Yeast Infections (Skin Involvement)

Introduction:

There are two types of yeast infections that like to invade the skin actively, candidiasis and tinea versicolor. This is contrary to the dermatophytic ringworm infections where only the most superficial dead cell layers of the skin are infected. Here is a brief summary of the two yeast infections that are common.

• Candidiasis: This has been dealt with in detail under yeast infections. Use this link to get there.

• Tinea versicolor:This yeast infection of the skin is caused by Pityrosporum orbiculare (formerly called Malassezia furfur). It produces painless patches of lesions that come in different color such as white, brownish or pinkish. They tend to scale a bit and are found mainly on the neck, chest and abdomen. Here is a picture of tinea versicolor of the chestwall.

In summer it may be more noticeable because the fungus filters the UV light and the affected skin will not tan as well as the surrounding healthy skin. It occurs preferably in young adults. The diagnosis is largely made clinically by experience. However, in case of doubts the dermatologist may want to take scrapings and look under the microscope for characteristic hyphae. In addition under the Wood's light the dermatologist will see the true extent of distribution as the spots with tinea versicolor will produce golden fluorescence, but normal skin not.

Treatment:

Various therapeutic modalities will treat Tinea versicolor. One of the more popular and cheap methods is selenium sulfide 2.5% shampoo (Versel shampoo). Other effective ways are clotrimazole (brand name: Canesten cream or solution) or ketoconazole (brand name: Nizoral cream or shampoo). In more difficult to treat cases itraconazole (brand name: Sporanox) 200 mg once daily is given for about 1 week (Ref. 5, p.805).

Infections overview

Skin infections

Tinea infections

Disclaimer:

This outline is only a teaching aid to patients and should stimulate you to ask the right questions when seeing your doctor. However, the responsibility of treatment stays in the hands of your doctor and you.

References:

1.The Merck Manual, 7th edition, by M. H. Beers et al., Whitehouse Station, N.J., 1999. Chapter 265.

2.James Chin et al., Editors: Control of Communicable Diseases Manual, 17th edition, 2000, American Public Health Association

3.The Merck Manual, 7th edition, by M. H. Beers et al., Whitehouse Station, N.J., 1999. Chapter 112.

4. The Merck Manual, 7th edition, by M. H. Beers et al., Whitehouse Station, N.J., 1999. Chapter 115.

5. The Merck Manual, 7th edition, by M. H. Beers et al., Whitehouse Station, N.J., 1999. Chapter 113.

6.David Heymann, MD, Editor: Control of Communicable Diseases Manual, 18th Edition, 2004, American Public Health Association.

Last Modified: Feb. 3, 2008