A question I get asked from time to time, is there any connection between ringworm and yeast infections? I have answered this in one of my videos which you can watch below however since the video I have been receiving a lot of other related questions and this article shall answer all your questions.

Can a Yeast Infection Look Like Ringworm

Yes, a yeast infection of skin folds, Candidal intertrigo can look similar to ringworm infection, with red and slightly raised rashes/patches in the skin. This can occur in the groin and the skin between toes. However, studies have shown that ringworm never affects the scrotum, while yeast infection can involve the skin of the scrotum in males.

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Can a Yeast Infection Turn into Ringworm

Yeast infections are caused by fungi of the Candida species, while ringworm is caused by a group of fungi known as dermatophytes. Both show a propensity for areas that have trapped moisture due to skin folds, and can cause similar kind of skin rashes in these areas. However, a candida infection cannot turn into a ringworm infection, although both can occur together.

Can I Use Yeast Infection Cream on Ringworm

Yeast infection creams are safe to be used and often effective for mild ringworm infections. The ringworm on body and foot may respond well to yeast infection cream. Infection of scalp and nails usually require stronger prescription medicines, and a longer duration of treatment.

Can Yeast Infection Cream Treat Ringworm

Yeast infection creams like Clotrimazole (Lotrimin), Miconazole (Micatin) and Terbinafine (Lamisil) are often effective for ringworm infections. If the ringworm is severe or fails to clear up with the OTC yeast infection cream, medical consultation is necessary for stronger prescription anti-fungal medicines.

Can You Get Ringworm from a Yeast Infection

A yeast or Candidal infection cannot give you a ringworm infection. Both infections can however occur in the same area, simultaneously or at different times. Both have a tendency to occur in moist skin folds.

Difference between Ringworm and Yeast Infection

Ringworm infection is a fungal skin infection causing inflamed rashes or scaly patches that can sometimes be ring shaped. The edges of the rash are sharply demarcated and there may be tiny fluid filled bumps visible on magnification. Ringworm is caused by a group of fungi known as dermatophytes. The ringworm infections include:

1. Athlete’s foot, or tinea pedis
2. Jock itch, or tinea cruris
3. Scalp infection, or tinea capitis – leading to hair loss
4. Infections of nails, legs, arms and trunk

Yeast infections are usually caused by Candidal group of fungi, most common being Candida albicans. Candida is normally present on the human body but its overgrowth can cause infection of many parts of the body. The commonly affected areas are:

1. The vagina, vulva and male genital areas
2. The mouth
3. Skin, especially warm and moist areas under skin folds such as between toes, buttocks, groin, and under the breasts
4. Nail beds

Vaginal infection with yeast results in burning sensation, redness, followed by white, curdy and foul smelling vaginal discharge. Yeast infection of the mouth presents as thick, white patches on the tongue. The skin infection with yeast leads to a rash that can sometime be confused with ringworm. The rash is usually red, flat and has scalloped edges.

Does Yeast Infection Cause Ringworm

Studies have not shown yeast infection to cause ringworm, as the causative fungi for the two infections are different. Even when the rashes look similar, the infections can be differentiated by testing the scrapings from the rash.

I Have Ringworm and a Yeast Infection. What Can I Do?

1. Keep the skin dry and avoid wearing tight clothes made with synthetic materials.
2. Use an OTC ringworm/ Yeast infection cream as directed on the instructions.
3. Drink probiotic drinks.
4. Avoid irritant chemicals and soaps.
5. Maintain hygiene of clothes, socks, underwears, etc. Wear them once, wash and dry well before reuse. Try to use cotton materials.

If the infection persists, or you have any other medical condition like diabetes, consult a doctor. You may need oral medicines along with topical creams. The duration of treatment will depend on the area affected. Nail infections and scalp infections take longer to clear up than infections elsewhere. The duration of treatment for toenails and fingernails is usually, three months and six weeks, respectively.

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• Can Candida Cause Hair Loss & Constipation?
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• Geotrichum and Yeast Infection: Are They Connected?

Is Lotrimin AF Ringworm for Yeast Infection?

Loritrim AF Ringworm cream has Clotrimazole as the active ingredient, which is effective for yeast infection also. Persistent, non-responding and severe ringworm requires stronger anti-fungal treatment, sometimes including oral medicines.