Candida Infection Of The Skin: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment
Medically reviewed by Sumiran Racherla, MD, Internal Medicine. Last reviewed: October 23, 2026.
What kind of doctor treats Candida Infection Of The Skin?
Skin yeast infections are often treated by a primary care doctor or a dermatologist, a skin doctor. People with diabetes may also see an endocrinologist, a hormone doctor. A direct primary care or concierge doctor can be a first stop for an evaluation and can refer you to a specialist when needed.
What is Candida infection of the skin?
Candida infection of the skin is a yeast infection of the skin. The medical name is cutaneous candidiasis. Candida is a yeast-like fungus that often lives on the skin. Most of the time it does no harm. At times it grows out of control, gets under the skin surface, and causes an infection.
This infection is fairly common. It can involve almost any skin area. But it most often occurs in warm, moist, creased areas such as the armpits and groin. The fungus that most often causes it is called Candida albicans.
Symptoms
The infection can cause intense itching. Other signs include:
- A red rash that keeps spreading.
- A rash in the skin folds, genitals, middle of the body, buttocks, under the breasts, or other skin areas.
- Infected hair follicles, the tiny openings where hairs grow. These may look like pimples.
Causes and who gets it
The body normally hosts many germs, including fungi. The yeast can infect the skin when conditions let it grow. The risk goes up with:
- Warm, moist skin, such as inside a diaper. Candida is the most common cause of diaper rash in infants.
- Diabetes. Sugar in the blood feeds the yeast and helps it grow.
- Obesity.
- Medicines: antibiotics, steroid therapy, and chemotherapy.
Older children and adults with this infection should be tested for diabetes. The two often go together. These infections do not usually spread between people. But someone with a weak immune system can sometimes catch it.
How doctors diagnose it
A doctor can usually tell by looking at the skin. The doctor may gently scrape off a small skin sample for testing. Because yeast feeds on sugar, the doctor may also check for diabetes.
Treatment
Good general health and hygiene matter most. Helpful steps include:
- Keeping the skin dry, with air reaching it.
- Drying powders, which may help keep the fungus away.
- Losing weight, for people who are overweight.
- Keeping blood sugar in good control, for people with diabetes.
Antifungal creams, ointments, or powders can treat the infection. Severe candida infections in the mouth, throat, or vagina may need medicine taken by mouth. With treatment, the infection often goes away. This is most true when the cause behind it is fixed. Repeat infections are common.
When to see a doctor
Contact a doctor if you develop symptoms of a skin yeast infection, such as a red, itching rash in skin folds, or if a treated rash keeps coming back. Widespread infection can develop in people whose immune systems are weak, so any rash in a person with a weak immune system needs care right away.
How a direct primary care or concierge doctor fits in
A direct primary care doctor charges a flat monthly fee instead of billing insurance, while a concierge doctor usually charges more and often works alongside insurance. Either can check rashes that will not clear, set up testing, and follow up on repeat infections and diabetes care.
Common questions
Is a skin yeast infection contagious?
Usually not. These infections do not usually spread between people. But in some settings, people with weak immune systems can catch the infection.
Can it come back after treatment?
Yes. Repeat infections are common. This is most true when the cause, such as high blood sugar or nonstop moisture, is not fixed.
Why does diabetes raise the risk?
High blood sugar feeds the yeast and helps it grow. That is why doctors often test adults with this infection for diabetes.
Do I need medicine by mouth?
Often not. Skin infections are usually treated with creams, ointments, or powders. Medicine by mouth is usually for severe infections in the mouth, throat, or vagina.
Sources
- NIH MedlinePlus - Candida infection of the skin
- CDC - Candidiasis Basics
- CDC - Risk Factors for Candidiasis
Medical Disclaimer
This content is for general educational and informational purposes only and is not medical advice. It is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment, and reading it does not create a doctor-patient relationship. Always seek the advice of your physician or another qualified health provider with any questions about a medical condition, and never disregard or delay seeking professional advice because of something you read here. If you think you may have a medical emergency, call 911 (or your local emergency number) immediately.
