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What is an External Yeast Infection?

Mary McMahon
Mary McMahon
Mary McMahon
Mary McMahon

An external yeast infection is a type of fungal infection where the fungi colonize the skin, instead of the inside of the body or the lining of an orifice such as the mouth. External yeast infections are most commonly seen around the labia, the armpits, the skin of the penis, and the folds of skin around the stomach and breasts. There are a number of treatment options available for the management of such infections. A general practitioner can usually provide treatment, or if the yeast infection is occurring as a complication of an ongoing medical condition, the patient's primary care provider may supervise treatment.

Also known as candidiasis, yeast infections involve yeasts in the genus Candida. People can develop yeast infections when they are immunocompromised, as their bodies cannot fight the yeasts off. Infections can also be the result of prolonged antibiotic usage, as antibiotics can disturb the natural balance of bacteria in the body, creating an opening for opportunistic organisms like yeasts. The yeasts can be picked up through physical contact with other people and exposure to contaminated implements and instruments.

Contracting an STD as a result of unsafe sexual practices may cause a woman to also develop a fungal vaginal infection.
Contracting an STD as a result of unsafe sexual practices may cause a woman to also develop a fungal vaginal infection.

An external yeast infection usually settles in a warm, moist area. People can exacerbate such infections by wearing tight clothing with poor breathability. The symptoms of an external yeast infection include itching, pain, changes in skin color, and sometimes the development of oozing. There may also be a strong yeasty smell or an unpleasant odor. White to yellow patches commonly form.

Women with diabetes are prone to yeast infections.
Women with diabetes are prone to yeast infections.

Antifungal medications can be provided to fight the yeast. These include topical medications, as well as drugs designed to be taken by mouth. Alternative treatments for an external yeast infection can include the application of yogurt with live active cultures, or garlic, both of which can kill the yeast, although they can also be smelly and messy. It is advisable to wash the site with mild soap several times a day and pat dry. If the area can be left exposed to light and air, this can facilitate healing. If not, loose, comfortable clothing made with breathable fibers like silk and cotton should be worn while the external yeast infection is healing.

Yogurt may help treat a yeast infection.
Yogurt may help treat a yeast infection.

If a yeast infection does not respond to treatments provided by a doctor, a culture may be taken to learn more about it. Other medications can be prescribed to change the angle of attack and the patient may be directed to take special care with bathing, drying, and dressing. In immunocompromised patients, such infections can sometimes be very stubborn.

Mary McMahon
Mary McMahon

Ever since she began contributing to the site several years ago, Mary has embraced the exciting challenge of being a TheHealthBoard researcher and writer. Mary has a liberal arts degree from Goddard College and spends her free time reading, cooking, and exploring the great outdoors.

Learn more...
Mary McMahon
Mary McMahon

Ever since she began contributing to the site several years ago, Mary has embraced the exciting challenge of being a TheHealthBoard researcher and writer. Mary has a liberal arts degree from Goddard College and spends her free time reading, cooking, and exploring the great outdoors.

Learn more...

Discussion Comments

burcidi

@ysmina-- That's a good question. I know that skin yeast infections can spread to other parts of the body (and also to the skin of your partner), but I'm not sure if a skin yeast infection can cause an infection in the mouth.

That's probably a good question to ask a doctor, especially for those of us who engage in oral sex without protection and have partners with yeast infection or have it themselves.

bear78

I think diabetes causes the immune system to weaken, because I have been dealing with recurrent yeast (candida) infections on my skin since I developed type 2 diabetes.

The infection is in the skin fold below my breasts and on my stomach. It has gotten better since I started showering more often and wearing only 100% cotton shirts. But it's not completely treated. I'm trying to strengthen my immune system by eating more antioxidant rich foods now.

As for anti-fungal medications, they do clear up the infection but it returns as soon as I finish my course.

ysmina

I had a skin yeast infection a few weeks ago, and now I also have an oral yeast infection.

Can an external yeast infection develop into an internal yeast infection and vice versa?

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    • Contracting an STD as a result of unsafe sexual practices may cause a woman to also develop a fungal vaginal infection.
      By: Peter Atkins
      Contracting an STD as a result of unsafe sexual practices may cause a woman to also develop a fungal vaginal infection.
    • Women with diabetes are prone to yeast infections.
      By: brankatekic
      Women with diabetes are prone to yeast infections.
    • Yogurt may help treat a yeast infection.
      By: nenetus
      Yogurt may help treat a yeast infection.
    • Topical medications may help treat an external yeast infection.
      By: photoncatcher36
      Topical medications may help treat an external yeast infection.
    • An unpleasant odor may occur as a result of an external yeast infection.
      By: Vera Kuttelvaserova
      An unpleasant odor may occur as a result of an external yeast infection.
    • An allergic reaction to laundry detergent may cause recurring external yeast infections.
      By: ptnphotof
      An allergic reaction to laundry detergent may cause recurring external yeast infections.