What Are the Treatments for Facial Yeast Infections?
Candida albicans is yeast that grows naturally in a person’s digestive tract and in a woman’s vagina. Normally, the body keeps the amount of yeast at a minimal level, but conditions such as poor hygiene, antibiotic use and a weakened immune system may cause an overgrowth of candida. This overgrowth, commonly referred to as a yeast infection, may cause symptoms on the skin such as a reddened, inflamed skin rash, infected hair follicles and itching. The rash may occur on any area of skin, such as the face, but prefers warm, moist environments. Treatments options help restore the balance of yeast in the body.
If you are experiencing serious medical symptoms, seek emergency treatment immediately.
Good Hygiene and Nutrition
To treat a yeast infection on the face, an individual needs to keep the area clean and dry. A yeast rash does not require a bandage and placing one on the rash may increase the symptoms by trapping moisture and encouraging the yeast to spread. Obese individuals have a greater risk for developing a yeast rash. Eating a properly balanced diet can help restore the natural balance of yeast in the body. Individuals with diabetes are also at an increased risk of developing yeast in the mouth and on the face because the yeast feeds off excessive sugar secreted in the saliva. Controlling blood sugar levels may help stop yeast growth, according to MedlinePlus.
- To treat a yeast infection on the face, an individual needs to keep the area clean and dry.
- A yeast rash does not require a bandage and placing one on the rash may increase the symptoms by trapping moisture and encouraging the yeast to spread.
Topical Medications
Ketoconazole Cream Uses
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Topical antifungal medication, which are available over-the-counter and marketed as creams to treat athlete’s foot or jock itch, may help treat a yeast rash on the face. Common antifungal medications available include clotrimazole, ketoconazole and miconazole. Applying the cream two times each day for 7 to 10 days may help cure the yeast infection, according to the Merck Manuals Online Medical Library Home Edition. Applying a prescription medication, such as nystatin, may also help stop the yeast growth on the face. Using a corticosteroid cream along with the antifungal medication may help treat the itching and inflammation associated with the rash.
- Topical antifungal medication, which are available over-the-counter and marketed as creams to treat athlete’s foot or jock itch, may help treat a yeast rash on the face.
- Applying a prescription medication, such as nystatin, may also help stop the yeast growth on the face.
Oral Medications and Yogurt
A yeast infection on the face may not respond to topical treatments to completely clear up the rash. A prescription antifungal medication such as fluconazole is available by mouth to treat the condition. Commonly, the medication only requires one dose to treat the infection, according to the National Center for Biotechnology Information 4. Eating foods with live cultures, such as yogurt, helps restore the balance of yeast on the body.
- A yeast infection on the face may not respond to topical treatments to completely clear up the rash.
- Commonly, the medication only requires one dose to treat the infection, according to the National Center for Biotechnology Information 4.
Related Articles
References
- MedlinePlus: Cutaneous Candidiasis
- Merck Manuals Home Edition: Candidiasis: Fungal Skin Infections
- Drugs.com: Nystatin Topical
- National Center for Biotechnology Information: Fluconazole
- Cleveland Clinic: Common Skin Infections
- Cancer Patients and Fungal Infections. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. https://www.cdc.gov/fungal/infections/cancer-patients.html.
- Vaginal Yeast Infections. Office of Women's Health, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. https://www.womenshealth.gov/a-z-topics/vaginal-yeast-infections.
- Sobel JD. Candida vulvovaginitis: Clinical manifestations and diagnosis. UpToDate. https://www.uptodate.com/contents/candida-vulvovaginitis-clinical-manifestations-and-diagnosis.
- Weintrob AC, Sexton DJ. Susceptibility to Infections in Persons With Diabetes Mellitus. UpToDate. https://www.uptodate.com/contents/susceptibility-to-infections-in-persons-with-diabetes-mellitus.
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Vaginal Candidiasis. Updated April 12, 2019.
- Rodrigues CF, Rodrigues ME, Henriques M. Candida sp. Infections in Patients with Diabetes Mellitus. J Clin Med. 2019;8(1):76. doi:10.3390/jcm8010076
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Cancer Patients and Fungal Infections. Updated January 25, 2017.
- U.S. Department of Health & Human Services. Office on Women's Health. Vaginal yeast infections. Updated April 1, 2019.
- Cancer Patients and Fungal Infections. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
- Vaginal Yeast Infections. Office of Women's Health, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.
- Atabek ME, Akyurek N, Eklioglu BS. Frequency of Vagınal Candida Colonization and Relationship between Metabolic Parameters in Children with Type 1 Diabetes Mellitus. Journal of Pediatric and Adolescent Gynecology. October 2013;26(5):257-260. doi:10.1016/j.jpag.2013.03.016.
- Sobel JD. Candida vulvovaginitis: Clinical manifestations and diagnosis.
- Weintrob AC, Sexton DJ. Susceptibility to Infections in Persons With Diabetes Mellitus.
Writer Bio
Abigail Adams began her freelance writing career in 2009, teaching others about medical conditions and promoting wellness by writing on online health and fitness publications. She is educated and licensed as a registered nurse, having received her degree from North Georgia College and State University.