The
yeast, Candida albicans, is an opportunistic pathogen
which causes various infections ranging from
superficial, such as thrush, to systemic and potentially
life-threatening. Being a constituent of the normal
flora of the skin and mucous membranes, Candida can often
cause skin infection.
In
principle, Candida can cause infection anywhere but it
favors 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 can 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 favor yeast growth. A weak
immune system is also unable to fight Candida
overgrowth.
Candida caused skin infection can be brought under control with anti-fungal medications like topical creams. But the infection may recur if a favorable 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.
