Can you get yeast infection rash all over your body?

While it is possible to develop a yeast infection rash that affects multiple body areas, it tends to grow in patches in warm, moist areas (e.g., armpit, groin, skin folds) rather than all over your body.

Are skin yeast infections contagious?

Yeast infections on the skin are generally not considered contagious, though people with weakened immune systems may contract the infection from other people. This is particularly true if there is close and prolonged contact through sharing personal items (e.g., towels).

What happens if a skin yeast infection goes untreated?

If a skin yeast infection goes untreated, the infection can worsen and spread to other areas on the skin or deeper into the tissue. In severe cases, untreated yeast infections may enter the bloodstream and lead to a severe infection (invasive candidiasis) that can affect your heart, brain, blood, and eyes.

How do you know if a yeast infection is serious?

A serious yeast infection on the skin can spread to other areas of the body and cause more severe symptoms, such as intense itching, cracked, bleeding skin, and increased pain and tenderness. Though rare, untreated skin yeast infections can enter the bloodstream and cause fever, chills, and body aches.

What Is a Yeast Infection on Skin (Cutaneous Candidiasis)?

By

Lindsay Curtis

Published on December 7, 2023

Medically reviewed by

Brendan Camp, MD

Symptoms

A yeast infection on the skin commonly affects warm, moist areas of the skin, such as skin folds, the groin area, between the fingers and toes, armpits, and under the breasts. In babies, it may appear on the buttocks or near the genitals (diaper rash). A Candida infection on your skin can cause a red, intensely itchy rash.

When Candida overgrowth leads to an infection, it may cause symptoms such as:

A red raised rash that may appear in patches
Small, pus-filled bumps or blisters along the edges of the rash
Intense itching
Burning sensation

What Causes a Yeast Infection on Your Skin?

Yeast infections on the skin are caused by an overgrowth of Candida, a type of yeast that naturally lives on the skin in small amounts without causing harm. Certain factors can create an environment that causes Candida to multiply uncontrollably, leading to a yeast infection on the skin. Common causes include:

Moisture and warmth: Candida thrives in warm, moist environments. Excessive sweating, wearing tight or non-breathable clothing, or living in humid climates can cause yeast to become overgrown.
Weakened immune system: A compromised immune system can make it harder for your body to control the growth of Candida, allowing it to multiply more rapidly. Your immune system may be weakened due to having a condition like diabetes or HIV/AIDS, or by taking immunosuppressive medication.
Antibiotics: Antibiotics are medications used to kill harmful bacteria. However, they can also kill "good" bacteria, disrupting the natural balance of microorganisms on your skin, including Candida, and lead to an overgrowth of yeast.
Hormonal changes: Fluctuations in hormone levels—such as those occurring during pregnancy or while taking hormonal medications—can alter your skin's environment and contribute to the growth of Candida.

Risk Factors

Yeast infections on the skin are common and can affect anyone, but certain factors can increase your risk, including:

Certain medical conditions (e.g., diabetes, psoriasis)
Hot, humid weather
Prolonged use of corticosteroids
Chemotherapy
Having obesity
Working in wet conditions
Poor hygiene
Wearing tight or damp clothing
Pregnancy
Infrequent undergarment changes or diaper changes

Diagnosing Cutaneous Candidiasis

To diagnose a yeast infection on the skin, your healthcare provider will begin by asking about your medical history and symptoms. They will perform a physical exam and closely examine your skin to look for the classic signs of a skin yeast infection (e.g., raised, bumpy, red rash).

They may gently scrape a small sample (called a "culture") of the affected skin and send it to the lab for testing to confirm the presence of yeast, determine which type of yeast is causing the infection, and rule out other potential causes.

This is a noninvasive, routine test with a relatively fast turnaround time (1-3 days), but can sometimes take a week or longer.

Treating a Yeast Infection on Your Skin

Treatment for a yeast infection on the skin involves eliminating the overgrowth of Candida and relieve symptoms like redness and itchy. Treatment approaches may vary depending on the severity of your infection. Common treatment options include topical and oral antifungal medications and lifestyle modifications.

