What Does a Yeast Infection Look Like?
Medically reviewed by Renita White, MDMedically reviewed by Renita White, MDA yeast infection occurs when fungus becomes overgrown on or inside the body. The most common fungus to cause a yeast infection is the Candida species. When people hear the term yeast infection, they often think of a vaginal infection because they are quite common.The appearance of a yeast infection will vary significantly depending on where it’s located and how severe it is. For example, when it occurs within the vagina, it typically presents with thick white discharge. Skin yeast infections will cause patches of scaly skin on the body.This article discusses the various types of yeast infections and what they look like.
Viktor Cvetkovic / Getty Images
A Note on Gender and Sex TerminologyVerywell Health acknowledges that sex and gender are related concepts, but they are not the same. To reflect our sources accurately, this article uses terms like “female,” “male,” “woman,” and “man” as the sources use them.
Yeast Infection Visual Cues (Besides Pain)Several visual signs can indicate that you have developed a yeast infection. They depend on where the infection is located and can include:Vaginal Yeast Infection
Reproduced with permission from © DermNet and © Raimo Suhonen dermnetnz.org 2023.
A vaginal yeast infection is the most commonly known type. The most significant visual sign of a vaginal yeast infection is the thick, white discharge that develops. It is similar to cottage cheese in appearance.Other visual signs of a vaginal yeast infection include:Inflammation or swelling around the areaRednessTears, cracks, or sores on the skin How Common are Vaginal Yeast Infections?Vaginal yeast infections are highly common. Roughly 75% of females will have a yeast infection at least once in their lifetime.
Related: Vaginal Discharge
Penile Yeast Infection
Reproduced with permission from © DermNet dermnetnz.org 2023.
Penile yeast infections are far less common than vaginal, but they can develop if a male has unprotected sex with a female when a yeast infection is present. The visual signs of a yeast infection in males include:Red rashSmall red spots on the glans (head of the penis)Yellow or white discharge from the penisCottage-cheese-like substance underneath the foreskin How Common Are Penile Yeast Infections?As many as 15% of males will develop a yeast infection after having unprotected sex with someone who has one.
Related: Can a Man Give a Woman a Yeast Infection?
Mouth
Reproduced with permission from ©DermNet NZ www.dermnetnz.org 2022.
If a fungus grows uncontrollably in the mouth, it can lead to an oral yeast infection or thrush. Physical symptoms of oral thrush include:White patches on the tongue, the cheeks, the roof of the mouth, or the back of the throatIf scraped off, the area underneath the white patches will be red and inflamedCracked skin in the corners of the mouth How Common Is Oral Thrush?Oral thrush isn’t common in healthy adults and is more likely to develop in infants. Roughly 5% to 7% of infants will develop oral thrush.
Other Body Folds
Reproduced with permission from © DermNet dermnetnz.org 2023.' title='Candida intertrigo at the site of a person's underarm. '>
Reproduced with permission from © DermNet dermnetnz.org 2023.
In rarer cases, a yeast infection can occur in the skin folds. The way it looks will depend on where it is located, but it will typically present as:A red and inflamed rashCrusty lesionsFlaky skinPustules that look like pimplesThe skin will develop lighter or darker patches when a yeast infection is present. In people with darker skin tones, the patches tend to be lighter than the skin. Differences Between Yeast Infections and Other AilmentsA yeast infection can feel similar to other issues, including pH imbalances and urinary tract infections (UTIs). A pH imbalance and UTI are unlikely to cause cottage cheese-like discharge.
Related: Getting Rid of a Yeast Infection on Your Skin
How Yeast Infection Appearance ChangesOver the course of a yeast infection, its appearance may change depending on its severity and duration.
Related: Yeast Infection, STD, or Something Else?
From Mild to Severe InfectionSevere yeast infections are more likely to cause more severe symptoms, such as extensive redness and swelling and cuts or cracked skin in the area. Those that are mild may only present with altered discharge.During Healing During the healing process, yeast infections will slowly improve over a few days to a week after you start treatment.You will notice fewer physical symptoms, and the visual signs of infection, such as swelling, inflammation, redness, cracked skin, a rash, or discharge, will slowly dissipate.
Learn More: How Long Does a Yeast Infection Last?
Next Steps if You See Signs of a Yeast InfectionThe first thing you should do if you notice any signs of a yeast infection, regardless of where it is on your body, is call your healthcare provider.They can provide guidance on whether you can try at-home remedies, such as over-the-counter antifungals, or you need to come in to get a definitive diagnosis and prescription treatment.
Learn More: How Vaginal Yeast Infection Is Treated
SummaryAn overgrowth of fungus causes yeast infections. They can happen in various areas of the body, such as the genitals, mouth, and skin, and the appearance of the infection will vary depending on what area is affected.Typically, you will notice some redness, swelling, and, if in the genital area, discharge. If you suspect you may have a yeast infection, contacting your healthcare provider is essential. They will help diagnose and provide treatment for clearing up the infection. Read the original article on Verywell Health.
Welcome to Billionaire Club Co LLC, your gateway to a brand-new social media experience! Sign up today and dive into over 10,000 fresh daily articles and videos curated just for your enjoyment. Enjoy the ad free experience, unlimited content interactions, and get that coveted blue check verification—all for just $1 a month!
Account Frozen
Your account is frozen. You can still view content but cannot interact with it.
Please go to your settings to update your account status.
Open Profile Settings