Yeast infection rash treatment

A rash may affect the vulva, groin, thighs or another skin fold. Antifungal treatment can be a cream, another local preparation or an oral medicine, depending on the site and your health. The correct choice also depends on whether the rash is caused by yeast; eczema, allergy, bacterial infection and other fungi can look similar. Vaginal itching, vaginal discharge or vulval pain may accompany genital thrush but do not establish the diagnosis by themselves.

Follow the product or clinician’s directions and complete the recommended course, even if irritation starts to settle. Keep the area dry, wear loose clothing, change damp garments and avoid perfumed washes or deodorants. Do not combine several creams without advice, and check before using oral treatment if you are pregnant, breastfeeding, have liver disease or take other medicines. If symptoms are new, recurrent or uncertain, an examination can prevent the wrong treatment from delaying recovery.

Arrange medical care if symptoms worsen, fail to improve after the recommended course, return frequently, or involve broken skin. Seek prompt help for fever, severe pain, spreading warmth or redness, pus, blisters, sores, unusual bleeding or pelvic pain. These signs may indicate a different or additional infection and may require testing.

Is yeast the likely cause, and would a swab help? Which treatment suits the affected area and my medicines? What should I do if the rash returns?