Skin-fold yeast infection treatment: what to know

Yeast can multiply where skin rubs together and moisture becomes trapped, including under the breasts, in the groin, between the buttocks or in other folds. The rash may be bright red, itchy, sore, moist or cracked, sometimes with small spots just beyond the main area.

Not every fold rash is yeast. Irritant dermatitis, bacterial infection, eczema and psoriasis can look similar. Vaginal itching, discharge or vulval pain may point to a related genital problem, but they do not identify the cause without an assessment.

Wash gently, pat the fold completely dry, change out of damp clothing and choose breathable fabrics. Keep a clean, dry cloth between touching surfaces if rubbing is worsening the rash, and avoid fragranced products or steroid cream unless a clinician has advised it.

A clinician or pharmacist may recommend a topical antifungal, and some cases need a different medicine or further testing. Use Antifungal Treatment for Thrush only as directed for the diagnosed condition; do not share medicines or stop early without checking the instructions.

Arrange a review if the rash is spreading, recurrent, cracked, painful, oozing, foul-smelling or not improving with appropriate treatment. Seek prompt care for fever, rapidly spreading redness, severe pain, marked swelling or feeling unwell. Repeated episodes may need assessment for an underlying contributor.

Ask whether the rash is yeast or another skin condition, which medicine and application method are suitable, and how long to continue it. Mention pregnancy, diabetes, recent antibiotics, immune problems and other medicines.