Topical Antifungal Medications

Topical antifungal medications available over-the-counter (OTC) or by prescription are applied directly to the affected area. They are available in cream, ointment, gel, powder, and spray form and contain active ingredients such as naftifine, ketoconazole, or nystatin.

Oral Antifungal Medications

More severe or persistent yeast infections on the skin are often treated with oral antifungal medications. Your healthcare provider may prescribe fluconazole (brand names include Azocan, Diflucan, and Canesten) or clotrimazole (brand name is Lotrimin) in capsule form to control the overgrowth of Candida.

Lifestyle Modifications

Properly caring for the affected skin by keeping it clean and dry and avoiding irritants can promote healing and relieve symptoms of a yeast infection on the skin. Taking these simple steps can help ease discomfort and ensure the infection does not worsen:

Keep the affected area clean and dry
Regularly wash the area with mild soap and water and gently pat it dry
Wear loose-fitting, breathable clothing (e.g., cotton, linen)
Avoid excessive moisture and heat

Prevention

The best way to prevent a yeast infection on the skin is to keep your skin clean and dry. Other ways to lower your risk of cutaneous candidiasis include:

Wear loose-fitting, breathable fabrics that allow air circulation and help prevent excessive moisture buildup on the skin, especially when sweating
Immediately change out of damp clothing, such as swimwear or workout gear
Apply antifungal powders or creams to areas prone to moisture (e.g., armpits, groin)
Avoid harsh soaps, scented products, and tight synthetic clothing (e.g. polyester, acrylic, rayon), which can irritate your skin
Ensure any existing health conditions are well-managed and you follow your treatment plan, especially if you have conditions that increase your risk of fungal infections (e.g., diabetes)

Complications

While a yeast infection on the skin can be uncomfortable, most are not serious and do not cause long-term problems. If left untreated or improperly managed, cutaneous candidiasis may lead to complications such as:

Nail infection: Candida can invade the nail bed on the fingers or toes, leading to thickened, discolored nails that may become brittle, crumbly, or distorted in shape.
Invasive candidiasis: In rare cases, the yeast infection can enter the bloodstream, leading to a systemic (bodywide) infection that may affect major organs (e.g., heart, brain).
Chronic mucocutaneous candidiasis (CMC): Recurrent and persistent Candida skin infections can occur in people with weakened immune systems.

A Quick Review

Yeast infections on the skin (cutaneous candidiasis) occur when a yeast called Candida multiplies and grows uncontrollably, causing a red, itchy rash. An infection can develop anywhere on the skin but is most common in warm, moist places, including the armpits, groin area, and skin folds.

Healthcare providers diagnose cutaneous candidiasis by looking at your skin and sending a skin sample to the lab to confirm the diagnosis and find the type of yeast causing your infection.

Treatment options include over-the-counter and prescription topical antifungal creams applied directly to the skin. Oral antifungal medications may be prescribed for more severe infections. Keeping your skin clean and dry, promptly changing out of wet bathing suits and sports gear, and wearing loose-fitting clothing can help promote healing and prevent future infections.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can you get yeast infection rash all over your body?

While it is possible to develop a yeast infection rash that affects multiple body areas, it tends to grow in patches in warm, moist areas (e.g., armpit, groin, skin folds) rather than all over your body.
Are skin yeast infections contagious?

Yeast infections on the skin are generally not considered contagious, though people with weakened immune systems may contract the infection from other people. This is particularly true if there is close and prolonged contact through sharing personal items (e.g., towels).
What happens if a skin yeast infection goes untreated?

If a skin yeast infection goes untreated, the infection can worsen and spread to other areas on the skin or deeper into the tissue. In severe cases, untreated yeast infections may enter the bloodstream and lead to a severe infection (invasive candidiasis) that can affect your heart, brain, blood, and eyes.
How do you know if a yeast infection is serious?

A serious yeast infection on the skin can spread to other areas of the body and cause more severe symptoms, such as intense itching, cracked, bleeding skin, and increased pain and tenderness. Though rare, untreated skin yeast infections can enter the bloodstream and cause fever, chills, and body aches.

Edited by

Dana Ingemann

Was this page helpful?

Thanks for your feedback!

Tell us why!

11 Sources

Health.com uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read our editorial process to learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.