Yeast Infection on the Face: Why It Happens and How To Treat It

Yeast is a kind of fungus that lives on your skin. Your digestive system is also home to yeast. Additionally, if you’re a woman, yeast is also present in your vaginal area. Yeast can cause an infection if too much grows on your skin or other areas. But what should you do if you have a yeast infection on the face?

Candidiasis, also known as yeast skin infections, tends to affect skin that comes in contact with skin. You might see the infection in your underarms, under your breasts, in your neck, in your belly, or even in your groin area. However, yeast infection on the face is also possible.

Although some rashes and blemishes on your face can be attributed to hormones, sometimes they are caused by a yeast infection.

People who take antibiotics are at risk of developing oral thrush, a yeast infection that affects the mouth’s moist lining and sometimes the corners of the mouth (angular cheilitis). When it occurs in adults, it can also be a sign that they have HIV or other issues with their immune system.

Symptoms

Symptoms of yeast infection on face include:

• Rash
• Pimples
• Itching or burning sensations
• Fluid-oozing patches

Symptoms of yeast infection in the mouth and throat include:

• White patches on the insides of the cheeks, the tongue, the roof of the mouth, and the throat 
• Redness or soreness
• Pain when swallowing or eating
• Redness and cracking around the mouth’s corners
• A cotton-like sensation in the mouth
• Loss of taste

Causes 

The immune system normally protects your body from harmful invasive organisms, such as viruses, bacteria, and fungi. It also maintains a balance of microbes. When the immune system fails, the candida fungus grows rapidly, causing a yeast infection on the face or mouth. 

Risk Factors

Yeast infection on the face is associated with the following risk factors:

• Infancy or old age
• Patients with underlying severe illnesses, such as cancer, primary immunodeficiency, or HIV
• Other body parts that have a yeast infection

Newborns are also at risk when a yeast infection on the vaginal lining of the mother is present.

Oral candida infections are associated with the following risk factors: 

• Smoking
• Injury to the mouth
• Broad-spectrum antibiotics
• Taking medications that dry out your mouth, such as antihistamines and diuretics
• Wearing dental appliances such as dentures, especially if they are ill-fitting and not sanitized or cleaned properly 
• Nutritional deficiencies 
• Asthma patients who use corticosteroids, such as beclometasone, budesonide, and fluticasone

Complications

Yeast infections on the face and mouth can be more severe in people with weakened immune systems, such as those with cancer treatments or HIV/AIDS.

If left untreated, oral thrush can progress to a more serious case of systemic candida infection.

Untreated yeast infection on face can spread throughout the body. Particularly with oral thrush, the disease can reach the esophagus. 

Treatment

The best treatment and prevention for yeast infection on the face and mouth is optimal general health and good hygiene. 

The treatment for yeast infection on face is antifungal medicine. A doctor may prescribe an ointment or cream for you. Some creams may be available over the counter. An oral antifungal medication may be necessary for severe candida infections.

Antifungal medicines are usually used to treat yeast infections in the mouth, throat, or esophagus. Mild to moderate infections of the mouth and throat are usually treated with antifungal medicines applied for seven to fourteen days.

Prevention

Yeast infections on the face can generally be prevented by:

• Maintaining clean skin
• Limiting your intake of foods containing sugar 
• Keeping your blood sugar level under control 
• Getting treatment for yeast infections on other parts of the body as soon as possible

To prevent yeast infections in the mouth:

• Make sure you brush your teeth or rinse your mouth with water after taking a corticosteroid inhaler.
• Practice good dental hygiene, which includes brushing your teeth twice a day and flossing at least once a day.
• Ensure your dentures are in good condition. Take them out at night. The dentures should fit well and shouldn’t irritate your mouth. Clean them daily. Consult your dentist for the best method of cleaning your particular type of denture.
• Make an appointment with your dentist regularly, especially if you wear dentures or have diabetes. 

Learn more about Skin Health here.