yeast Infection Skin Rash
Most candidal infections can be treated at home with over-the-counter or prescription medication and can clear up within a week. If some other disease has weakened a person’s immune system, the person should consult a doctor about new symptoms before attempting self-treatment because of the risk of infection.
When using a nonprescription vaginal medicine for a vaginal yeast infection, follow the directions on the package insert. In addition, symptoms and signs may also be eased with some home remedies.
- Vaginal yeast infections
- Most women can treat vaginal yeast infections at home with nonprescription vaginal creams or suppositories.
- Eat a balanced diet. Foods with Lactobacillus organisms, such as yogurt or acidophilus milk, may help maintain healthy vaginal pH.
- Use pads instead of tampons while using nonprescription vaginal medicines.
- Avoid using soap when cleaning the vaginal area and rinse with water only.
- If sexual intercourse is painful, avoid it. Otherwise, use a water-soluble lubricating jelly to reduce irritation.
- If the genital area is swollen or painful, sit in warm water or use a cool, damp cloth on the area.
How Do I 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:
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What Is The Prognosis For Treating Fungal Dermatitis
Yeast infections can generally be treated long-term and you may see less itching within a week of starting the prescribed treatment.
If your dog has an underlying issue such as a compromised immune system or allergy, how well these conditions can be treated and controlled will determine the outcome. Some dogs will experience secondary yeast or bacterial skin infections along with severe skin allergies – sometimes two to three times each year.
If this is the case, your veterinarian can develop a custom treatment plan for your dog to help manage the condition.
What Are The Signs And Symptoms Of A Skin Yeast Infection
Signs and symptoms will depend on the type of yeast causing the infection, and where the infection is located.
- Red, scaly skin
- Changes in skin color, especially a beefy red color
- Itching, dry skin
- Painful, cracking skin at the corners of your mouth
- Thick, discolored, chipping nails
- Skin lesions that may be red or purple and round
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How Is A Yeast Infection Under Your Breasts Treated
Treatment for a yeast infection under your breasts may include an antifungal medication. Your healthcare provider may recommend an antifungal cream, ointment or other solution. You can buy many antifungal creams over-the-counter. Your healthcare provider may prescribe a stronger antifungal option if necessary. You can apply antifungals directly onto the infected area of your skin. Topical antifungal medications include:
In some cases, your healthcare provider may recommend an antifungal medication taken by mouth. This includes medications such as fluconazole. They may also recommend a steroid cream to help relieve your symptoms.
Its important to keep the area under your breasts clean and dry to help get rid of a yeast infection. This can also help prevent yeast infections from returning in the future. Exposing the area under your breasts to air may help. Drying powders may also help dry out your skin and prevent future yeast infections.
What Can I Do To Prevent A 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
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Identifying A Yeast Infection