Diagnosis | Yeast fungi on the skin

Diagnosis

The diagnosis of a skin fungus by yeast fungi is made by a dermatologist. First of all, the dermatologist looks at the skin changes and assesses their appearance as well as accompanying symptoms (inspection). On the basis of the appearance a closer cause can often be narrowed down.

If yeast fungus is suspected, important risk factors such as immunodeficient pre-existing conditions (HIV, diabetes mellitus) and medication (glucocorticoids, cytostatics) are asked. Further dermatological examinations provide more detailed information about the type of fungus:

  • If a candida infection is suspected, a small sample can be taken in the form of a swab. By means of a special staining (Gram staining) the fungi can be stained and displayed under the microscope.
  • If overgrowth of the fungus Malassezia furfur is suspected, the dermatologist can observe the skin changes under the so-called wood light.

    The Wood-light is an examination method, where the skin changes are examined under a special light in a darkened room. Typically, these appear yellow-ochre in the case of pityriasis. In the examination, the wood chip phenomenon can still be triggered. Fine, whitish scales are formed when the skin changes are painted. The fungus can also be detected microscopically.

Associated symptoms

Yeast fungi on the skin do not initially cause discomfort or symptoms. As part of the natural skin flora, yeast fungi do not cause any damage and are not noticed by those affected. In certain cases, however, complaints can arise when the skin balance shifts in favor of the fungi.This can cause various accompanying symptoms: Candidosis of the skin can be accompanied by itching and pain.

Pain is mainly caused by the fact that the skin softens and becomes cracked. Candidosis of the skin occurs preferentially on skin folds and in the spaces between the fingers and toes. The softening of the skin is also called maceration.

It can also affect mucous membranes (vaginal candidosis, oral candidosis). In severe cases, the fungus can attack internal organs. The esophagus is most frequently affected.

This is known as thrush esophagitis, which can be accompanied by swallowing difficulties and pain when swallowing. Pityriasis versicolor does not usually cause any symptoms except for the typical skin changes. In rare cases, a feeling of tension in the skin or slight itching may accompany the symptoms.

In severe cases, the fungus can attack internal organs. The esophagus is most frequently affected. This is known as thrush esophagitis, which can be accompanied by swallowing difficulties and pain when swallowing.

Pityriasis versicolor does not usually cause any symptoms except for the typical skin changes. In rare cases, a feeling of tension in the skin or slight itching may accompany the symptoms. A skin rash (exanthema) in the narrower sense of the term is only the widespread occurrence of similar skin changes.

As a rule, yeast fungi do not cause skin changes on the entire skin or on most of the skin, but rather on circumscribed areas. Therefore, strictly speaking, they are not skin rashes. However, since in the vernacular such skin changes are usually also called rashes, the typical skin changes are briefly presented here: You are not sure whether a fungal infection is actually the cause of your rash?

  • Yeast fungi of the genus Candida typically lead to red spots on the edges of which pustules are often found. In the spaces between the toes and fingers Candida further leads to whitish softening of the skin and to cracks.
  • The fungus Malassezia furfur, on the other hand, causes irregular brownish spots, which become discolored by sunlight and then look whitish. This color change leads to the name Pityriasis versicolor.