Yeast infection symptoms can vary based on the location of the infection, which may involve the skin, gut, mouth, or genital area. Candidiasis, also known as a yeast infection, is a fungal infection caused by an overgrowth of Candida albicans, a common species of yeast that can cause different types of yeast infections.
In general, symptoms of genital yeast infections include itchiness, redness, and discharge, while oral yeast infections (or thrush) cause mouth sores and white plaques on the tongue or roof of the mouth. Candidiasis of the skin causes localized itchiness and redness, while intestinal candidiasis can cause diarrhea, excess gas, and white mucous in the stool.
Treatment for candidiasis should be done under the supervision of a doctor or primary care provider and usually involves the use of antifungal medications, including oral medications and topical medications in the form of gels, creams, or ointments.
Vaginal and male yeast infections
The main symptoms of vaginal and male yeast infections include:
- Itchiness in the genital area;
- Redness of the vulva, vagina, or penis;
- Thick, white vaginal discharge;
- Reddish plaques on the penis;
- White spots on the vagina or penis.
Symptoms of vaginal and male yeast infections arise when an alteration in the immune system allows for uncontrolled growth of Candida albicans in the genital region.
How it is treated: treatment of a vaginal yeast infection or a male yeast infection involves eliminating the fungal overgrowth that is causing the symptoms. Treatment is typically prescribed by a primary care provider, gynecologist, or urologist.
A healthcare provider may prescribe antifungal medications such as fluconazole, itraconazole, clotrimazole, isoconazole, or fenticonazole that come in the form of pills, ointments, or vaginal suppositories.
It is important to wear cotton underwear and loose-fitting clothing and to avoid having sex while being treated for a yeast infection. Avoid wearing pads for more than 3 hours.
Symptoms quiz
If you are wondering whether your symptoms could be caused by a yeast infection, use the following tool and check off all that apply:
This symptom checker is only a tool and should not be used to diagnose any condition or used in place of a visit with a doctor or other healthcare provider.
Candidiasis of the skin
The main symptoms of a fungal skin infection are:
- A bright red rash noted in the skin folds or belly button area;
- Intense itchiness in the area of the rash;
- A burning sensation of the skin;
- Blistering of the skin (in some cases).
Symptoms of candidiasis of the skin, also called cutaneous candidiasis, are usually noted in skin folds, such as the groin, behind the knees, the neck, under the breasts, and the belly button.
This is because Candida albicans thrives in darker, more humid environments.
How it is treated: treatment for candidiasis of the skin may be prescribed by a dermatologist or primary care provider and usually involves the use of yeast infection creams or ointments that contain antifungal medications like clotrimazole or miconazole. These should be applied directly to the affected area.
Candidiasis of the mouth and throat (thrush)
The main symptoms of candidiasis of the mouth and throat are:
- White or red plaques on the roof of the mouth, tongue, cheeks, throat, or corners of the mouth;
- Raised white patches with the appearance of cottage cheese;
- Cracks and redness at the corners of the mouth;
- Dry mouth;
- Pain or burning in the affected areas.
Other symptoms include loss of taste, difficulty eating or swallowing, and peeling of the lips.
How it is treated: in the case of oral thrush, it is important to see a dentist or your primary care provider in order to confirm the diagnosis and get started on the best treatment. Oral or topical antifungal medications, typically in the form of a gel, will be prescribed based on the presenting symptoms. These medications may include fluconazole, itraconazole, nystatin, or miconazole.
Intestinal candidiasis
The main symptoms of intestinal candidiasis are:
- Excessive tiredness;
- Diarrhea;
- White plaques, mucous, or blood in the stool;
- Excess gas;
- Abdominal pain.
Intestinal candidiasis is more common in people with a weakened immune system, such as people with cancer or AIDS.
The above symptoms can be caused by a variety of conditions, therefore it is important to see a gastroenterologist or your primary care provider to confirm a diagnosis. This may involve a physical exam and additional tests including a colonoscopy procedure to identify the cause of your symptoms and prescribe the best treatment.
How it is treated: treatment of intestinal candidiasis should be done by a gastroenterologist or primary care provider and usually involves treatment with amphotericin B.
In addition, it is also recommended to avoid eating foods high in fat and sugar and to add probiotic yogurt to your diet. Learn more about the candida diet.
Nail fungus
Common symptoms of nail fungus include:
- Whitish or yellowish nails;
- Thickened nails;
- Build up under the nails;
- Thin, crumbly nails;
- Separation of the nail from the skin;
- Smelly nails.
Symptoms of a candida nail infection, also called nail fungus or onychomycosis, more commonly affect the fingernails and may also cause redness of the skin surrounding the nail.
How it is treated: treatment of nail fungus is done by a dermatologist or primary care provider who will prescribe the use of oral antifungal medications like itraconazole or terbinafine, or a medicated nail polish like ciclopirox olamine.
Treatment options
It is important to complete the entire treatment course as prescribed by your healthcare provider, even if your symptoms appear to have cleared up after only a couple of days. This can help ensure that the infection is completely cured.
Fungal infections of the blood, bladder, or kidneys require treatment in the hospital with IV medications usually for around 14 days.
During treatment, it is important to avoid eating carbohydrate-rich foods and sugary foods, as these can contribute to the growth of Candida albicans.