Yeast rash on skin: signs and care

Skin may look shiny, moist, inflamed or cracked. The rash can affect folds beneath the abdomen, groin, buttocks, breasts or other covered sites. Nearby small bumps may appear around a larger irritated area. Similar changes may result from atopic dermatitis, contact dermatitis, psoriasis, heat rash or ringworm; a changing rash should not be labelled from a photograph alone.

Clean gently with lukewarm water, then dry carefully, including inside folds. Wear breathable fabrics, change sweaty clothing and reduce rubbing where possible. Avoid fragranced products on the area. If an antifungal medicine is recommended, use it exactly as directed and do not stop as soon as the surface looks calmer. A pharmacist can check whether it is suitable for your age, pregnancy status and other medicines.

Get medical advice when the rash is painful, spreading, repeatedly returning, oozing or associated with open cracks. Seek urgent care for rapid swelling, severe pain, fever, red streaks, breathing difficulty or a widespread rash after a new medicine. Diabetes or a weakened immune system makes early assessment particularly useful.

Where on my skin is yeast most plausible? Could this be intertrigo, ringworm or an allergy? Should the area be tested? How should I prevent moisture from collecting there?