The yeast,
Candida albicans, is an opportunistic pathogen
which causes various infections ranging from superficial
such as thrush to systemic and potentially
life-threatening. The yeast is a constituent of the
normal flora of the skin and mucous membranes and is the
cause of by far the most common skin infection by
yeast.
In
principle, Candida can cause infection anywhere but it
favours moist and dark places of the human body. Hence,
the typical areas of skin infection are the lining of
the mouth, skin between fingers and toes, genital area,
vagina, armpits, skin under the breasts in females, and
skin folds of the stomach particularly in obese people.
Though Candida skin infection is not a very
serious disease, it may be a sign of some underlying
disorder such as diabetes. Chronic use of antibiotics,
steroids, hormonal imbalances, may also cause Candida
overgrowth. Patients with a compromised immune system
due to HIV, cancer, chemotherapy, etc. are particularly
vulnerable to Candidiasis.
The skin
acts as a barrier to most pathogens. But cuts and
bruises may cause the opportunistic pathogens like
Candida to penetrate the skin and cause infections. Most
of these skin infections are superficial and rapidly
respond to treatment. As the Candida can cause infection
in patients with other skin problems or some other
debilitating disease like diabetes or AIDS, or other
conditions where the immune system is compromised a high
standard of personal hygiene and good general health are
vital in preventing Candida
infections.
Superficial
Candida skin infections appear as red rash with sharp,
scalloped edges. These rashes cause itching and pain.
Babies with nappy rash, patients with metabolic
disorders like diabetes, obese people, pregnant women
and those on high dose oral contraceptive pills, people
with suppressed immune systems are at high risk of
Candida skin infections. Diabetics have a high level of
glucose in all their body secretions and glucose feeds
yeast, so generally a recurring yeast skin infection may
be the first sign of undiagnosed diabetes mellitus.
Hormonal imbalances also favour yeast growth. A weak
immune system is also unable to fight Candida
overgrowth.
The Candida skin infection may be brought under control with anti-fungal medications like topical creams. But the infection may recur if a favourable environment is created again. With strict personal hygiene, keeping weight under check, regulation of blood sugar, a low-carbohydrate diet, total elimination of sugar, stress control, regular exercise, use of probiotics, and other life-style changes it is possible to keep Candida skin infections at bay. This holistic approach will help prevent not only Candida but also other diseases.
