cutaneous candidiasis

Cutaneous candidiasis, also known as skin candida or fungal skin infection, is a type of fungal infection that affects the skin. It is caused by the yeast Candida albicans and can manifest in various forms on the body.

Symptoms

• A red, growing skin rash [1]
• Rash on the skin folds, genitals, middle of the body, buttocks, under the breasts, and other areas of skin [2][3]
• Infection of the skin that creates a raised, red patch with small, itchy bumps [4]

Characteristics

• Widespread, confluent erythema (redness) with scalloped edges [8]
• Characteristic involvement of moist, intertriginous areas (skin folds) [8]
• Red, pustular, crusted, and thickened plaques resembling psoriasis, especially on the nose and forehead in chronic cases [9]

Forms

• Cutaneous candidiasis: An infection on your skin that creates a raised, red patch with small, itchy bumps [5]
• Oral Candidiasis (Oral Thrush), Diaper Rash, and Candidal intertrigo are other forms of cutaneous candidiasis [6][7]

Overall, cutaneous candidiasis is a common fungal infection that can affect anyone, but is more prevalent in people with weakened immune systems or those who engage in activities that cause skin irritation.

Cutaneous candidiasis, also known as skin candida infection, can cause a range of symptoms on the skin. Here are some common signs and symptoms:

• Rash: A discolored, itchy rash is often the first sign of cutaneous candidiasis, typically appearing in the folds of the skin such as the armpits, groin, and between the toes [1].
• Itching: Intense itching is a common symptom of cutaneous candidiasis, which can be quite uncomfortable [2].
• Redness and scaling: The affected area may become red, swollen, and develop scales or crusts [3].
• Rash on skin folds: The rash often spreads to other areas of the skin, including the genitals, middle of the body, and inner thighs [4].

These symptoms can vary in severity and may be accompanied by other signs such as:

• Pustules: Small pus-filled bumps may appear on the affected area.
• Crusting: A crust or scab may form over the infected area.

It's essential to seek medical attention if you experience any of these symptoms, especially if they persist or worsen over time.

Cutaneous candidiasis, also known as skin yeast infection, can be diagnosed through various tests. Here are some of the common diagnostic tests used to confirm the presence of this condition:

• Blood culture test: This is a blood test that checks for the presence of Candida fungus in the bloodstream [1]. However, it's not very efficient and may have low accuracy.
• Skin scraping or smears: A sample from the affected skin area can be scraped off with a scalpel or tongue depressor and examined under microscopy for hyphae (branching filaments) [3].
• Wet mount examination: A wet mount of skin or nail scrapings can be examined under microscopy to look for hyphae, pseudohyphae, or yeast cells [5].
• Skin culture: A cotton swab is rubbed over the affected area and a skin sample is collected. The sample is then sent to a laboratory to be cultured for Candida fungus [7].

These tests can help confirm the diagnosis of cutaneous candidiasis by identifying the presence of Candida fungus in the affected skin area.

References: [1] Feb 21, 2024 — The most common test for invasive candidiasis is a blood culture test. [3] by AW Armstrong · 2016 · Cited by 76 — Diagnosis of cutaneous candidiasis is usually based on clinical appearance of the skin, the presence of pseudohyphae in KOH wet mounts, or ... [5] Sep 27, 2024 — Cutaneous candidiasis: Using a wet mount, scrapings or smears obtained from skin or nails can be examined under microscopy for hyphae, ... [7] During a skin culture, your doctor will rub a cotton swab over the affected area and collect a skin sample. The sample will then be sent to a laboratory to be ...

Treatment Options for Cutaneous Candidiasis

Cutaneous candidiasis, also known as fungal skin infection, can be effectively treated with various antifungal medications. The choice of treatment depends on the severity and location of the infection.

• Topical Antifungals: Clotrimazole, nystatin, and miconazole are commonly used topical creams or powders that have been shown to be highly effective in treating cutaneous candidiasis [1]. These medications can be applied directly to the affected area to help clear up the infection.
• Oral Antifungals: For more severe cases of cutaneous candidiasis, oral antifungal medications such as fluconazole or itraconazole may be prescribed. Fluconazole is often used for vaginal candidiasis, but can also be effective in treating skin infections [5]. Itraconazole is another option that has been shown to be effective in treating cutaneous candidiasis [8].
• Antifungal Creams and Ointments: In some cases, antifungal creams or ointments may be applied directly to the affected area. These can be especially useful for treating paronychia, a type of fungal infection that affects the nails and surrounding skin [3].

Treatment Duration

The duration of treatment for cutaneous candidiasis typically ranges from 7-14 days, depending on the severity of the infection. Oral fluconazole is often prescribed for 7-14 days at a dose of 100-200 mg once daily [7]. Itraconazole may be prescribed for a longer period of time, up to 30 days.

References

[1] EH Taudorf et al. (2019) - Clotrimazole, nystatin and miconazole were the most studied topical drugs and demonstrated similar efficacy with complete cure rates of 73%-100%.

[3] Candidal paronychia is treated by protecting the area from wetness. Doctors give antifungal medications that are taken by mouth or applied to the skin.

[5] Apr 24, 2024 - Treatment is usually an antifungal cream applied inside the vagina or a single dose of fluconazole taken by mouth.

[7] AW Armstrong et al. (2016) - The recommended initial treatment for moderate-to-severe disease is oral fluconazole 100–200 mg (3 mg/kg) once-daily for 7–14 days (strength of evidence).

[8] Sep 27, 2024 - This condition is generally treated with oral azoles, such as fluconazole at a dose of 100-400 mg/d or itraconazole at a dose of 200-600 mg/d.

Cutaneous candidiasis, also known as superficial candidiasis or moniliasis, is a fungal infection that affects the skin. When diagnosing this condition, it's essential to consider other possible causes that may resemble its symptoms. Here are some differential diagnoses for cutaneous candidiasis:

• Dermatitis: Contact dermatitis, allergic dermatitis, and irritant contact dermatitis can all present with similar symptoms to cutaneous candidiasis, such as redness, itching, and skin lesions.
• Folliculitis: This is an inflammation of the hair follicles, which can cause small, pus-filled bumps on the skin. It may be mistaken for cutaneous candidiasis, especially in its early stages.
• Psoriasis: While psoriasis typically presents with thick, scaly patches on the skin, it can sometimes resemble the appearance of cutaneous candidiasis, particularly if the infection is severe and has caused significant inflammation.
• Erythema multiforme: This is a rare skin condition characterized by target-shaped lesions that can be mistaken for the skin lesions associated with cutaneous candidiasis.

According to [7], differential diagnosis of cutaneous diseases resembling intertrigo, including candidiasis, should consider these conditions. Additionally, [9] notes that occlusive clothing, gloves, and footwear; obesity; excessive sweating (hyperhidrosis); and incontinence causing irritant contact dermatitis are all potential causes of candidal intertrigo.

It's worth noting that the diagnosis of cutaneous candidiasis is usually based on clinical appearance of the skin, the presence of pseudohyphae in KOH wet mounts, or culture [8]. However, when considering differential diagnoses, it's essential to take into account the patient's medical history, symptoms, and physical examination findings.

References: [7] MG KALRA · 2014 · Cited by 131 [8] AW Armstrong · 2016 · Cited by 76 [9] What causes candidal intertrigo?